Overview
Welcome to the International Relations Office of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT). In today’s interconnected world, our mission is to internationalize the academic environment by enhancing international Student and faculty mobility and working to strengthen international research collaboration. Through strategic alliances, international programs, and cultural exchanges, we aim to build a community that transcends geographical boundaries.
Welcome to the International Relations Office of Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT). In today’s interconnected world, our mission is to internationalize the academic environment by enhancing international Student and faculty mobility and working to strengthen international research collaboration. Through strategic alliances, international programs, and cultural exchanges, we aim to build a community that transcends geographical boundaries.
Founded in 1984, the Vellore Institute of Technology(VIT) has established a rich tradition of excellence across various academic disciplines. VIT is one of India's top 10 institutions among higher education and research institutions and it has an international presence. VIT is committed to providing high-quality education without geographical boundaries, bringing diversity to its student body and research activities. VIT creates a unique holistic ecosystem for education that offers interactive learning, a very flexible academic structure, cutting-edge research, strong industry collaboration, and entrepreneurship. Our focus is to create opportunities for cross-cultural understanding, collaborative research, and innovative global solutions. Whether you are a prospective student, a partner organization, or an esteemed colleague, we are committed to supporting your journey toward impactful international engagement.
The International Relations Office has initiated several dynamic mobility programs aimed at fostering global collaboration and enriching academic experiences. These programs offer students, faculty, and researchers the opportunity to engage in exchange programs, internships, and joint research projects across partner institutions worldwide. VIT enjoys a relationship with universities worldwide and industries that go beyond academics and research collaborations. We are also interested in initiating bilateral partnerships with Universities and Research organisations of repute, which will benefit both students and the faculty community.
Together, we can address global challenges and build a more inclusive, sustainable future. I encourage you to explore the diverse opportunities we offer and connect with us to make a difference on the global stage.
With over 500+ international MoUs across the globe, Vellore Institute of Technology has a strong international presence abroad. The International Relations office of Vellore Institute of Technology helps the students to explore diverse environments and various cultures across the world through partnership arrangements with institutes and universities all over the world. International Relations team helps to connect students and faculty with peers from foreign institutions abroad. The international partner universities are spread in various countries throughout the world – USA, Canada, UK,Australia, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and South America.
Click the link below to explore the list of partnering international universities.
VIT provides education to students not only from India but also from abroad. The growing number of foreign students on campus to pursue their education and research stands as a testimony to VIT’s transformation into an International Institute.
The students get a chance to visit international partner universities in their pre- final or final year under the Semester Abroad Programme (SAP). VIT’s Semester Abroad programme aims to encourage students from all streams to pursue their courses and capstone project in one of the international partner universities. The Office of International Relations organizes a road show to students in their pre-final year and all are invited to participate. The Semester Abroad Programme is open to both undergraduate and postgraduate students. A Semester Abroad Programme is a transformative experience that equips students for a globalized world.
VIT’s International Transfer Programme (ITP) offers students an exceptional opportunity to pursue a global education by completing part of their degree at VIT and the remaining credits at a prestigious partner university abroad. Depending on the program structure, students can earn a degree from VIT, the partner university, or both, giving them a competitive edge in the global job market.The students can opt for the International Transfer Programme in partner universities in the USA, UK, Belgium, Sweden, New Zealand and Australia. This international program is offered to Engineering streams. The International Relations of VIT also brings in over 200+ faculty from foreign universities to take up teaching and research assignments at VIT. International programs don’t end here. There are internships ,summer and winter schools available all over the globe for the students to earn a fellowship, valuable work and study experience.
Why opt for International Programmes?
- Enhance the merit of the resume
- Network with various scientists and researchers
- Assimilate information on higher education opportunities abroad
- Involve in latest cutting edge and emerging technologies
- Gain a better perspective and outlook
International Relations play a crucial role in increasing the presence of foreign students and faculty on the campus. Partnering on international research projects attracts renowned faculty and researchers to collaborate on cutting-edge research. The latest achievement of being recognized as an Institute of Eminence, solidifies VIT’s position as a leading educational institution, fostering a world-class learning environment for students and faculty alike.
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Limerick (UL), Ireland.
