The Australia India Institute’s work in forging a stronger education relationship between the two countries will take another step forward over the next three years with renewed funding from the Australian Government’s Department of Education.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare made the announcement on Tuesday 7th November in Gandhinagar, India as part of his official visit for the Australia India Education and Skills Council meeting with his Indian counterpart Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The funding announcement signals confidence in the contribution the Australia India Institute makes to the bilateral education sector, and its place as a trusted and informed source of research and expertise that supports government and industry.
The Institute’s chief executive officer Lisa Singh said the Australian Government’s funding pledge was a strong sign of its commitment to developing bilateral ties and prioritise the education sector to grow new partnerships in both countries.
“We are grateful for the ongoing support Minister Clare through the Education Department has given us, and we look forward to continuing to support government in delivering on its education and skills vision,” she said.
“Australia and India education and research collaborations have immense potential for growth. Our future projects will help drive a deeper level of cooperation for new knowledge and innovation for our shared future priorities.”
The Australia India Institute provides research, analysis and support to the education sector, industry and governments to build the relationship between both countries.
Over the past year, the Institute has administered grants, fellowships, and delivered a range of reports, papers, workshops and seminars, all aimed at building a closer bilateral education relationship. These include:
- Mapping Higher Education Engagement Between Australia and India: A Compendium, offering guidance for Australian universities looking to meet India’s demand for high-quality tertiary education.
- The Australia India Research Students (AIRS) Fellowship Program and the Australia India ‘Unnati’ Research Collaboration Grants, which provide exchanges and expand bilateral research efforts.
- Australia-India Education Researcher Forums, to promote education research from both countries and foster future collaborations.
- Research Collaboration Workshops, bringing together researchers from Australia and India to discuss a range of issues across sectors important to both countries.
- Skills Masterclasses, aimed at enhancing understanding of India’s skills system within the Australian vocational education and training sector.
“We thank the Minister and the Department of Education for its investment in the Institute to help support this important bilateral education relationship,” Singh said.