CUSAT
The Unit for International Relations and Academic Admissions (IRAA) leads CUSAT’s international outreach and academic admission activities. It was carved out in 1996 with the specific purpose of promoting the cause of academic linkage with overseas institutions and ensuring total quality management in admissions to its academic programmes. It plays a pivotal role in fostering international tie-ups and collaborative ventures by promoting faculty / student exchanges and joint research ventures with a view to placing CUSAT on a high pedestal in the international arena of academic excellence.
The Unit has also made its debut into new and varied areas of academic administration/management such as conduct of training programmes / competitive examinations, recruitment of personnel etc.
INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH
Global Academic Partnership Programme (GAPP)
CUSAT has jettisoned its cocoon of conventionalism and has put on wings of catholicity to emerge as a coveted partner in the global academia. The GAPP provides the milieu for academic association with institutions of international acclaim and prestige.
It facilitates exchange of preliminary information, interests and concerns between potential partners. This is followed up by exploratory visits of experts from either side. Academic deliberations/seminars and interactions catalyze the consolidation of focal themes and soon converge into signing of customized memoranda of understanding between the participating institutions.
Currently CUSAT has ongoing exchange programmes with partners in Africa, Canada, Europe, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, USA and Vietnam.
Other collaborative ventures with potential partners in Australia, Europe and South East Asia are in various stages of interaction. CUSAT is all pitched for a quantum leap in global outreach.
Kursk Technical University, Russia
CUSAT and the Kursk State Technical University, Russia have signed a Memorandum of understanding for joint academic ventures between the two institutions. Under this tie-up, both these Universities will publish joint research papers and exchange teachers and students and will work together in organizing international scientific conferences. This new academic linkage between these Universities would promote the academic interests in pursuit for international excellence.
Polarizone Technologies, Malaysia
CUSAT has signed a MoU with Polarizone Technologies, Malaysia, for academic exchange and research programme, aiming at marketing the findings of the research programmes which would help to facilitate the generation of additional revenue and will give the students a chance to work with the reputed organization and educational institution at the international level. CUSAT will work on research and development programmes with Polarizone. Development of innovative technologies and sharing of manpower and resources will also be carried out as part of this agreement and will work together for the commercialization of intellectual property based on mutually beneficial terms.
Chosun University - Republic of Korea
To strengthen its ties with leading Universities around the world, CUSAT has signed a Memorandum of understanding with Chosun University, Republic of Korea in 2003. The Educational and Research Exchange programme between these two Universities envisage exchange of Faculty, researchers, administrative officials and students. Conduct of joint research and academic seminars is part of this joint venture. Under the student exchange programme, steps have been taken to provide practical experience in Marine research, Ship construction and repair at Chosun University.
UT-Battelle, State of Tennessee, USA
Deliberations have been made with representatives of UT-Battelle, State of Tennessee, USA and CUSAT for entering into a Memorandum of Understanding as a foundation for future collaborations. The avenues of joint efforts are in the fields of advanced computing, climate change modeling, application of mathematics and statistics, materials, instrumentation, nano science applications and E-learning.
Indo-Dutch Programme
A major Indo-Dutch project on Alternatives in Development (IDPAD) has been sanctioned by the ICSSR, New Delhi. The joint proposal, ‘Co-operation in a context of crisis: Public / Private Management of Marine Fisheries in South Asia’ submitted by Dr. M. Bavinek, Centre for Maritime Research, Amsterdam and Dr. K. T. Thomson, Reader, School of Industrial Fisheries has been selected for funding by ICSSR for the period 2003-2006 after a long process of assessment.
Indo-Canadian Programme
A research project on ‘The role of public and private sector co-operation in the management of estuaries in Kerala’ has been selected for funding under Shastri Applied Research Project (SHARP) by the Canadian International Development Agency and the Shastri Indo-Canadian Institute. The proposal is a joint exercise in academic co-operation between Dr. K. T. Thomson, Reader, School of Industrial Fisheries and Prof. P. Berkes, National Resource Institute, University of Manitoba, Canada.
Indo-US Programme
An Indo-US collaborative project entitled, ‘Wavelet analysis of frequency spectra for monsoon rainfall’ was sanctioned by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The partners of the project are Prof. T. N. Krishnamurthy, Florida State University and Dr. C. K. Rajan, Professor, Department of Atmospheric Sciences.
Groupe Sup de co Montpellier, France
The International Exchange Programme between CUSAT and Groupe Sup de Co Montpellier initiated in June 1999 is a glowing example of innovation in student exchange opportunities. It provides for a Double Degree award programme. Students of Sup de co Montpellier who complete the fourth under graduate year and who have been awarded the B.Sc.M (Bachelor of Business Sciences) degree at Sup de co Montpellier are admitted to the final year of the MBA programme of CUSAT and on successful completion, they are awarded both the MBA of CUSAT and the DESCM of Sup de Co Montpellier, France. Similarly, students from CUSAT who complete all programme requirements of the first year of the MBA programme are admitted to the full academic final year of Sup de Co Montpellier and on successful completion are awarded the DESCM of Sup de Co Montpellier and the MBA of CUSAT. Operational logistics and modalities find expression in the MOU signed betwixt the two institutions.
