India and New Zealand to Set up a Joint Education Council

New Delhi: India and New Zealand have decided to establish a Joint Education Council to carry forward the education cooperation between the two countries. Both the countries already have signed an Education Exchange Programme during the visit of Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resource Development to New Zealand.

During the meeting of the Prime Ministers of India Dr. Manmohan Singh with his New Zealand counterpart on 28th June 2011 it was declared that an Education Initiative, a jointly-funded programme will be launched to enhance bilateral cooperation in higher education, research, and skills development. The total funding for the initiative is expected to be NZ$1 million per year with both India and New Zealand contributing equally. The University Grants Commission of India will provide the funds for India.

It is expected that this initiative will strengthen the relationship even further and promote academic, industry links and open up opportunities for education services collaboration between the two countries. The Education Council will become flagship of the education relationship between the two countries which will encourage in building knowledge and awareness among young business leaders from both countries through scholarships and internships in each other's business schools and industrial enterprises.