ACU partners with Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India

Australian Catholic University

ACU has signed an agreement for academic collaboration with one of India’s leading academic and research institutions in health sciences, pharmacy and pharmacology.

The formal partnership agreement between ACU and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) was signed by ACU Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global and Education Pathways Mr Chris Riley, and Vice-Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Lt. Gen. (Dr) M. D. Venkatesh Hazel.

The partnership between the two renowned institutions includes opportunities to explore joint courses, student and staff mobility, facilitation of joint research, co-organisation and participation in international events, seminars, short-term academic programs and meetings, and internationally funded projects.

ACU and MAHE are both at the forefront of championing academic excellence in multiple disciplines. With the alignment of mission and vision, the official collaboration will support both institutions to engage in meaningful collaborations and strategic partnerships that will create more opportunities to advance in the joint commitment to make a positive impact on people’s lives and communities.

Mr Riley said that it was ACU’s honour to celebrate our partnership with Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). The partnership is a key milestone for collaborations in promoting academic excellence, innovation and global connections across different fields, particularly in health sciences, an area in which both universities are highly recognised internationally.

“As a top producer of Australia’s nurses, midwives and paramedics, ACU’s staff and students are committed to improving the lives of others by providing quality health care with service excellence, dignity and engagement. With our leading position in the region in allied health, behavioural and health sciences, nursing, midwifery and paramedicine, we are confident the partnership with MAHE will further promote research excellence and cross-disciplinary exchange and enable the acceleration of impact across different fronts,” Mr Riley said.

Dr Hazel said, “Our dedication to academic brilliance and global outreach aligns seamlessly with ACU’s values, making this partnership a significant achievement for both institutions. It is my pleasure to witness this significant milestone for collaboration between MAHE and ACU. As we continue to create inclusive and stimulating international learning environments and peer-to-peer learning opportunities for our students and academics, having a strategic global partner that holds similar values is important.

“As we look ahead, the partnership will enrich our research collaborations, facilitate bilateral academic exchange opportunities, and drive cross-cultural innovation, among many other mutual benefits. We are truly honoured to partner with ACU, which we believe will create more avenues for our students and staff to interact, exchange technical know-how and strengthen collaboration in academic research to address societal challenges and global issues.”

Background about MAHE

Founded in 1953, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is one of India’s leading academic and research institutions. MAHE offers multi-disciplinary programs and is leading human development, education and healthcare in India, particularly in the discipline of health sciences, engineering and management.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education in India is part of the Manipal Group of higher education institutions, a pioneer in academic excellence with more than six decades of experience. The Group owns and operates higher education campuses across India, Malaysia, Antigua and the Caribbean.

Background about ACU

Ranked in the top 2 per cent of universities1 worldwide and recognised as one of the Top 50 young universities2, ACU is a young university making a serious impact. ACU has seven Australian campuses in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and ACT, a campus in Rome, Italy, and an online campus – ACU Online. The university offers cross-cultural, collaborative research and learning opportunities for students and staff. An ACU education seeks to transform lives and communities. Students are challenged to look beyond the classroom, solve real-world problems, develop their own search for meaning and cultivate strong professional ethics. They are invited to stand up for people in need and causes that matter.


1 Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023. Percentage calculated as ACU’s world rank as a proportion of the total number of universities in the world: International Handbook of Universities 2019, Palgrave MacMillan.

2 Times Higher Education Young University Rankings 2023

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