Strengthening Global Partnerships: Ashoka University’s International Engagements

Ashoka University is steadily expanding its global footprint, forging stronger academic and institutional partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious universities. A key aspect of this effort is hosting international delegations on campus, providing a platform for meaningful discussions on collaborative initiatives.

During these visits, delegates engage with Ashoka’s faculty, deans, and department heads to explore new avenues for academic exchange, research collaborations, and institutional partnerships. These interactions serve as a catalyst for deepening existing relationships and building new ones, reinforcing Ashoka’s commitment to global engagement.

In 2024-25 alone, over 50+ international delegations visited our campus, fostering knowledge exchange, research collaborations, and student mobility opportunities. These engagements reflect Ashoka’s unwavering commitment to interdisciplinary education and global academic excellence.

Welcoming Global Delegations

University of Pennsylvania, USA

Ashoka University was honored to host Kristyn Palmiotto and Dr. Amy Gadsden from the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), reaffirming our long-standing partnership. Discussions focused on formalising bilateral exchange programs to create more structured academic and mobility opportunities between Ashoka and UPenn. Look forward to strengthening this collaboration and driving innovation in international education.

Concordia College, USA

A significant milestone in Ashoka’s global engagement was the formalisation of its partnership with Concordia College, USA. Ashoka’s Registrar, Sachin Sharma, and Concordia College President, Dr. Colin Irvine, signed an agreement to pave the way for student exchanges and joint academic projects. This collaboration marks the beginning of an impactful partnership aimed at fostering cross-cultural learning.

Teikyo University, Japan

The Office of Global Education (OGE) welcomed Professor A. Nishioka from Teikyo University, Japan, for discussions on potential collaborations. Both universities are exploring avenues for student mobility programs and academic partnerships, laying the groundwork for a long-term relationship.

Universities in the UAE

In a key diplomatic meeting, His Excellency Hamad Al Zaabi and his team from the National Projects Office engaged with Ashoka University to explore student exchange programs and institutional collaborations with universities in the UAE. This promising partnership could lead to executive programs, master’s degrees, and joint research initiatives.

University of Auckland, New Zealand

Ashoka University was honored to host Prof. Mark Barrow and Prof. Marek Tesar from the University of Auckland. In discussions with OGE Director Gitanjali Rana, Reena Gupta, and Amrita Sadarangani, the two institutions explored new opportunities for student mobility and collaborative research. This marks the beginning of an exciting partnership set to bring innovative academic exchanges in the near future.

University of Birmingham, UK

Ashoka University recently engaged in high-level discussions with the University of Birmingham to strengthen collaboration in the following:

• Student Mobility: Enhancing exchange opportunities for students.
• Transnational Education: Expanding cross-border academic programs.
• Research Partnerships: Exploring joint research initiatives with global impact.

The discussion also addressed emerging trends in international education and strategies to adapt to evolving global academic landscapes. Ashoka signed an MoU with UoB this academic year.

University of Leeds, UK

Ashoka and the University of Leeds are forging a dynamic partnership aimed at transforming international student mobility. This collaboration will create new learning opportunities and expand global academic exposure for students at both institutions.

University of Notre Dame, USA

On January 18, 2024, a distinguished delegation from the University of Notre Dame (UND)—including Dr. Jonathan Noble, Dr. Michel Hockx, and Dhiraj Mehra—visited Ashoka University following the signing of a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Their discussions with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Somak Raychaudhury, Dean Vanita Shastri, and Ali Imran, Vice President of External Engagement, focused on student mobility, faculty exchanges, joint research, and global professional programs. This strategic partnership is set to open exciting new avenues for academic collaboration.

University of Reading, UK

In collaboration with the University of Reading, Ashoka hosted an insightful session on the Felix Scholarship, led by Ashish Jaiswar. The session provided valuable guidance for students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad, reinforcing Ashoka’s commitment to facilitating international learning opportunities.

University of Virginia, USA

A delegation from the University of Virginia’s McIntire School of Commerce, led by Prof. Peter Maillet, visited Ashoka on February 20, 2025. Their discussions with the Global Education and Strategic Partnerships (GESP) team focused on Ashoka’s interdisciplinary pedagogy and graduate study opportunities for Ashoka students at McIntire.

York University, UK

Ashoka had the pleasure of hosting a delegation from York University, led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Charlie Jeffery. Discussions with Vice-Chancellor Prof. Somak Raychaudhury, Ashoka faculty, and the GESP team explored avenues for joint research, student exchanges, and faculty collaborations, further cementing Ashoka’s global academic ties.

A Commitment to Global Engagement

Through these dynamic partnerships and high-level engagements, Ashoka University continues to strengthen its global network and create transformative academic opportunities for its students and faculty. By fostering meaningful collaborations across continents, Ashoka remains at the forefront of international education, preparing students to thrive in an interconnected world.

Ashoka and the University of Toronto Collaborate for MUCP

Ashoka University and the School of Cities at the University of Toronto have joined forces for the Multidisciplinary Urban Capstone Project (MUCP), a year-long initiative aimed at addressing urban challenges in Pune, India. This collaboration brings together students from both institutions to engage in interdisciplinary research and community-driven problem-solving. Through immersive fieldwork and mentorship from experts like Professor Aditi Mehta and David Roberts, participants develop innovative solutions in areas such as urban space repurposing, waste management, and skill development for marginalised communities. Rooted in a shared vision for impactful education, this partnership promotes cross-cultural learning while equipping students with real-world experience to drive sustainable urban transformation.