India, Australia to establish taskforce on qualifications recognition, joint degrees

NEW DELHI: The Governments of India and government of Australia will establish a taskforce to develop qualifications recognition arrangements for Australia and India to enhance two-way mobility. The taskforce, announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will address the recognition of online and blended learning, joint degrees and offshore campuses.

The taskforce will deliver a mechanism for expanding education qualification recognition between Australia and India by the end of the year, with implementation to take place in 2023, the Australia High Commission said.

Also read | CUCET 2022: Central universities to use CUET scores for UG admission, says UGC chairman

Acting Minister for Education and Youth, Stuart Robert, said the task force would consult with stakeholders to identify opportunities for the recognition of Australian and Indian higher education qualifications and to make recommendations to improve arrangements based on best principles and practices in recognition.

‘Australia has a longstanding and strong relationship with India across education, skills and research,’ Minister Robert said.

"The taskforce will pave the way for new opportunities for graduates of both India and Australia to use their qualifications. This collaboration will serve both countries by expanding cooperation in education, and optimising mobility outcomes for Australian and Indian students and graduates, and our education institutions. Improved qualifications recognition arrangements will also underpin trade in professional services between Australia and India," he added.

Also read | Karnataka Hijab Row: No re-exam for those who skipped 2nd PUC board exams, says minister

“The initiative will support the implementation of the Australian Strategy for International Education 2021-2030, which strengthens bilateral education cooperation on the recognition of Australian qualifications to support sustainable growth of Australia’s high quality education services offshore,” the official press release said.

‘Education remains key to the bilateral relationship between Australia and India,’ Minister Robert said. ‘This important work showcases that Indian students continue to be a valuable part of our community,’ he added.