AsianScientist (Aug. 2, 2011) – The Australian Minister for Tertiary Educations, Skills and Jobs, Senator Christopher Evans, met with the Indian Minister for Human Resources, Kapil Sibal, in New Delhi this week to strengthen bilateral ties between the two countries in education.
“Australia’s bilateral relationship with India is abiding and highly valued,” Evans said.
“We hope to further strengthen these ties with a particular focus on education and training and to discuss how our two great countries can best prepare for the education and skills challenges facing the 21st Century workforce.”
The Australian delegation, led by Sen. Evans, comprised 15 vice-chancellors from different universities in Australia, and the four day visit commenced in New Delhi with the annual India-Australia Ministerial Dialogue on Education Cooperation.
At a press conference on Monday, Sibal announced the launch of the India-Australia education council, a university-level collaboration that would include degree recognition, credit transfer, and collaboration in post-graduate and research programs.
“Last April, we decided to start the India-Australia education council, which we start today,” Sibal said.
Sibal also answered questions on the issue of safety of Indian students in Australia, as well as the passing of legislation to prevent fake Australian universities from enrolling students.
After the Dialogue, Sen. Evans visited Australian and Indian education and training institutions in New Delhi and Chennai. A range of issues discussed included fostering institutional linkages, growing student and faculty mobility, encouraging credit transfer, and developing industry led vocational education and training.
“Through collaboration, India and Australia will share knowledge and best practices, drive cutting edge research, and help equip students and faculty with the skills vital to future innovation and economic growth,” Evans said.
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Source: DEEWR, Australia.
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