University of East London signs landmark pact with NISAU to boost Indian student welfare

The University of East London (UEL) has joined hands with the National Indian Students and Alumni Union (NISAU) UK to launch a pioneering partnership aimed at improving the welfare, employability, and overall success of Indian students in the United Kingdom.

The agreement, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at UEL’s Stratford campus last week, outlines a new model of cooperation designed to provide comprehensive support to students, from pre-departure preparation in India to career development after graduation.

With data indicating that one in every 20 Indian students heading to the UK chooses UEL, the partnership is expected to serve as a model for international student engagement and institutional best practices.

“Internationally mobile Indian students make a hugely positive contribution to UEL and the wider UK community,” said Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor of UEL, who signed the MoU.

“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,” she added.

The collaboration also builds on UEL’s existing ties with leading employers of its graduates, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Cognizant, HSBC, Tech Mahindra, and Infosys. Together, these organizations co-design skill pathways and promote employability for Indian graduates.

“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,” said Sanam Arora, NISAU UK Chair.

“This partnership reflects NISAU’s broader mission to build a globally respected framework for student welfare and employability—one that can be adopted by institutions around the world as the next phase of international education collaboration,” Arora added.

Arora added that the initiative aligns with the India-UK Vision 2035, a strategic roadmap renewed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UK in July.

The framework emphasizes education and skills as central pillars of bilateral cooperation over the coming decade.

“Aligned with the ambitions of the India-UK Vision 2035, it strengthens the people-to-people pillar of our nations' partnership, turning that vision into practical action that empowers students, enhances skills, and deepens collaboration across education and innovation,” she said.

UEL highlighted several of its ongoing India-focused collaborations already making an impact, such as Sugarcrete’s partnership with Chemical System Technologies, which led to the construction of a school near Delhi and generated jobs for women.

The university’s ORNATE India and Naandi Foundation projects have also contributed to improvements in the healthcare sector.

“Together, UEL and NISAU aim to set a new benchmark for global student engagement and international collaboration, contributing to the strength of the India-UK educational partnership and the shared goal of inclusive, future-focused education,” NISAU UK said.

The signing of the MoU coincided with the launch of the fourth edition of the India-UK Achievers Honours at the House of Lords in London, held alongside Diwali and Bandi Chhor Diwas celebrations.

The annual NISAU UK initiative recognizes Indian changemakers who have leveraged their UK education to drive progress in business, science, public service, culture, and innovation, further reinforcing the “living bridge” between the two nations.

“International students bring £42 billion of value to the UK every year; few sectors generate value of that scale. We must ensure a stable policy framework so that the UK continues to appeal to international students and can play its vital role in global education,” said Lord Jo Johnson, former UK universities minister.

The event drew cross-party parliamentarians, diplomats, senior officials, and higher education leaders from both countries to celebrate education as a cornerstone of bilateral relations.

“These awards are a powerful symbol of the enduring bond between India and the UK, rooted in shared values, mutual respect, and a commitment to excellence. India-UK Achievers is a celebration of soft power, showing how education can be a force for diplomacy, innovation, and social progress,” said Sonia Kumar, Indian-origin Labour MP for Dudley in the West Midlands.