Charles Darwin University (CDU) of Australia which officially inaugurated its first office in the business district of Gurgaon is viewed as a significant step towards enticing students from South Asia to study at the campuses in the Northern Territory and Sydney.
CDU's Vice-Chancellor Scott Bowman and other representatives from the institute traveled to India for the grand inauguration. The opening is one of the several activities scheduled to take place in the following days as a delegation of Australian higher education leaders visit India to encourage cooperation between the two countries.
Jason Clare, Minister for Education, officially launched the new office and congratulated CDU on its historic opening. “Establishing an office is just the start. There’s such an enormous opportunity for Australia to collaborate and educate each other’s students,” Clare said. “Moments like this are more than a plaque on the wall. They’re the start of something big and that’s why I’m excited to be here and part of this event,” he added.
According to Professor Bowman, CDU's presence in the nation is essential for helping to create and strengthen alliances with Indian universities, foster commercial links, develop cooperative initiatives, and more. “It’s about having a base here that can really work with our partner universities to really strengthen the relationship with Indian universities,” he told the participants.
“Those relationships with Indian universities will grow in importance. We will be looking to undertake joint research and establish programs with those universities.”
According to Bowman, one of CDU's priorities is to support the Indian community through scholarships and social innovation initiatives.
Northern Territory Minister for International Education, Ngaree Ah Kit, said the NT Government strived to make the jurisdiction the destination of choice for international students.
“Having a facility in-country that will play a direct role in attracting more international students from across South Asia is a great initiative. I look forward to welcoming the many students who will be attracted to the Territory for a quality education and enviable lifestyle,”Ah Kit said.
