Delhi, 23^rd July 2026: The University of Leeds and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a long-term strategic partnership focused on advancing interdisciplinary research, fostering academic collaboration, and accelerating innovation. Bringing together the strengths of two globally recognised institutions, the partnership aims to address pressing societal, technological, and economic challenges through research, education, and international engagement.

As part of the collaboration, the two institutions will establish a jointly funded seed fund supported by matched contributions of up to USD 50,000 from each institution. The fund will enable researchers to pursue pilot projects, test innovative ideas, and develop proposals for larger-scale national and international funding opportunities. The University of Leeds has already allocated and utilised its contribution to support the initial phase of collaborative activities under the partnership, while IIT Kharagpur has pledged its contribution for the current year.

The MoU establishes a framework for collaboration across research, education, and innovation. Both institutions will explore opportunities to develop joint undergraduate, postgraduate, and research-led teaching initiatives, providing students and researchers with access to diverse academic perspectives and international learning experiences.

The partnership will also support interdisciplinary research across a range of fields, encouraging collaboration on complex global challenges through joint projects and knowledge exchange. In addition, the institutions will promote faculty visits, student exchange opportunities, and research mobility programmes to strengthen academic engagement and foster deeper collaboration between researchers and educators.

Through the exchange of scholarly resources, scientific expertise, and institutional knowledge, the collaboration will create new opportunities for learning, discovery, and innovation. The two institutions will also work together to convene academics, industry leaders, and policymakers through conferences, workshops, and international forums, strengthening global networks and encouraging cross-sector engagement.

Building on their shared commitment to translating research into real-world impact, the University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur will explore opportunities to strengthen research commercialisation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration. The partnership may also support the development of innovation-focused initiatives in India that facilitate the application of research to societal and industrial challenges.

Talking about the partnership, Professor Vasilis Sarhosis, Director of Internationalisation, University of Leeds, said, “This partnership marks an exciting step forward for both institutions and highlights the value of international collaboration in addressing some of the world’s most pressing challenges. By combining our strengths, we can drive world-class research, support talented students, and deliver real impact in tackling global challenges. We look forward to building a dynamic and enduring relationship with IIT Kharagpur that advances knowledge, fosters innovation, and creates opportunities for our academic communities in both the UK and India.”

Commenting on the importance of the partnership, Prof. Anandaroop Bhattachrya, Dean, International Relations, IIT Kharagpur[KN1] , said, “IIT Kharagpur has always believed that global partnerships are essential for advancing research excellence and creating transformative educational opportunities. This collaboration with the University of Leeds brings together complementary strengths and shared ambitions, enabling us to pursue impactful research, nurture talent, and strengthen innovation ecosystems. Through this partnership, we hope to generate new knowledge and foster solutions that contribute to societal and economic progress.”

At a time of growing collaboration between India and the United Kingdom across research, innovation, education, and trade, this partnership reflects the shared ambition of both institutions to strengthen academic ties and support the exchange of knowledge and expertise between the two countries.

The partnership establishes a foundation for long-term collaboration between the University of Leeds and IIT Kharagpur, creating new opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty while strengthening academic and research ties between India and the United Kingdom. Through joint initiatives, academic mobility programmes, and collaborative research activities, both institutions aim to drive innovation, expand knowledge, and contribute to addressing global challenges.

21st January 2026, Mumbai: Vivekanand Business School (VBS) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with INTI International University, Malaysia, strengthening its focus on providing structured international academic exposure for students. Through this partnership, 25 VBS students have been awarded the International Academic Scholarship, a merit-based fully funded global learning experience at INTI International University. The scholarship covers travel, accommodation, food, and academic fees, ensuring complete financial support for selected students.

As part of the collaboration, scholars will participate in a three-month academic immersion programme at INTI International University, where they will be exposed to international teaching pedagogy, collaborative academic and research activities, and multicultural classroom interactions. The programme is designed to enhance global competency and prepare students for leadership roles in a globally connected professional environment. 

