News

Partnering with Chitkara University

ACU has signed an agreement for institutional collaboration with one of the most renowned private universities in North India.

The establishment of a partnership for Student Exchange and Study Abroad was signed by the Vice-Chancellor and President of ACU Professor Zlatko Skrbis, and the Vice-Chancellor of Chitkara University, Dr Rajnish Sharma, on 5 September 2023 at ACU’s North Sydney Campus. This is in addition to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for collaboration which was signed last month by ACU Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global and Education Pathways Mr Chris Riley and Pro Vice-Chancellor, International of Chitkara University Ms Hazel Siromoni.

The agreements mark an important milestone for partnerships between the two universities and will promote, support and facilitate a range of collaboration opportunities, including teaching and learning, student and staff mobility and partnership in internationally funded projects. With the Student Exchange and Study Abroad agreement established, exchange students are exempt from paying tuition fees at the host institution which will encourage more student exchanges between the two institutions.

Professor Skrbis said the partnership with Chitkara University underpinned ACU’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and relations with eminent higher education institutions in India.

“With a focus on industry relations and practical learning, the vision of ACU and Chitkara University is aligned. The partnership is just the first step towards a journey of international exchange, mutual growth and academic excellence,” Professor Skrbis said.

Mr Riley said, “As we continue to foster global connections and innovation with partners globally, the agreement lays a good foundation for close collaboration in transnational education and research programs with Chitkara’s students, academic and administrative staff members.”

Dr Sharma commented, “Chitkara University is honoured to be partnering with ACU to create diverse opportunities and immense possibilities to strategically yet illustratively forge our much cherished and truly privileged bilateral ties.”

“The signing of the agreements marks the beginning of what we believe to be a highly promising partnership. We look forward to exploring various avenues of collaboration and creating meaningful opportunities for our students and faculties,” Ms Siromoni said.

Background about Chitkara University

Chitkara University, with campuses in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, is a prominent and well-regarded educational institution in India. It is known for its focus on academic excellence, innovative teaching methods, and holistic development of students.

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including Engineering, Management, Computer Applications, Health Sciences, Architecture, Pharmacy, Nursing, Journalism, and more.

The university has tie-ups with several international universities and institutions, enabling students to participate in exchange programs, joint research, and global learning experiences. Chitkara University has garnered recognition for its academic excellence, research contributions, and industry collaborations. Ranked in Top 5% of educational institutions in India.

Background about ACU

An ACU education seeks to transform lives and communities. Students are challenged to look beyond the classroom, solve real-world problems, develop their own search for meaning and cultivate strong professional ethics. They are invited to stand up for people in need and causes that matter.

Ranked in the top 2 per cent of universities¹ and in the top 10 Catholic universities worldwide², and recognised as one of the Top 50 young universities³, ACU is a young university making a serious impact. ACU has seven Australian campuses in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and ACT, a campus in Rome, Italy, and an online campus – ACU Online. The university offers cross-cultural, collaborative research and learning opportunities for students and staff.

1Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. Percentage calculated as ACU’s world rank as a proportion of the total number of universities in the world: International Handbook of Universities 2019, Palgrave MacMillan.

2 International Federation of Catholic Universities members ranked on Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023

3 Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2023