Southern Cross University Strengthens Strategic Ties with India
Southern Cross University (SCU), a dynamic public university based in New South Wales, Australia, with campuses in Lismore, Coffs Harbour, and the Gold Coast, is actively expanding its footprint in the Indian higher education landscape. This move aligns with Australia's broader push to foster international collaborations amid evolving global student mobility trends. Recently, SCU's leadership, including Pro-Vice Chancellor for Global Engagement and Partnerships Professor Mary Spongberg and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Renaud, has undertaken high-level visits to India to scout new opportunities in academic partnerships and student recruitment.
These efforts build on SCU's reputation for industry-aligned programs in business, health sciences, education, and sustainability—fields where India offers immense potential for mutual growth. With Indian students forming a significant portion of Australia's international enrolments, SCU's targeted approach emphasizes equitable, long-term relationships rather than short-term gains. This includes joint programs, research exchanges, and innovative recruitment models designed to make Australian education more accessible.
The university's South Asia team, led by Regional Manager Subhi Pradhan, plays a pivotal role in nurturing these connections. As Pradhan notes, "India is central to Southern Cross University’s international engagement strategy, not only from a recruitment perspective but as a long-term academic and institutional partner."
Landmark Partnership with Poornima University
One of the flagship collaborations is SCU's partnership with Poornima University in Jaipur, Rajasthan, launched in early 2025. This agreement introduces a seamless three-year Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) Global Business pathway. Students complete their first year at Poornima University, gaining foundational knowledge in an Indian context, before transitioning to SCU's Australian campuses for the remaining two years to earn a fully recognized Australian degree.
This 1+2 model offers Indian students cost-effective entry into international education while providing exposure to global business practices. Complementing the academic pathway is a new Sports Analytics and Events Management Lab in Jaipur, jointly established with Poornima and linked to the Rajasthan Royals IPL team. Professor Darshana Sedera, Associate Dean (International and Engagement) at SCU's Faculty of Business, Law and Arts, described it as "a bold step into the future of global business education and research... a launchpad for future leaders."
The partnership exemplifies how SCU leverages regional strengths—Poornima's ties to sports industry leaders—to create employability-focused opportunities. Students benefit from internships, real-world projects, and networks that span India and Australia, preparing them for careers in multinational corporations or startups.
For those eyeing business careers Down Under, check out higher ed faculty jobs or career advice for research roles in Australia.
MoU with Bharati Vidyapeeth: Focus on Digital Innovation
In late 2024, SCU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Management Studies at Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University) in Navi Mumbai. This agreement targets research collaboration in digital enterprises, covering areas like digital transformation, e-commerce, data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Key components include joint PhD supervision, virtual mentorship for Bharati students by SCU faculty, international student exchanges, and cross-cultural study tours. Regular seminars and workshops will facilitate knowledge exchange, with plans for a joint PhD conference hosted by SCU's Faculty of Business, Law and Arts (FBLA). The MoU was signed by Professor Darshana Sedera and Dr. Premasish Roy, Dean at Bharati Vidyapeeth, in the presence of Austrade representatives.
This partnership addresses the growing demand for digital skills in both nations. India's booming tech sector and Australia's innovation hubs stand to gain from shared expertise, fostering graduates equipped for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Robust Health Collaborations with KLE Institute
SCU's longstanding ties with KLE Academy of Higher Education & Research (KLE University) in Belagavi, Karnataka, highlight practical student mobility. Annually, around 30 SCU nursing students undertake four-to-five-week rural placements there, immersing in India's healthcare challenges. This program, funded partly by New Colombo Plan (NCP) mobility grants, builds cultural competence and addresses global health disparities.
Recent faculty exchanges, such as KAHER Institute of Nursing Sciences hosting SCU academics in 2025, have strengthened bonds. At the QS India Summit 2025, SCU's Professors Jon Wardle and Christina Aggar co-presented with KLE researchers on "Diversifying Knowledge Streams to Address Future Challenges," emphasizing Indigenous and traditional knowledge for rural health and aged care.
These initiatives equip nursing graduates—highly sought in Australia—with hands-on experience. SCU's Bachelor of Nursing remains a top enrolment program amid a 37% surge in international students in early 2024.
Explore nursing opportunities via clinical research jobs.
Engagements with SYASA and Emerging Partners
SCU also collaborates with S-VYASA (Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anusandhana Samsthana) in Bengaluru, focusing on yoga, wellness, and holistic health research. This MoU supports faculty and student exchanges, aligning with SCU's strengths in complementary medicine.
Additional ties include DY Patil University and Patanjali University/Research Institute, as noted in SCU's 2024 Annual Report. These partnerships underscore a multi-institutional approach, blending traditional Indian knowledge with Australian applied research.
Professor Renaud emphasized, "We are actively exploring collaborations... that support global employability."
Access26 Initiative: Democratizing Access
To counter rising costs and visa hurdles, SCU launched the Access25 initiative in 2025, offering flat, reduced tuition fees for international students without compromising quality. Evolving into Access26 for 2026, it targets Indian students with scholarships, streamlined pathways, and comprehensive support—same standards as on-campus programs.
This responds to India's competitive education market, where affordability drives choices. Programs like the Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education see high demand, aiding regional workforce needs.
Indian students gain globally recognized qualifications, boosting employability back home or in Australia.
Strategic Recruitment Drives and Education Fairs
SCU participates actively in India fairs like the Australia Premier Education Fair and QS India Summit networking events. The South Asia team targets Tier 2/3 cities for diverse talent pools, using access-led models to attract high-achievers.
Despite 2024 intl caps, SCU achieved 37% growth in full-time internationals Term 1, with 2025 projections strong. Recruitment emphasizes career outcomes, with links to lecturer jobs and scholarships.
Benefits and Impacts for Stakeholders
For Indian students: Affordable pathways, cultural immersion, employability boost—e.g., nursing placements enhance resumes. Institutions gain research funding ($35M+ in 2024), rankings uplift (Psychology top 300 globally).
- Global networks via exchanges.
- Industry-relevant skills (AI, sports analytics).
- Two-way mobility: Indian faculty mentor SCU students.
Australia benefits from diverse talent; India from knowledge transfer. Visit Rate My Professor for insights.
Research Synergies and Innovation
Collaborations yield tangible outputs: Joint seminars on sustainability (QS panel chaired by Spongberg), health innovations blending Ayurveda/yoga with Western medicine. SCU's 12% research funding rise supports such ventures.
Focus areas: Rural health, digital transformation, climate-smart agriculture—addressing shared challenges.
Future Outlook: Sustainable Growth
SCU eyes more MoUs, expanded pathways, PhD cohorts. With India's GER rising and Australia seeking stable intl revenue, these ties promise resilience. Director Jenni Saville leads global recruitment growth.
Challenges like visa caps addressed via pathways. Long-term: Contribute to Indo-Australian education corridors.
Broader Implications for Australia-India Higher Education
SCU's model inspires peers, promoting equity amid uncertainties. It positions Australia as inclusive partner, countering declines in Chinese enrolments. For academics, postdoc opportunities abound.
Stakeholders praise bi-directional benefits: Innovation, diversity, global graduates.
Opportunities and Next Steps
Prospective students: Apply via pathways. Institutions: Partner with SCU. Job seekers: Leverage higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs, rate professors. Share thoughts in comments.
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