The university announces a five-year plan, “to expand and deepen our relationships and activities with Indian partners.” That isn’t code for student recruitment

what: The university commits to research and engagement in health, water, law (creating an Indian equality law programme), arts and teaching and learning.  And it will develop blended learning and teaching with Indian institutions, building on a bachelor of science designed to prepare graduates for PG work. The university will also “establish a significant … presence in India,” with the Melbourne Academy for Blended Teaching and Learning.

“The academy in collaboration with partner institutions, will house engagement activities, short-term programmes, on-line education and host cohorts of Australian and Indian students.”

where: UniMelb will focus on Delhi and eight states where it is already active.

why: Peter Varghese’s 2018 report for the federal government on doing business with India, set out the vast opportunities for all sectors of Australian education but was also clear on the challenge. Uni Melbourne appears to be picking-up on Mr Varghese’s suggestions that Australian universities build JV PhD programmes and “boost research and teaching on issues of high priority to India.”

wise: This is a strategy for and by an elite institution, looking to build its brand over-time at the top-end of India’s education market. As Mr Varghese put it, “Getting education right is critical for India to maximise the potential of its demographic dividend by ensuring its millions of young people are equipped to enter the workforce and able to adjust to rapid technological change. … India will not have the capacity to meet this demand on its own.”