AUT hosts High Commissioner of India
AUT’s position as the “university of choice” for Indian foreign and diaspora students was celebrated during a visit to the University by the High Commissioner of India, Her Excellency Ms Neeta Bhushan.
The event marked a significant moment in AUT’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange with India, and presented an opportunity for AUT’s Indian diaspora, staff, and students to engage with Her Excellency.
In welcoming the High Commissioner to AUT, Vice-Chancellor Professor Damona Salesa said the event was a celebration of the rich and growing partnership between AUT and Indian institutions.
“AUT is the university of choice for Indian international students, with the majority of the students choosing AUT as their educational home. We are proud to be a welcoming and supportive environment for all our Indian students,” Professor Salesa said.
“Furthermore, we have established three AUT agent partners in India …our longstanding relationship with IIT Madras, one of India's premier institutions, further enhances our academic partnerships …(and) we have also forged strategic alliances with institutions across India in multiple regions, expanding our global footprint and creating opportunities for research, innovation, and cultural exchange.
“We are delighted to have such strong connections with the Indian community, and we will continue to foster and strengthen these relationships. Our commitment to providing a world-class education to Indian students remains unwavering.”
During her address, the High Commissioner spoke of the role of education as a central pillar of the important relationship between India and New Zealand, and the role India’s foreign students have played in the country’s emergence as a world-leader in fields such as engineering, IT, technology and space travel.
“This is a truly special occasion for me. I would like to thank AUT for their intense collaborations and focus on India. It has only gone from strength to strength,” the High Commissioner said.
“Over the last few years there has been a substantial focus on Indian-New Zealand partnerships, and one of the big elements has been the education sector.
“It is not by chance that AUT is such a prestigious university and a destination of choice for Indian students and South Asian students. I’m so happy and so proud to say that so many students who have come here are doing so well – they are contributing to their universities, and they are contributing to society.”
Pro Vice-Chancellor International, Professor Guy Littlefair, said the visit also provided the opportunity to focus on expanding joint research, educational exchanges, and student mobility, as well as showcase our dedication to strengthening ties and exploring new opportunities for collaboration.
He said his ongoing visits to India as Pro-Vice Chancellor, including an upcoming trip in November, highlighted the strategic importance of AUT’s relationship with the Indian market.
“AUT has a growing reputation in India for providing excellent education experiences. Our key partnerships in India are also flourishing and delivering great outcomes,” Professor Littlefair said.
“During my travels to India, I am continually inspired by our Indian partners and their enthusiasm for collaboration on the global stage. Education changes lives, education changes families and education changes communities, but I’ve also seen first-hand - particularly in India - that education changes nations.
“This belief is at the core of my work and it’s a philosophy that shines through in our partnerships, especially our partnerships with Indian institutions.”