Mobility of students, joint research with supervision, collaborative masters and doctoral programmes open new doors

The Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has strengthened bilateral ties with India through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, the first agreement between IIT Madras and any university in New Zealand. The MoU formalised the well-established history between the two universities which has included joint research activities, funding applications and collaborative post-graduate programmes.

Professor Guy Littlefair, Pro Vice-Chancellor International and Dean of Design and Creative Technologies at AUT said the two institutions are both very much at the fore of innovation and applied research. “The opportunities presented in this partnership will allow both students and staff tremendous prospects to enhance bi-national relations for the benefit of both countries and universities,” said Professor Littlefair.

This was endorsed by Professor Raghunathan Rengaswamy, Dean Global Engagement at IIT Madras who said the agreement will allow “mobility of students, joint research and joint supervision of students and collaborative masters and doctoral programmes.”

The MoU means AUT students will get the opportunity to complete their final year project or internship at the prestigious IIT Madras which is an exciting prospect for students and especially for those of Indian origin.

The COVID-19 has meant some planned student exchange initiatives will be delayed; but work is underway with academics and potential online student internships.

Recently, the AUT supported IIT Madras as foreign collaborator for joint research funding with their Department of Science and Technology and Indian Government.

New Zealand students will get a chance to do their internships/final year project at IIT Madras considering the feel and excitement associated with studying at IIT especially for Indian origin students.