The University of Sydney and Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding to deepen their longstanding partnership in education, research, innovation and international mobility.

The MoU was signed on Wednesday, 2 September 2026, in Mumbai by Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, and Professor Mike Ryan, the University of Sydney's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), at a reception hosted by the Australian Consul-General Mr Paul Murphy and Australia’s High Commissioner to India HE Philip Green OAM.

The signing took place during the official India mission led by the Honourable Chris Minns MP, Premier of New South Wales, and the Honourable Daniel Mookhey MLC, Treasurer of New South Wales. The MAHE and University of Sydney delegations subsequently participated in a reception in Mumbai held in honour of the Premier and Treasurer.

The NSW Government’s India mission, being held from 31 August to 3 September 2026, was focused on strengthening the state’s economic, education, research, innovation and cultural engagement with India. The MAHE–Univeristy of Sydney agreement represents a tangible institutional outcome aligned with this mission and its objective of creating sustained partnerships between New South Wales and India.

Advancing cooperation in five priority areas

Under the new agreement, the institutions intend to explore and advance cooperation in five priority areas: flagship research programs, joint research funding and doctoral education, expanded student and faculty mobility, innovation and knowledge translation, joint governance and measurable outcomes.

The agreement complements the broader objectives of the NSW Government’s India mission, which identifies education, research and innovation among the sectors offering significant opportunities for expanded cooperation. The MAHE–University of Sydney partnership will add an institutional dimension to these ties by enabling students, researchers, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs and industry partners from both countries to work together on shared challenges.

Australia’s High Commissioner to India HE Philip Green OAM said: “Australia and India are home to some of the world’s leading researchers, innovators and universities, and partnerships like this reflect our shared commitment to advancing knowledge, driving innovation and addressing the challenges that matter most to our communities. As a proud graduate of the University of Sydney, I am particularly delighted to see this partnership take shape between two outstanding institutions. By bringing together Australian and Indian expertise, this collaboration will create new opportunities for researchers, students and industry to work together, strengthen the knowledge ties between our countries, and contribute to the growing partnership between Australia and India.”

Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice-Chancellor, MAHE, said: “By combining the University of Sydney’s globally recognised research and innovation capabilities with MAHE’s multidisciplinary expertise, teaching hospitals, clinical networks and research infrastructure, we aim to develop together solutions of relevance to India, Australia and the wider world.”

Professor Mike Ryan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), University of Sydney, said: “Our institutions share a commitment to research excellence, international education and the translation of knowledge into improved health and societal outcomes. We look forward to working together to develop ambitious multidisciplinary initiatives and to strengthen the connections between our institutions, India and New South Wales.”

Photo: Chris Minns, Premier of NSW; Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice-Chancellor, MAHE;  Professor Mike Ryan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research), University of Sydney; Daniel Mookhey, Treasurer of NSW; Dr Jocelyne Basseal, Director, Global Research Engagement, University of Sydney; Dr Anup Naha, Director, International Collaboration, MAHE. (Jocelyne Basseal/University of Sydney)