Indian students will feel comfortable in a metropolitan setting: Univ of Auckland VC Stuart McCutcheon

In a first, University of Auckland agreed upon a strategic partnership with IIT Kanpur. This coupled with the fact that Indian students form the third largest community in New Zealand, we sure had a few questions for Professor Stuart McCutcheon, Vice-Chancellor, the University of Auckland who was in India in November last year to sign the MoU. Excerpts: 

Apart from research and exchange opportunities, what else can we expect from this MoU? 

We will be progressing multi-faculty research collaborations across our respective institutions focussing on a number of key research themes. This will open up possibilities of faculty and student exchanges. We also have plans for the provision of dual PhDs. Other joint teaching programmes will also be explored over the next 12 months. We also hope to settle on a location soon and establish a centre or hub over the next 12-18 months. We will be developing a strategic plan with the host institution with activities and outcomes for the next five years. 

While they have growing faculty-level collaborations with a number of institutions, they are seeking a small number of deep and productive relationships with leading institutions

What would you say the USP of studying at the University of Auckland is? 

The Economist Intelligence Unit recently ranked New Zealand as the best in the world at educating for the future. As New Zealand’s flagship globally ranked university, more and more Indian students are benefitting from our world-class research, facilities and teaching approach. Auckland is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the world which is reflected in the composition of our student body. Indian students will feel comfortable in a metropolitan setting where Diwali is becoming hugely popular and celebrated across the city. 

What else can we look forward to from the University of Auckland in terms of engagements with India, as a country? 

We will be increasing our faculty engagements in a number of leading Indian universities with enhanced support from our International Office. We have recently appointed an in-country recruitment advisor based in Mumbai and we will be stepping up our programme of visits by senior university leaders. We also keep in regular touch with Indian business and community groups in Auckland. 

For more on them, click on auckland.ac.nz