"Deakin launched its new strategic plan LIVE The Future"

Dec. 28, 2012 - PRLog -- 1) What is Deakin Wordly ? Can you tell us more about this?

In 2012, Deakin launched its new strategic plan LIVE the future, developed after extensive consultation with staff and analysis of the sector. The plan builds on Deakin’s tradition and reputation as a university with a student-focussed culture and a longstanding record for using cutting-edge technology; it responds to changes in national policy and shifting market conditions, but holds true to Deakin’s character.

The Deakin Offer under LIVE the future is for a ‘borderless and personalised relationship, creating the power and opportunities to live the future in a new world’. Through its new plan, Deakin aspires to be Australia’s premier university in driving the digital frontier to enable globally-connected education for the jobs of the future, and research that makes a difference to the communities we serve.

2) Any current scholarships for Indian Students?

Deakin University currently offers scholarships ranging from A$ 2,500 to A$ 7,000 that have been designed exclusively for the benefit of meritorious Indian students. Deakin University also offers limited number of competitive scholarships to all international students, including Indian students, that range from A$ 3,000 to A$ 5,000 per annum.

Deakin is also committed to providing international students with opportunities to obtain financial support for their studies through scholarships and bursaries for full-time, on-campus international students. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit.For scholarships information, please visit: deakin.edu.au/future-students/international/scholarships

3) What are your current links with India ? How do you plan to develop these in future ?

Engagement with India for Deakin started in 1996. Deakin was one of the very first International Universities to set up an office in India. The role of the office has changed from a recruitment support office to that of an office that helps us engage better with India. As of now, Deakin has close to 50 active partnerships across India for academic and research purposes. These partnerships range from Academic Institutions, companies, industry bodies and institutions from the public and private domain.

To name a few, Deakin is proud to be working with partners such as University of Mumbai, SASTRA University, VIT, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB, Hyderabad), Shankara Nethralaya, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, Indian Institute of Science, Indian Oil, TATA Steel, Bharat Forge, Biocon to name a few.

We believe that this is a feat that not many globally renowned universities have achieved.

4) What is the purpose of your visit to India?

The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) recently felicitated Deakin University’s Professor Peter Hodgson for his outstanding contribution to the Indian Academia and Industry. The CII is a 117-year-old not-for-profit, industry led and managed premier business association with a direct membership of over 7100 Indian companies from the private as well as public sectors. These include SMEs and MNCs and an indirect membership of over 90,000 companies from around 250 national and regional sectoral associations across India.

Professor Hodgson, one of the Australian Government’s inaugural ARC Australian Laureate Fellows, was presented with the Felicitation at the CII’s 4th Global Higher Education Summit.

This is a significant recognition for Deakin’s work with India and I was part of the delegation to attend the summit.

5) What are your views on the research potential of Indian Universities?

We work with some of the best Indian Universities, both public and private. Based on our experience with the Indian Universities, we are well aware that some of the best contemporary and futuristic research is being undertaken by Indian Universities across all spheres – from arts to engineering. We are very lucky and proud of being part of some these research projects as collaborators / partners.

6) What are the focus areas of your collaborations with Indian Universities and how beneficial will it be for students here?

When we work with Indian University partners, we try and work on a comprehensive, engaging and deep partnership rather than just recruitment partnerships, as is the case of most foreign collaboration with India.

We work with our Indian partners for staff development, curriculum development, staff and student exchange, joint research and joint conferences and workshops. Indian students studying at our partner institutes in India benefit the most through these engagements as a whole new range of opportunities are presented to them which would have otherwise not been available to them. For example, 10 students undertaking Bachelors of Engineering at various partner universities will be coming to Deakin for the period January to May 2013 for a joint research project under the supervision of Deakin researchers without having to bear any expense for studies at Deakin.  Such opportunities help the Indian students develop an international perspective.  

7) How many Indian students are there at Deakin University?

As of now, we have more than 800 Indian students enrolled in various programs at Deakin University. We are also proud of our over 5,000 Indian alumni who have graduated  from Deakin over the years.

8) What are the key courses and programmes offered by your university that are popular among Indian students?

Deakin University offers over 500 different degree programs across the fields of Arts, Science, Engineering, Health, Nursing, Sport, Business, Commerce and Management. Infact, 2 of our Management programs are ranked amongst top 10 programs in Management in all of Australia.

Engineering and Management are popular choices of Indian students coming to Deakin University.

9)What makes Australia an ideal education destination in the current scenario? (fee, courses, placement scenario etc)

Australian economy is currently growing. There is need for skilled manpower and new jobs are being created everyday! The aim of every student investing in his / her education, especially foreign education is to be able to use this education for enhancing career opportunities. Today Australia presents both – quality education and opportunities to start your international career. When these students return to India armed with an International degree and the experience of working in an international environment, they are extremely sought after by some of the top Indian and multi-national organizations.