India, May 22: University of Galway strengthened its long-term engagement with India through a series of strategic initiatives in Delhi focused on expanding institutional partnerships, advancing international academic collaboration, and supporting student mobility and global engagement opportunities.
As part of the visit, the university signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Law University Delhi (NLU Delhi), engaged with key stakeholders from across India’s higher education ecosystem, and participated in scholarship facilitation initiatives aimed at supporting Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education opportunities in Ireland.
The MoU signed with NLU Delhi reflects a shared commitment to advancing collaboration across areas including academic and skills exchange, joint research initiatives, student and faculty mobility programmes, teaching engagements, and other mutually agreed academic activities.
The partnership comes at a time when universities globally are increasingly prioritising cross-border collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and globally connected learning experiences to prepare students for an evolving international workforce and knowledge economy.
Speaking on the broader engagement initiatives and partnership, Prof. Alex Metcalfe, Vice President International, University of Galway, said, “India is a strategically important region for University of Galway, and engagements such as these reflect our long-term commitment to building meaningful and mutually beneficial relationships across India’s higher education ecosystem. Our partnership with National Law University Delhi, alongside our wider engagement with institutional stakeholders, students, alumni, and partners in Delhi, reinforces our focus on strengthening academic collaboration, international mobility opportunities, and global knowledge exchange between Ireland and India. As higher education becomes increasingly interconnected, collaborations between institutions across countries will play an important role in shaping globally relevant learning, research, and innovation ecosystems for the future.”
Commenting on the partnership, Prof. (Dr.) G. S. Bajpai, Vice Chancellor, National Law University Delhi, said, “I am glad that the two institutions have now formalised their collaboration through the signing of this MoU. This partnership will promote joint academic research, facilitate the exchange of ideas, and encourage student and faculty mobility programmes. Through this collaboration, NLU Delhi reaffirms its commitment to strengthening international ties and expanding global academic and research opportunities for its faculty and students.”
In another key engagement during the visit, University of Galway hosted a reception dinner in Delhi bringing together representatives from across the higher education ecosystem, including officials from the Embassy of Ireland and Education in Ireland, academic leaders, partner institutions, students, alumni, interns, and members of the wider academic community. The reception served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and relationship-building around the evolving India-Ireland education partnership landscape and the growing importance of international academic engagement.
The event witnessed participation from stakeholders including representatives from Education in Ireland, partner institutions such as Manipal University Jaipur and O.P. Jindal Global University, members of the student and alumni community, interns, and representatives from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi.
Felicitation Ceremony at the Reception:
As part of a pioneering initiative by University of Galway, three high‑school students from Classes XI and XII in India have successfully completed an online research internship in Biotechnology with the university. The students, representing Delhi Public School R.K. Puram and K.R. Mangalam World School, were recognised at a special ceremony attended by their parents, school representatives, and distinguished guests.
Ambassador Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to India, presented the certificates to the three young scholars, praising their curiosity, dedication, and early engagement with advanced research. The initiative reflects the growing academic partnership between India and Ireland and highlights University of Galway’s commitment to nurturing future global talent at school level, not just at tertiary level.
The virtual internship gave the students direct exposure to international research, including mentorship from University of Galway academics, hands‑on skill development, and insights into real‑world research practices. It forms part of the university’s broader vision to foster innovation, scientific thinking, and global learning opportunities for high‑performing school students in India.
These engagements further reflect the growing momentum in India-Ireland educational collaboration, driven by shared priorities around academic excellence, internationalisation, research collaboration, innovation, and talent development.
Scholarship Opportunities for Indian Students:
The visit also included a scholarship facilitation initiative aimed at supporting Indian students exploring higher education opportunities at University of Galway, further reinforcing the university’s commitment to improving access, encouraging international mobility, and strengthening long-term educational ties between India and Ireland.
University of Galway offers Global Scholarships for outstanding international students, with merit- and excellence‑based awards available at undergraduate and postgraduate levels across colleges and subject areas. Eligible applicants are automatically considered when they hold an offer, and opportunities include both guaranteed merit awards and competitive, higher‑value Excellence scholarships depending on the college and programme.