Victoria’s Premier Jacinta Allan began her five-day visit to India with a series of significant announcements aimed at enhancing the state’s educational ties with India.
On her first day in New Delhi, Premier Allan unveiled the new $5 million Yes to International Students Fund, designed to help Victorian universities and TAFEs expand their transnational education (TNE) offerings. This initiative will facilitate partnerships with Indian institutions, such as the newly expanded collaboration between RMIT University and India’s BITS Pilani, announced during her visit.
The Yes to International Students Fund will provide seed funding to Victorian universities and TAFEs, enabling them to establish offshore campuses or co-deliver dual degree programs in partnership with international universities. This effort aligns with Victoria’s goal of expanding its global education footprint while helping local institutions tap into the growing demand for Australian education overseas.
Premier Allan highlighted the importance of international students to Victoria’s economy and cultural diversity.
“We say yes to international students because they boost our economy and our global reputation, support our small businesses, and keep our multicultural state connected with the world,”
Allan said at the event in Delhi.
The Premier also took a strong stance against the Australian Federal Government’s cap on international students, adding,
“We say no to the Federal Government’s caps. Our new fund is going to help our unis and TAFEs find innovative ways to challenge them.”
Strengthening Victoria-India Educational Ties
The RMIT-BITS Pilani partnership was spotlighted as one of the success stories of transnational education. The dual degree program allows students to complete half of their undergraduate degree in India and the other half in Victoria, a model Allan believes is essential for the future of international education.
“Victoria will continue to be Australia’s number one destination for students, and partnerships like this one will only help strengthen our educational ties with India,”
she noted.
TAFEs in Victoria have also demonstrated success in offshore education. Premier Allan cited Holmesglen TAFE’s achievements, including its operations in Mongolia and Qatar, as examples of how Victorian institutions are expanding globally.
Economic and Cultural Engagements on Day One
The Premier’s visit is not only focused on education but also aims to deepen trade, investment, and cultural ties between Victoria and India.
During her visit to New Delhi, Allan addressed the Australia India Institute’s Annual Oration, emphasising the importance of the Victoria-India relationship.
“We are here to celebrate our connection between India and Victoria, a connection that we know is deep and profound… I am proud that Indians are choosing Melbourne and Victoria as their home,”
Premier Allan said.
She also highlighted the contributions of Indian-born Australians, stating,
“Today, Victoria’s trade relationship with India is worth $3.6 billion – it’s a big and important part of our economy.”
During her address, Allan praised India as “the future of the world,” underscoring Victoria’s commitment to furthering partnerships across sectors like education, technology, and culture.
“India is a developing economy that can only be described as an exciting one… and Victoria will continue to partner because Victoria is the future of Australia,”
she added.
Exploring Delhi’s Rich History
In addition to the formal engagements, Premier Allan toured Delhi’s historic Qutb Minar and Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, guided by cultural heritage expert Dr. Navina Jafa.
This visit highlighted the rich history of India’s Islamic and Hindu heritage and marked a cultural milestone in the Premier’s itinerary. During her tour, Allan was also approached by a young boy, Sunny Sharma, who expressed his desire to improve his English skills.
Premier Allan praised him and encouraged his ambition, even inviting him to visit Melbourne someday.
Looking Ahead: A Week of Strategic Engagements
Premier Jacinta Allan’s first day in India has set a strong tone for the rest of her visit, which is expected to focus on expanding Victoria’s partnerships in education, technology, and trade.
The trip includes meetings with Indian business leaders, educational institutions, and government officials to further develop the Victoria-India relationship. Allan will also continue to emphasise Victoria as a prime destination for international students and highlight the state’s multicultural vibrancy.
As part of her agenda, Allan will visit several holy and cultural sites across India, further strengthening cultural ties and enhancing people-to-people connections between Victoria and India. This trip marks an important step in reinforcing Victoria’s global partnerships, with education serving as the cornerstone of Allan’s mission to bring new opportunities and mutual growth to both Victoria and India.
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