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), India, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Limerick (UL), Ireland. This collaboration is set to enhance the exchange of students and faculty, initiate joint research and development programs, and establish joint twinning programs. Furthermore, it will create Centres of Excellence in Science, Engineering, Technology, Management, and Humanities.
Prominent figures from both institutions attended the MoU signing ceremony. Representing VIT were Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan, Vice President Mr. Sankar Viswanathan, Assistant Vice President Ms. Kadhambari S. Viswanathan, Vice Chancellor Dr. Kanchana Bhaaskaran, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Partha Sharathi Mallick, and Director of International Relations Dr. R. Seenivasan, along with other senior faculty members. From the University of Limerick, attendees included Prof. Syed Tofail, Chair of the UL India Committee and member of the Department of Physics; Mr. James Sergeant, UL Global Officer; Prof. Nanasaheb Thorat, member of the UL India Committee and Department of Physics; and Dr. Charlie O’Mahony, Researcher in the Department of Physics.
This MoU represents a significant milestone in strengthening academic and research ties between the two esteemed institutions, fostering innovative educational and research opportunities.
Partnership meeting with the Johns Hopkins University, USA
Senior delegates from VIT & Johns Hopkins University, USA – a renowned University for it’s pathbreaking research work had an academic cooperation meeting recently and brainstormed the challenges faced in the ever-changing AI & ML landscape.
Our Vice President Dr. Sekar Viswanathan & Assistant Vice President Ms. Kadhambari S. Viswanathan along with Dr. Ed Schlesinger, Dean, Johns Hopkins University-Whiting School of Engineering spearheaded the meetings.
Other dignitaries present include Dr. Hedy Alavi, Associate Dean for Global Partnerships; Professor, Sridevi Sarma, Vice Dean for Graduate Education; Ms. Damini Agarwal, Chief Technology Officer, Infinite Biomedical Technologies – all from Johns Hopkins; Our Vice Chancellor, Dr. V. S. Kanchana Bhaaskaran; Director International Relations, Dr. R.Seenivasan, Deans & Directors
Hon. Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan, Prof. Daire Kaogh, President of Dublin City University, Dr. R. Seenivasan, Director of International Relations , VIT, and senior academic leaders from DCU were present during this occasion.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Loyola Marymount University (LMU), California, USA.
VIT marked a significant milestone as Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Loyola Marymount University (LMU), California, USA. This partnership aims to enhance student and faculty exchanges, foster research collaborations, organize joint seminars, and develop twinning programs. Additionally, it will allow qualifying students to pursue their master’s degrees at LMU.
The momentous event was graced by the presence of several distinguished leaders from both institutions. Representing VIT were Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan, Vice Presidents Mr. Sankar Viswanathan and Dr. Sekar Viswanathan, Assistant Vice President Ms. Kadhambari S. Viswanathan, Vice Chancellor Dr. Kanchana Bhaaskaran, and Director of International Relations Dr. R. Seenivasan. From LMU, the attendees included Dr. Tina Choe, Dean of the Frank R. Seaver College of Science and Engineering, Dr. Maureen P. Weatherall, Vice Provost of Enrollment Management, and Dr. Ammar Dalal, Assistant Vice Provost of Graduate Enrollment.
VIT and Dublin City University (DCU), Ireland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
VIT and Dublin City University (DCU), Ireland signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish academic & research collaborations with two institutions. This MoU will foster our students & faculty to undertake exchange programmes during their course of study, undertake joint research work during their PhD, and also jointly publish in renowned journals.
Hon. Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan, Prof. Daire Kaogh, President of Dublin City University, Dr. R. Seenivasan, Director of International Relations , VIT, and senior academic leaders from DCU were present during this occasion.
VIT and Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH), Germany, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
VIT and Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH), Germany, have recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the aim of developing an academic exchange and cooperation program in education and research. The MoU will benefit both institutes by conducting joint research activities and exchanging academic materials. It will pave the way for the exchange of students and faculty between the two institutions. Leibniz University is one among the prestigious #TU9 Universities in #Germany that is known for excellence in Engineering and Science
Hon. Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan signed this MoU with officials from Leibniz University. Dr. R. Seenivasan, Director,International Relations, VIT was present during the occasion.
MoU signed with KTH Royal Institute of Technology - Sweden
A historic MoU was signed with KTH Royal Institute of Technology – Sweden’s largest Technical University for academic, research co-operations & International Transfer Programme (ITP)
Under this pact, select students from VIT can pursue their program partially in India and partially in KTH Royal Inst of Technology, Sweden thereby getting the best of academic & research opportunities from both India & Sweden.
