Deakin University, Australia and Chitkara University, near Chandigarh has announced an innovative pathway study option commencing September 2020. In the midst of the uncertain circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Deakin University, Australia and Chitkara University has announced the launch of an 'Academic Mentorship' program to ensure that students may continue to achieve their international study goals during this time.

The announcement has come at a time when travel is suspended and students are uncertain of their dream for an overseas higher education opportunity. Deakin University and Chitkara University has developed a 4-year Bachelor of Software Engineering that will facilitate Indian students to study two years of Deakin University's licensed curriculum at Chitkara University before students transfer for the remaining two years on-shore at Deakin University in Australia.

This transfer is based on conditions, and students after successful completion will receive a Deakin University Bachelor of Software Engineering degree in Australia. Speaking about this innovative program, Deakin University's Deputy Vice President (Global) and CEO (South Asia), Ms Ravneet Pawha, said, "At Deakin we are continuously innovating our offerings and with the current challenges presented by COVID-19, innovative hybrid programs like this would help students keep their study and career goals on track."

As a part of the arrangement, students while studying the first two years of the program at Chitkara will pay local India tuition fees. Students will also be co-taught some academic units by Deakin faculty in infrastructure, and resources that will be similar to Deakin.