Posted: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
By: University Communications

University of Evansville (UE) students and faculty could have new opportunities to study and conduct research in India through a recently signed agreement with Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS) in Chennai.

The three-year agreement establishes a framework for academic collaboration between the two universities, including student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, academic programming and teaching, and international conferences.

The institutions also plan to explore opportunities for dual-degree programs and credit transfer arrangements that could create additional pathways for students at both universities.

Suresh Immanuel, UE dean of the College of Business and Engineering and associate provost for academic partnerships, said the agreement creates opportunities to build relationships that extend beyond the classroom.

"An international partnership is most valuable when it creates opportunities for people at both institutions to learn from one another," Immanuel said. "We see potential for our students and faculty to develop new academic relationships, engage in collaborative research, and gain perspectives that would be difficult to replicate in a traditional classroom setting."

Founded in 2008, VISTAS is based in Chennai, India, and offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in fields ranging from engineering and business to health sciences, law, aviation, and the arts. The university holds an A++ accreditation rating from India's National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

The partnership adds to UE's international academic network. The University welcomes students from more than 55 countries at its main campus and operates Harlaxton College in Grantham, England, where students can pursue coursework while living and studying abroad.

The agreement will remain in place for three years and may be renewed by mutual agreement.