Mahindra University (MU), Hyderabad, has entered into a strategic partnership with Japan’s prestigious Hiroshima University (HU), marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during a ceremony held recently in Hiroshima, Japan.
This partnership opens the door to a range of collaborative initiatives, with the 3+1 undergraduate engineering programme being a standout. This unique programme offers Mahindra University students a chance to immerse themselves in an international academic environment, spending three years in Hyderabad and the final year at Hiroshima University. During their time in Japan, they will undertake coursework and complete a thesis for graduation. Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate from Hiroshima University and a final degree from Mahindra University, which will absorb the credits earned at Hiroshima University.
The first batch of Mahindra students is expected to begin their final-year studies at Hiroshima in the 2026 academic year. The selection process for this unique opportunity will be rigorous and transparent, ensuring that the most deserving students are chosen. Students will be required to pay the applicable tuition fee at HU; however, the university will waive examination and entrance fees to make the opportunity more accessible.
In addition to the joint degree initiative, the MoU outlines broad-based cooperation in areas including the promotion of joint research projects across thematic and strategic areas, exchange of faculty and administrative staff, undergraduate and graduate student exchanges, and collaborative sharing of academic publications and research outcomes.
The MoU for this collaboration was signed at a formal ceremony held in Japan by Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, and Dr Mitsuo Ochi, President of Hiroshima University. This significant event was also attended by key academic leaders from Mahindra University, including Dr Visalakshi Talakokula, Assistant Dean of Academics and Research and Development, École Centrale School of Engineering, Mahindra University, and Dr Rajinder Chauhan, Dean of the Centre for Life Sciences, Mahindra University, who played instrumental roles in shaping the terms of the MoU and will continue to oversee its implementation.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, said, “We are honoured to partner with Hiroshima University, a leading institution of research. This marks a significant milestone in our quest to internationalize education—enabling Mahindra University students to spend their final year at Hiroshima University, which will enrich their academic growth and intercultural understanding. It underscores our shared commitment to nurturing globally competent graduates equipped to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.”
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to fostering academic excellence, nurturing young talent, and driving collaborative research on issues of global importance,” said Dr Mitsuo Ochi, President, Hiroshima University.
