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.

Building on successful pilot programmes involving over 400 students, the Leeds Global Industry Programme (GIP) ensures that each student will work in a small, diverse teams to tackle genuine industry challenges presented by UK or international organisations. These projects are delivered virtually, allowing students to collaborate across borders while solving real-world problems in areas such as business strategy, technology innovation, sustainability and social impact.​

Talking about the University of Leeds GIP, Greg Miller, Deputy Director of Student Opportunity, University of Leeds said, “This is a game-changing initiative for students preparing for global careers. We’ve designed this programme to offer every student—regardless of subject studied, background or prior experience—the opportunity to work on high-impact, real-world projects that strengthen their CV and professional direction.”

Focussing on the impact of the programme on Indian students, in particular, “Indian students bring strong analytical and collaborative skills—this programme enhances their employability and professional confidence before they graduate.” added Greg.

The programme is open to students from all subject areas and is designed to fit around their studies. Participants will receive a live company brief, conduct research and analysis, and develop solutions before presenting their findings in a professional consultancy report. The experience is supported by dedicated staff, culminating in a certificate and digital badge to strengthen students’ professional portfolios.

As per the finding from the pilot programme, the impact is clear – 91% of students report greater confidence in their ability to contribute to future employers, 87% say they have increased career clarity and awareness, 89% note development of key skills including communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, and 91% gain practical, relevant work experience.

Industry partners also find the projects valuable and rated 93% of student final reports being of high and outstanding quality.

“Fantastic, the platform and framework surrounding the programme is absolutely awesome. There is a real feel for the client/consultant relationship here. It also allows students to appreciate working with professionals and understanding the nuances of the professional world.” said one of the employers.

This initiative complements the University of Leeds’ comprehensive employability and careers support, which includes internships and paid work, leadership programmes, start-up and enterprise guidance, mentoring, careers fairs and employer events throughout the year as well as becoming part of a global network of over 312,000 alumni across 197 countries.

With a strong Indian student community and a growing focus on global, virtual opportunities, the University of Leeds remains a top destination for ambitious students looking to build international careers.

Applications for 2025/26 are now open- https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-applying/doc/international-how-to-apply

For more details about GIP, please visit:  
https://business.leeds.ac.uk/faculty/news/article/1267/championing-experiential-learning-with-expanded-global-industry-programme

The University of Leeds, UK has announced the launch of the International Masters Regional Scholarships, offering a £6,000 fee reduction for Indian students enrolling in taught Master’s courses in 2025.

The scholarship aims to support talented individuals, helping to ease living costs and enable students to focus on their education. Offered as a fee waiver in the second semester, this scholarship marks yet another milestone in the University strengthening its ties with India.

Eligibility and Award criteria:

To be eligible for the scholarship students must be classified as a national from India (or another eligible country/region). Other conditions include:

• You must be self-funded or partially funded and classified as an international fee-paying student
• You must hold a conditional or unconditional offer for a 2025 Master’s degree.
• The Leeds MBA and online courses are not eligible for this scholarship
• The scholarship cannot be deferred to a future year of entry, but can be combined with any available University of Leeds or external funding as long as it doesn’t exceed 100% of your tuition fees.

Value of Award: £6,000 each

How to apply: Students do not need to apply for the scholarship. They will receive the scholarship automatically on meeting the award criteria.

Those who are eligible will be notified of their scholarship award via email. They are encouraged to confirm their interest through the link provided in the email.

All eligible students will receive the scholarship as a tuition fee discount in their second semester, which will be automatically applied if they are registered at the University on 30 January 2026.

For more details, please visit: https://www.leeds.ac.uk/masters-scholarships-bursaries/doc/international-masters-regional-scholarships?utm_source=online&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=regional_scholarships_2025&utm_content=india_press_release