Under the auspices of the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), the Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Surrey, UK, marking a significant step in fostering international academic ties. By introducing Dual Degree and Integrated Masters programs, this partnership promotes global education and research while improving students’ academic and career opportunities worldwide.
Two different academic pathways are made possible by the agreement:
- Dual Degree Program (1+1): Students will acquire masters degrees from both universities after completing a year of postgraduate work at MIT Manipal and a second year at the University of Surrey.
- Integrated Master’s Program (3.5+0.5+1): To obtain their master’s degree, undergraduate students must complete 3.5 years of coursework at MIT Manipal, a six month’ capstone project supervised by the University of Surrey, and a final year at the University of Surrey.
The formal signing ceremony was attended by esteemed representatives from both institutions, including Prof. Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, Prof. Satheesh Krishnamurthy, Director of the Surrey Ion Beam Centre, and Dr. Tina Schilbach, International Partnerships Manager. Their presence, alongside distinguished dignitaries from MIT and MAHE—Dr. (Cdr). Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal, Dr. Narayana Sabhahit, Pro Vice Chancellor – Technology & Science, and Dr. Sharath Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor – Health Sciences—underscored the significance of this alliance in expanding academic horizons and facilitating cross-border educational opportunities.
With an emphasis on specialized programs in electrical, mechanical, chemical, and electronic engineering, this Memorandum of Understanding will further MIT Manipal’s commitment to offering state-of-the-art instruction that complies with international industry standards. By integrating cutting-edge resources, research partnerships, and advanced curricula, students will be exposed to various learning settings, foreign professors, and worldwide networking opportunities.
“This MoU represents a significant step in our commitment to delivering world-class education and fostering a culture of innovation and research,” said Dr. (Cdr.) Anil Rana, Director of MIT Manipal, spoke and expressed excitement about the partnership. In collaborating with the University of Surrey, our goal is to give our students a well-rounded education that equips them for leadership positions in the international engineering industry. Prof. Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, emphasized the significance of the partnership for research impact and the future of skills in the UK and India: “We are excited to be able to join forces with MIT Manipal to develop an innovative suite of collaborative research and education programmes which will bring together our shared areas of excellence, including the fields of semiconductor technologies, sustainable energy, and communications. Through this partnership, students will gain access to world-class resources, cross-cultural learning experiences, and research training opportunities, preparing them to become global leaders in their fields.”
The MoU aligns with MAHE’s overarching goals of improving research projects, encouraging international academic partnerships, and giving students more options for their educational paths. This collaboration is expected to open up new opportunities for academics, researchers, and students from both schools as interdisciplinary and applied learning become increasingly important.
Interested students can visit the official university website or contact the MIT Manipal admissions office for further information about the Dual Degree and Integrated Masters programs.
