University of Queensland expands India partnerships, renews IIT Delhi research collaboration

The University of Queensland (UQ) has wrapped up a multi-city visit to India aimed at expanding its academic and research collaborations with Indian institutions. The delegation, led by chancellor Peter N Varghese AO and president and vice-chancellor Deborah Terry AC, visited Delhi and Chennai to strengthen partnerships across higher education, innovation, and research.

During the visit, UQ officials met representatives from the Australian High Commission, the Australian Consulate-General in Chennai, the University Grants Commission (UGC), and the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser. Discussions centred around creating new opportunities for collaboration in line with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

The university also engaged with several leading Indian institutions to explore deeper cooperation in student mobility, joint research, faculty exchange, and industry-linked initiatives. UQ currently has 43 active agreements with 30 Indian institutions across multiple disciplines.

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Renews IIT Delhi research partnership

A major focus of the visit was UQ’s long-standing partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. The two institutions discussed expanding joint research efforts and extending the partnership of the UQ-IITD Research Academy for another five years.

The academy, considered one of the flagship Australia-India research collaborations, currently supports 133 doctoral researchers and has produced 23 graduates so far. Discussions also covered future collaboration in industry engagement and faculty exchange programmes.

UQ expands collaborations with Indian institutions

Apart from IIT Delhi, the university signed a fresh agreement with Lady Shri Ram College for Women to encourage academic exchange and international learning opportunities. UQ also strengthened its ties with SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST) and Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) Chennai.

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According to the university, more than 200 students from SRMIST and VIT have already joined UQ through pathway programmes. The collaborations are expected to further support research and student exchange in areas such as biotechnology, engineering, science, and technology.

The delegation also met officials from IIT Madras, IDP Education, and the Asha Community Health and Development Society to discuss future collaboration opportunities. In Chennai, UQ hosted a roundtable with industry leaders focused on research translation and preparing students with industry-ready skills.

The visit was also significant as it marked Varghese’s final official engagement in India as Chancellor of UQ. The university is currently ranked 42nd globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and continues to strengthen its presence through international research and education partnerships.