New tie-up aims to strengthen Indian student success in the UK

A Memorandum of Understanding, signed on 17 October at UEL’s Stratford campus by vice-chancellor professor Amanda Broderick and NISAU chairperson Sanam Arora, sets out a framework to promote equity, inclusion, and opportunity for international learners.

According to a joint statement, the signing focused not only on providing practical support from the pre-arrival to post-graduation phase but also on adopting a framework of best practices in student engagement, skills, and inclusion — a model other universities may seek to replicate.

“Together, we will work to ensure Indian students and graduates not only achieve academically but also feel a true sense of belonging during their time in the UK,” stated Arora.

She added that the partnership aligns with India-UK Vision 2035 — a strategic roadmap endorsed by Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi — as it seeks to strengthen the people-to-people pillar of both nations’ partnership by “translating it into practical action that empowers students, enhances skills, and deepens collaboration across education and innovation”.

Indian students are among the largest international groups at UEL, which now hosts one in every 20 Indian students studying in the UK, according to university data.

At a time when the role of international students in higher education is under scrutiny, it is vital that we reaffirm our support and celebrate the global perspectives they bring
_{Amanda Broderick, University of East London (UEL)}

UEL, which prides itself on being a “career-first” university and ranks among the top 10% of UK institutions for employment outcomes, sees this partnership as a way to prepare Indian students for global success, especially as international students in the UK are being increasingly urged to sharpen their skills and stand out in the job market.

“Internationally mobile Indian students make a hugely positive contribution to UEL and the wider UK community. At a time when the role of international students in higher education is under scrutiny, it is vital that we reaffirm our support and celebrate the global perspectives they bring,” stated Broderick.

“Our collaboration with NISAU builds on UEL’s long-standing partnerships across India — from our research and innovation collaborations to our growing alumni network and our pioneering India Industry Advisory Board — all focused on preparing students for global success.”

With UEL’s collaborations with major employers such as Tata Consultancy Services, Cognizant, HSBC, Tech Mahindra, and Infosys, along with NISAU’s decade-long support for Indian students, the new partnership looks to set a benchmark for global student engagement.

As the Graduate Route visa is set to be shortened from two years to 18 months starting January 2027, international students will face a tighter window to secure sponsored jobs in the UK – a challenge made harder by ongoing gaps in employability outcomes.

With Indians receiving one of the highest numbers of skilled worker visas in the UK, and the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) offering young Indians aged 18–30 the chance to live and work in the UK for up to three years through a ballot, the NISAU–UEL partnership aims to go a step further, offering “valuable lessons” for UK universities.

“By combining NISAU’s advocacy and networks with UEL’s student-centred ethos and careers-first focus, we can provide valuable lessons for universities across the world on how to champion international learners and celebrate their contribution,” stated Arora.

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