Hon. Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan, Director International Relations, Dr. R.Seenivasan, and delegates from KTH Royal were present during this occasion.
Memorandum of Understanding signed between Cranfield University UK and VIT
VIT strengthened its connections with Cranfield University, one of UK’s leading Universities building on a long-standing relationship between both institutions. Since a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Cranfield and VIT in 2017, the two universities have worked closely to deliver dual degree programs, joint short courses, research collaborations, internship opportunities, and joint academic appointments.
Hon. Chancellor Dr G. Viswanathan and Dr. R. Seenivasan, Director, International Relations visited Cranfield recently to ink a new Memorandum of Agreements with VIT campuses. With the initial collaboration focusing on manufacturing and moving into aerospace, a deeper relationship will now extend across more areas of shared interest and potentially offer more integrated Master’s courses for students from VIT and strengthen the academic and research partnership between the two universities.
Dr. Suresh Sampath, Head of the Gas Turbine Systems Engineering and Operations Group in the Centre for Propulsion Engineering from Cranfield University, who played a key role in this collaboration, Professor Karen Holford, Chief Executive and Vice-Chancellor along with Pro Vice Chancellors of Cranfield University attended the MOU Signing Ceremony and partnership meeting.
High-profile delegation from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) visits City, University of London
High-profile delegation from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) visits City, University of London
The agreement was signed last week during VIT’s Chancellor Dr G. Viswanathan and the Director of VIT’s International Office, Prof.Dr.Seenivasan R, visit to City, University of London.
The University of Stuttgart, Germany and Vellore Institute of Technology seal cooperation with MoU
The University of Stuttgart, Germany, and Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) want to intensify their academic cooperation. A memorandum of understanding to this effect was signed during the visit of VIT Founder and Chancellor Dr.G.Viswanathan and Director International Dr R.Seenivasan to Stuttgart, Germany on May 3, 2023.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on May 3 by Prof. Ilia Polian, Dean of Faculty 5: Computer Science, Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at the University of Stuttgart, and Dr. G. Viswanathan, Founder and Chancellor of the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), India.
VIT MoU with George Washington University
Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) today has signed a MoU with School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) of George Washington University (GWU) to establish a Preferred International Partnership Program that allows students who have obtained their bachelor’s degree within the five years preceding their application to GWU or who will graduate with a bachelor’s degree from VIT in the year preceding their application to GWU the option to apply for a GWUSEAS Graduate degree program with Graduate Program application fee waiver and enhanced opportunity for scholarships.
VIT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the California State University, Los Angeles, USA
Dr. G. Viswanathan, Founder & Chancellor – VIT, and Dr. R. Seenivasan, Dy. Director of International Relations (North America), Dr. Harkmore Lee – Associate Vice President International Programmes & Global Education and Dean – College of Professional & Global Education, Cal. State LA represented during this MoU signing ceremony held at the Cal. State campus, Los Angeles, USA.
This MoU will facilitate various opportunities for student exchange & faculty exchange programmes in addition to joint study programs and research activities between the two institutions.
VIT has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Texas at Arlington, Dallas, USA
Dr. G. Viswanathan, Chancellor – VIT University along with Dr. R. Seenivasan, Dy. Director International Relations (IR) Office VIT, Dr. Pranesh B. Aswath Provost & Vice President, for Academic Affairs University of Texas at Arlington, Dallas, USA and various dignitaries from UTA were present during this historic occasion. This MoU will foster student exchange & faculty exchange programmes in addition to joint study programs and research activities between the two institutions.
Academic cooperation meeting with the University of California, Riverside, USA
As a part of the visit to US higher education institutions, our honourable Chancellor Dr. G. Viswanathan along with Dr. R. Seenivasan, Dy. Director International Relations (North America) met Dr.Jun Wang, Assistant Provost Strategic Initiatives and International Recruitment, Dr David Dai, Associate Director Strategic Initiatives and International Recruitment & Dr Michael Schmelzle Director, International Students & Scholars from the University of California, Riverside USA during academic cooperation meeting held at UCR campus , for strong academic, research cooperation and exchange programmes between the two institutions.
