The Government’s education initiative with India is a good start for closer academic ties but funding is on the small side according to an Auckland University spokesperson.
The initiative will see scholarships and internships shared between each country’s tertiary institutes, business schools and industrial enterprises.
Auckland University’s International Office director, David Baker, says although the initiative is a good idea, the money being put forward by each government won’t go far.
Baker says “it’s good that there’s something offered by the Government but it’s not substantial, it’s just a start and probably just provides the framework for future investment”.
The programme will be funded equally with both countries contributing an estimated $500,000. New Zealand will pay for its share with funding set aside for the International Education Agency, planned to be up and running by September this year.
Prime Minister John Key says the initiative will focus on building knowledge and awareness among young business leaders from both countries and “open up opportunities to collaborate on education services”.
“This provides a mechanism for India to bring together a range of education and skills-development funding agencies and provides New Zealand with a simplified one-stop-shop to deal with,” Key says.
Mr Baker says the scheme will be beneficial in forging business ties between New Zealand and India after Indian students have completed their study here.
“There will be a number of Indian students who complete degrees or research in New Zealand and that will help with building future relationships in the business world.
“India needs a lot of help with education. They have a big population and a lot of people to educate.”
Baker says although the funding is on the small side, it’s good New Zealand is joining Australia, England and the United States who all have education agreements with India.
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