Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan’s visit to India has opened new channels for educational and research collaboration, reinforcing Victoria’s leadership in global education. Her announcement of a $5 million “Yes to International Students Fund” during the trip is proof of Victoria’s commitment to fostering international partnerships, particularly in transnational education. The fund is set to support Victorian universities and TAFEs in expanding their reach through international collaborations, with a particular emphasis on India.
This visit was a continuation of Allan’s long-standing efforts to strengthen ties between Victoria and India, a relationship she helped cultivate more than 15 years ago. The partnership has matured, bringing tangible benefits to both regions. Allan reiterated this in Delhi, where she highlighted that the new fund will offer seed money to Victorian educational institutions, enabling them to develop partnerships abroad. This initiative comes at a time when the educational landscape is evolving, and international alliances are crucial for promoting mobility, research, and career opportunities for students and staff alike.
One of the key moments of Allan’s trip was the celebration of the expanded partnership between RMIT University and BITS Pilani. The collaboration, which has already seen hundreds of students enrolled in a dual degree program, allows students to split their studies between India and Melbourne. The initiative offers students a unique opportunity to gain a global education while building career pathways in both countries. This program, which first launched in 2023, has since expanded to include a range of engineering degrees, showcasing the potential of transnational education.
During the visit, Allan praised the RMIT-BITS partnership, noting that it bolsters Victoria’s reputation as a leader in global education. She also mentioned that the new fund will encourage more Victorian institutions to develop similar partnerships, particularly those with a smaller global footprint. This could lead to more international students enrolling in Victoria’s education programs, which, in turn, benefits the state’s economy and cultural diversity.
While in India, Allan also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Monash University and Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) to collaborate on railway research. This partnership, led by Monash’s Institute of Railway Technology (IRT), focuses on developing advanced railway engineering solutions. The collaboration is expected to enhance productivity and safety in railway systems in both Australia and India. It also includes the potential establishment of a joint research lab, marking a new era of cooperation in infrastructure development.
Monash University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Craig Jeffrey, highlighted how this partnership aligns with Monash’s goal of global impact through research and collaboration in key sectors like transportation. The project with GSV builds on Monash’s existing engagements in India, including its successful partnership with IIT Bombay, and further cements the university’s presence in the region.
The discussions during the visit weren’t limited to educational partnerships. Allan took the opportunity to address the Federal Government’s cap on international students, firmly opposing the restrictions. She argued that these caps could potentially hinder Victoria’s economic and educational growth. According to Allan, international students contributed $14.8 billion to the state’s economy last year and supported over 63,000 full-time jobs. Maintaining leadership in transnational education is vital to preserving this economic contribution, and Allan made it clear that Victoria will continue to champion international students.
Tim Pallas, Victoria’s Minister for Economic Growth, supported Allan’s stance, emphasising that Victoria is committed to fighting the caps while also exploring new opportunities for growth. The “Yes to International Students Fund” is a key component of this strategy, designed to fuel innovation in education and promote Victoria’s global presence. The state government plans to outline more details on this fund in its upcoming Economic Growth Statement, further underlining its importance to the state’s future.
International students have long played a crucial role in Victoria’s economy. Beyond direct tuition fees, they contribute to the vibrancy of local businesses and enhance the state’s multicultural fabric. Allan’s visit to India reinforced the importance of these connections, with a particular focus on education technology and innovation. By expanding collaborations with Indian institutions, Victoria hopes to offer even more opportunities for cultural and academic exchange, strengthening the bonds between the two regions.
As global competition for international students increases, Victoria’s leadership in transnational education remains vital. Allan’s call for transnational education students to remain exempt from the Federal Government’s proposed National Planning Level reforms reflects this commitment. By ensuring these students are not counted toward the caps, Victoria hopes to attract even more participants in its global education programs, ensuring the state remains at the forefront of international education.
Allan’s visit to India has reaffirmed Victoria’s dedication to deepening its relationship with one of its most important trade and investment partners. From RMIT’s expanded collaboration with BITS Pilani to Monash’s groundbreaking railway research with GSV, the trip demonstrated Victoria’s commitment to fostering long-term educational and research collaborations. These partnerships will benefit both the students and the institutions involved, contributing to Victoria’s broader economic growth by attracting international talent and fostering innovation.
Victoria’s proactive approach to building strong transnational partnerships ensures that it remains a key player in international education. Allan’s visit has set the stage for further collaborations, solidifying Victoria’s reputation as a leader in providing world-class education to students from across the globe.
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