Victoria highlights global education partnership through the BITS–RMIT initiative

Published: 28 May 2026
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At the BITS–RMIT Higher Education Academy Student Engagement and Networking Event held on 22 May 2026 at The Capitol, Melbourne, Victoria reinforced its strong commitment to international education and continued engagement with global partners.

A major feature of the event was the Victorian Government’s Yes to International Students Fund, which supported the 2026 immersion visit of BITS–RMIT students to Melbourne. First announced during the Premier’s visit to India in 2024, the fund reflects Victoria’s ongoing focus on strengthening international education partnerships, improving student mobility, supporting transnational education, and deepening ties with priority markets such as India.

The BITS–RMIT Higher Education Academy, launched in 2023, is recognised as the first dual-degree program between India and Australia. It enables students to study across both countries and graduate with two qualifications, with a strong emphasis on engineering, technology and research pathways. The academy represents a contemporary model of cross-border education designed to develop globally capable and industry-ready graduates.

Supported by the fund, the 2026 immersion program brought more than 100 students from India to Melbourne for a two-week academic and cultural experience. The initiative shows how government investment can create meaningful opportunities by supporting short-term student mobility, strengthening cross-cultural learning, building institutional partnerships, and enhancing Victoria’s appeal as a study destination.

The event also showcased broad collaboration across government, higher education, industry and diplomacy. Attendees included representatives from Study Melbourne, Global Victoria, RMIT University, BITS Pilani, Capgemini, and the Consulate General of India. Caroline Hartnett, Director International Education at Study Melbourne, represented Study Melbourne at the event.

India remains a key priority in Victoria’s international education strategy, with around 79,000 Indian students studying in Victoria and a strong Indian diaspora contributing across many sectors. The Victorian Government’s India Strategy continues to focus on education and skills, research partnerships, innovation, workforce development, and people-to-people links.

Through Study Melbourne, Victoria also continues to support international students beyond enrolment. Services include the Study Melbourne Hub, which provides free wellbeing, legal and career support, alongside programs focused on employability, leadership, inclusion, career fairs and industry engagement.

Overall, the BITS–RMIT partnership, supported by the Yes to International Students Fund, demonstrates a practical and scalable approach to international education—bringing together government-backed mobility, institutional collaboration and industry engagement to support future skills and student success.

Learn more about the Yes to International Students Fund
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