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The Hindu
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
NEP 2020 encourages pursuit of dual-degrees of Indian and Australian universities: Austrade Commissioner
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has placed Indian students at an advantage to derive the utility of dual-degree programs, splitting equal time in Indian and Australian higher educational institutions, Vik Singh, Trade and Investment Commissioner, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), said in Coimbatore on Friday. Addressing the media at a fair conducted by Austrade in which 19 Australian universities showcased opportunities for world-class higher education on their campuses for Indian students and parents, Mr. Vik Singh said there were at present about 1.3 lakh Indian students pursuing higher education in Australian universities, and the number was on the rise. 'The documentation process is simple and the students are provided guidance on the courses, working in Australia, and their rights through the website he said. A student is permitted to work and earn for 20 hours a week during the course of study. The duration of post-study work rights ranging from two to six years depending on the course of study, and the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement endows Indian students the privilege of working for an additional year, Mr. Vik Singh said. Australian universities offer scholarships and were, by and large, cost-effective destinations when compared to universities in European countries, he said. Students mainly choose to study technology, finance, business, and architecture. A rapid change in the choice of subjects was noticeable with students choosing subjects such as Psychology and Biotechnology. On the response in Coimbatore, he said there were 400 applications for the next intake. Reflecting on the discussion Austrade had with trade and industry representatives earlier, Mr. Vik Singh said prospective investors in Australia from Coimbatore were keen on making a foray into Artificial Intelligence, Textiles and Manufacturing, and green energy spaces. Through the third phase of 'Festival of Australia', a first-of-its-kind multi-city showcase celebrating Australia's world-class education and premium food and beverage products, students were facilitated by representatives of universities to explore educational programmes suiting their academic and career aspirations. 'Australia and India's educational ties have deepened over the years, fostering strong economic and cultural connections that continue to grow. The 'Festival of Australia' strengthens Australia's presence in India and celebrates a shared commitment to cross-cultural appreciation and collaboration,' Mr. Vik Singh said.


Time of India
19-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Coimbatore showing strong interest in international collaboration: Austrade official
Vik Singh Vik Singh Vik Singh Vik Singh Vik Singh 1 2 COIMBATORE: Coimbatore is the ninth city in India where the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is expanding its flagship sectors, an Austrade official said on Thursday. 'Coimbatore is showing strong interest in international collaboration. It is especially so in the case of educational institutions,' Vik Singh, trade and investment commissioner for Austrade, South Asia, said during an interaction with TOI. 'Indian students are attracted to studies related to technology and business, but allied health and psychology have always topped the priorities. Also, there's a good mix of other streams as well, like journalism and architecture,' he said. He said the scope of AI-based studies was also on the rise. 'The academic system of Australia focuses on the work-integrated learning method. The students will work while pursuing their studies. There are students who opt to stay back in Australia post work, and a few return to their home country.' There is an exclusive offer for Indian students that based on their eligibility, one more year of stay is granted. 'For instance, if they are eligible for two years, then it is upgraded to three years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Similarly, it could be 3+1 years, 4+1 years or 6+1 years.' He specified that the work opportunities are very transparent. The skilled occupation list ranges in various fields, including plumbing, videography, surgery and others. Any eligible candidate can reach out to opt for employment on the list. Earlier, while interacting students of the GRD Institutions, Vik said nearly 1.30 lakh Indian students are pursuing higher education in Australia. He spoke about opportunities in Australia. Students raised queries on post-work opportunities, visa processing, accommodation, fee structure and other opportunities in Australia, all of which were addressed. As part of his two-day visit to Coimbatore, Vik will inaugurate the Festival of Australia at Residency Hotel on Friday. The festival brings together Australia's top-quality institutions, and nearly 20 universities will put up stalls where parents, along with students, can drop by for enquiries on admissions. Further, retail and other trade partners will come together to showcase Australia's premium food and beverage products to Indian consumers. 'The festival will feature an exclusive supermarket that introduces the Indian market to various Australian products. The festival includes a master class,' he said.