3 Indian universities, University of Melbourne launch joint dual degree Bsc programme

NEW DELHI: University of Madras, Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), and Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM Hyderabad) collaborated with the University of Melbourne to offer a new Bachelor of Science dual degree programme. For Indian students, the BSc dual degree programme offers the chance to study at home and abroad, spending the first two years in India, followed by two years in Melbourne.

After the completion of the dual degree programme, Indian students will be awarded a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne. Students will have the option of receiving the degree from their local institution. Students can also fast-track a master's degree programme from a variety of disciplines, including physics, engineering, public health, and data science, by taking upto six master's subjects in their final year.

Applauding over the launch of new dual degree programme, Dr S Gowri, Vice-Chancellor, University of Madras, said: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with the University of Melbourne, and we’re excited to facilitate another international learning opportunity for our students. The level of interest in our existing Bachelor of Science (Blended) program demonstrates that our students are enjoying the options and opportunities that internationalised education creates.”

Quoting the launch of the BSc dual degree programme as helpful for Faculties and researchers in exchange for technology transfer, Dr Karbhari Vishwanath Kale, Vice-Chancellor, SPPU, said: “The Bachelor of Science Dual Degree is aligned to India’s National Educational Policy, which encourages exchange and interaction with esteemed international institutions such as the University of Melbourne. Our students develop the foundation needed to pursue international opportunities and graduate with a qualification that will enable them to design their own destiny."

Professor Dayananda Siddavattam, Vice-Chancellor, GITAM, said: "In partnership with the University of Melbourne, the Bachelor of Science Joint Degree will educate and empower our next generation of scientists and leaders in STEM. These students will have access to the best opportunities available at home in India at Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management, and then expand their horizons and graduate study options by studying internationally at the University of Melbourne.”

Duncan Maskell, Vice-Chancellor, University of Melbourne, announced the dual degree programme during the visit of Prime Minister of Australia’s Trade Delegation to India. Maskell said: "The new dual degree is the logical next step of the Bachelor of Science (Blended), which was co- designed and quality assured by the University of Melbourne, and is now offered by seven institutions across the country."

“The University of Melbourne is delighted to continue expanding our programs to give more Indian students direct pathways to complete their studies. With demand for our existing programs continuing to grow, we’re pleased to be working together with prestigious local universities to be part of the internationalisation of education in India and at home in Australia,” he added.