“The collaboration with INTI International University reflects our commitment to creating structured, merit-led global opportunities for our students. By enabling full academic immersion in an international learning environment, we are equipping them with global perspectives, cross-cultural agility, and the academic depth required to succeed in an interconnected world.” said, Sandeep Bhardwaj, Director and Principal, Vivekanand Business School (VBS).

The collaboration reflects VBS’s continued commitment to expanding meaningful global learning pathways and equipping students with international academic and cultural perspectives. In recent times, VBS has also signed MOUs with Helvetic Business School, Switzerland; PSB Academy, Singapore; and Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa. These alliances enable students to collaborative research initiatives, global classroom interactions, and access to innovation-driven academic environments.

National, 17 October 2024: For Indian students aspiring to study abroad, access to higher education became easier. The Duolingo English Test (DET), the global pioneer in digital English proficiency testing for international students, is now accepted by over 5,500 universities across over 100 countries, doubling the acceptance number in 4 years from 2020. This milestone means that students—particularly those in India—can now apply to a broader range of top global universities for emerging programmes such as Fintech and Blockchain Technology, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Digital Media and User Experience Design, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance, as well as options such as Psychology, Art and Design and more, with the convenience of an affordable, online English proficiency test that breaks down traditional barriers to studying internationally.

Breaking Barriers, Expanding Opportunities

For many Indian students, studying abroad is a dream with its share of challenges—including proving English proficiency. Traditional language tests are often expensive and difficult to access, especially for students in remote areas. The DET changes this narrative by offering a convenient, cost-effective solution of around INR 5000 that can be taken online, anytime, from anywhere, with results available in just 48 hours. Students can also apply to an unlimited number of universities without additional cost, making the DET more valuable in easing the application process. This reduces the financial burden on students, allowing them to target multiple top universities, which is often crucial when applying to competitive international programmes.

Pragya, who got accepted by NYU and Bryn Mawr University, says, “A lot of US universities require you to demonstrate your English proficiency through a recognised test. Because it was recognised at almost every university that I applied to, I took the DET. I preferred it because it was a much more affordable option. Not to mention its short duration. I mean, I was done in less than an hour. I had the comfort of taking the test from my home. I took two practice tests in the day, and by the evening, I felt prepared to do the actual test. Within two days, I had my results.”

Enhancing Access to Leading Programmes

The Duolingo English Test opens doors for Indian students to study in the U.S., with over 2,70,000 Indian students already enrolled in 2024—making up more than a quarter of all international students there. Accepted by more than 3,800 institutions, including 967 of the top 100 U.S. universities like Columbia, Yale, and Duke, the DET is widely recognized for undergraduate admissions with graduate acceptance growing every day. Top schools such as Caltech, Harvard Business School, Notre Dame, University of Texas, University of Pennsylvania, University of Houston, George Mason University, Pacific University and Purdue accept the DET scores for a variety of courses, from engineering to business, making studying in the U.S. more accessible across many fields.

Angus Bowers, Duke University, Pratt School of Engineering, “We strongly prefer the DET for admissions. We find it tests actual language skills and not test-taking skills. It also makes testing fairer for all: since we started accepting the DET we’ve been able to reach the many talented students who can’t afford or don’t have access to other tests.”

Tara Kapur, India Marketing Head, Duolingo English Test, says “India is a priority market for us, and we are deeply committed to supporting the study abroad aspirations of Indian students. With its affordable, accessible, and fast results, the DET is perfectly designed to meet their needs. It empowers students from all parts of the country to demonstrate their English proficiency, opening doors to over 5,500 top global institutions.”

Advanced Technology and Test Integrity 

The DET’s computer-adaptive format enhances accessibility and security for students, providing a personalised test experience tailored to each individual’s language proficiency level. As students progress through the test, questions adjust in real-time based on their responses, creating a more accurate and fair evaluation of their skills. This format also strengthens the security of the exam by generating unique test experiences for each student, minimising the risk of shared or repeated questions. This ensures that every test truly reflects a student’s abilities, giving them confidence in their scores and the knowledge that they are well-prepared for the challenges of studying abroad.