Australian dual-sector education providers have been handed a clear view of new opportunities across India’s expanding training and higher education landscape, following the release of a report mapping out where the two countries can work more closely in the years ahead. The Australia India Institute launched New Frontiers for Australian Dual-Sector Education in New Delhi during the Australia India Education and Skills Council meeting, setting out areas where Australian institutions can align their strengths with the needs of individual Indian states.
The report was produced with support from the Victorian Institute of Technology and examines where universities, TAFEs and private Registered Training Organisations can work with state governments as India steps up its push for industry-ready skills training. It looks closely at Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Goa, outlining areas of synergy and the scope for targeted partnerships.
Australian dual-sector providers are widely regarded for weaving together vocational training and higher education in ways that respond directly to workforce needs. That model has gained more attention in India as both central and state governments search for ways to expand high-quality training and meet growing demand across emerging industries.
Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles said the report highlights an important moment for both countries. “This report confirms the critical role Australian dual-sector institutions can play in India’s skills and education landscape. Our nation’s experience in linking vocational education and training and higher education – especially through TAFE partnerships – positions us to support India’s efforts to build an industry-ready workforce.” He added that “Skills collaboration is central to any partnership we make. By working together on programs that integrate advanced skills training with higher education, Australia and India can prepare workforces for emerging sectors such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing and digital technologies.”
Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill echoed the view that new opportunities are opening. “India and Australia are close partners on research collaboration, cultural exchange and the delivery of world-class education and training, including transnational education. As this report outlines, significant opportunities exist for Australia’s excellent dual-sector institutions to partner with Indian states – as India’s demand for high-quality education closer to home continues to grow.”
Australia India Institute CEO Lisa Singh said the changing skills landscape in India presents a timely opening for Australian providers. “India’s evolving and diverse skills training landscape and the opportunities it presents for Australian dual-sector institutions represents a critical area of growth for the bilateral relationship.” She said the report “highlights points of competitive advantage for Australian Institutions to collaborate with Indian state governments, with the vision of guiding Australian providers to build productive and sustainable partnerships, deepening education and skills collaboration between our two nations.”
Victorian Institute of Technology founder and president Arjun Surapaneni said the work aligns with efforts already underway. “The Victorian Institute of Technology (VIT) is working to build relationships with States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, and Telangana.” He said the report “points to the potential positive outcomes that can be achieved in key sectors working with those States that are committed to education as a vital priority in the years ahead.”
The momentum behind dual-sector cooperation suggests both countries see value in closer ties. The next steps will depend on how institutions and state governments translate these recommendations into practical, long-term partnerships that support the growing demand for skills across India.
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