USQ enters cutting edge international partnership

USQ recently marked the beginning of a new era in international education by signing a groundbreaking agreement with India’s Centurion University of Technology and Management in Orissa.

In this landmark event, USQ become only the second Australian institution to enter the Indian market. Commencing in Semester 1 next year (2011), USQ will partner with Centurion to offer postgraduate courses in Business and Engineering.

USQ’s Vice Chancellor Professor Bill Lovegrove said the innovative relationship was more significant than the signing of the agreement to offer USQ courses.

'The new partnership between Centurion and USQ is an immense step for Australian/Indian relations. We are building links with India that will not only see educational bridges built but also international relations strengthened,' Professor Lovegrove said.

'USQ is a pioneer in distance education, and it is only fitting to see the University lead the way in the Indian market.'

The new partnership comes as the Indian market begins to open its doors to foreign higher education providers. Until recently the Indian market was relatively closed, however with the increasing need for skilled and educated people, and the aim to increase participation rate in higher education in India. The Indian Government is now actively perusing foreign education providers like USQ.

USQ expects to see around 50-100 students enrol during the first semester of the agreement.

Professor Lovegrove said he expects this number will grow as the relationship develops, and he also said USQ will investigate the offering of more programs in the future.

'It is predicted that the Indian participation in higher education will increase significantly from around 10-15% as international and government investment increases,' he said.

Located along the east coast of India in the state of Orissa, Centurion University of Technology and Management was established by an act of Parliament. The Jagannath Institute for Technology and Management was given Tier 2 University status and been renamed Centurion University of Technology and Management.

Professor Lovegrove said the state of Orissa is considered a low social economic area with the main business of mining and agriculture. Centurion’s main market will be low socio-economic and educationally disadvantaged.

USQ and Centurion have similar missions and values, and as such USQ is entering the market in this way to help educationally disadvantaged.

'Education is highly valued in India and there is significant confidence that the student results will be strong,' Professor Lovegrove said.

The Governor of Orissa, His Excellency Shri Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare and Professor Mukti Mishra (of Centurion) visited USQ's Toowoomba campus for the signing. His Excellency also spoke speaking at USQ’s September graduation ceremony.