A new agreement struck between India and Australia will provide students with greater certainty the qualifications they attain will be recognised by both countries, and has been welcomed by the Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling.

Minister for Education Jason Clare visited New Delhi earlier this month to sign the Mechanism for the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications.

The agreement is India’s most comprehensive education agreement of its type with another country.

The mechanism means that an Indian student can be sure that a qualification they obtain from an Australian university, vocational education provider or school will be recognised if they want to continue their education in India.

Mr Gosling said that for both Indian and Australian institutions, this agreement will open a world of possibilities to develop flexible and innovative partnerships between the two countries.

“This agreement means that Australians who want to study in India will have their degrees recognised back home, and the thousands of Indian students currently studying here will be equally qualified in India.”

“This is good for students and good for Australian education providers.”

“The Indian Government plans to have half of its young people in vocational and higher education by 2035, and they want our help to achieve that.

Australia’s universities are well placed to contribute to India achieving its domestic education goals and to supporting the skills and employment needs of key Indian industries,” Mr Gosling said.

“This agreement will deliver immediate benefits for students and higher education institutions in both our countries.

This is great news for Darwin and Palmerston, and for our Indian Territorians and residents, who we value so deeply and who make such strong contributions to our community.”

ENDS