University of Manitoba, Canada
CUSAT entered into an Academic Exchange Agreement with the University of Manitoba, Canada with effect from April 2000. The agreement is intended to promote academic exchange of mutual benefit for their respective institutions and includes the development of mutually beneficial academic programmes , exchange of academic staff for the purpose of teaching and research, reciprocal assistance for visiting academic staff and students, coordination of such activities as joint research, lectures and training, exchange of students, exchange of documentation and research materials of mutual interest etc.
University of Bergen / NERSC, Bergen / NERCI
Consultative deliberations held recently among University of Bergen, Norway, Nansen Environmental and Remote Sensing Centre (NERSC), Norway, Nansen Environmental Research Centre India (NERCI) and CUSAT have culminated in the establishment of a collaborative tie-up. The four-pronged tie-up is to be coordinated by NERCI and CUSAT through a representative administrative set up. The agreement is evolved to develop cooperative efforts in research and education with focus on environmental, ecological and climate research issues of regional concern, specifically including the development of exchange of visiting scientists/ teaching faculty between the participating institutions. Initiation and development of joint research projects in Marine Sciences, submission of joint projects for funding to national and international agencies, exchange of graduate and under graduate students in Marine Sciences and development of cooperation in the fields of distance education and research programmes in Marine Sciences are the areas of concern.
Kochi University, Japan
CUSAT and the Japanese National University at Kochi, Japan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for establishing academic cooperation between the two institutions. CUSAT has been accorded the distinctive status of a “Sister University of the Japanese National University”. This would initiate academic links, research collaborations through national and international funding and also exchange of students and academic/administrative staff between the two Universities. Joint Projects/Research Proposals beneficial to the society at large could be submitted to multinational companies for special funding.
Indo-Dutch Programmes under the MHO
Besides the one-to-one academic linkages with overseas institutions, CUSAT has a broad-based, long-term tie up with selected Dutch Universities through the MHO programme of the Government of The Netherlands.
Besides seven independent projects within the framework of this collaboration, a sandwich programme for doctoral studies and a short-term research programme on various aspects of prawn-farming operate between various teaching / administrative units of the University and identified overseas counterparts. The Schools of Environmental Studies, Marine Sciences, RUDAT, ISP and the Departments of AED, DCS, SoE, PS&RT, interact with the Dutch Universities of Delft, Eindhowen and Tilburg as well as with the Cantho University of Vietnam.
American College of Dubai, UAE
A Memorandum of agreement has been established between CUSAT and the American College of Dubai (ACD) in the United Arab Emirates to promote acadmic and educational collaborations in the areas of common interest. The agreement envisages academic exchanges which include exchange of academic materials and publications. The ACD students will be admitted into the third semister of B.Tech. Engineering programmes offered by CUSAT and awarded the B.Tech. Engineering Degree of CUSAT.
University of Bremen, Germany
CUSAT and the University of Bremen, Germany have entered into an agreement of co-operation in order to extend the effective and mutually beneficial co-operation and develop academic and cultural exchange in education, research and other areas.
Educational Destination for International Students
CUSAT welcomes applicants from any part of the globe and offers a package of wide ranging, customized services in addition to superior academic opportunities, unique cultural experiences and a friendly campus environment. Every effort is made to render their academic / cultural transitions as smooth as possible. International students who had chosen to come over to CUSAT have testified that studying at CUSAT had been a stimulating and fulfilling experience. CUSAT is fast emerging as a preferred educational destination for international students. Selected academic programmes of the University even have a definite percentage of seats exclusively reserved for international students (See section on “Foreign students”, p. 95).
Promotion of Indian Higher Education Abroad’ (PIHEAD) Programme
The UGC’s vision for ‘Promotion of Indian Higher Education Abroad’ includes short-term, semester-based ‘Study India Programmes’ for students from developed countries, longer-duration degree programmes in science and technology for students from the developing countries, “Twinning arrangements’, establishment of ‘Education Export Zones’ and international campuses in different countries across the world.
The Study India Programme (SIP)
The Study India Programme (SIP), the first phase of PIHEAD, would offer short-term, semester-based, inter-disciplinary programmes designed to infuse the essence of India and, in particular, of Kerala to the aspiring student from developed countries. The focus would be on Indian art, culture, Gandhian thought, history, philosophy, yoga etc., besides Kerala’s heritage in arts (martial, performing), traditional architecture (vasthuvidya), indigenous medicine (ayurveda, siddha etc.), the famous ‘Kerala Model’ of decentralized planning / developmental initiatives etc.
Studying at CUSAT
The Indian education system lays great emphasis on the ability of the students for independent work. As a student of CUSAT, therefore, you would be encouraged to read widely and deeply into the subject of your choice. Seminars / tutorials provide opportunities for the free exchange of ideas and for the development of teaching skills. Free e-mail and internet facilities are available to all students at their respective Departments. The campus is small enough to keep everything within walking distance, yet large enough to provide tree-lined setting for recreation and relaxation.
Transfer of Credits
All academic programmes of the University are credit and semester-based. Bilateral arrangements could provide for transfer of credits earned to home institutions, if so desired.
Accommodation
Accommodation for international students are available at the “Athithi Bhavan” and / or the University hostels. (See also under “Hostel facilities” and “Off-Campus accommodation” ).
Counselling Service
We are aware of the additional stress that studying and living abroad can bring to you. You could feel much better by availing of the free counselling service (one-to-one counselling or e-mail counselling), details of which are available from the International Student Advisor. Telephone and walk-in counselling facilities are also available.
The State of Kerala
Tucked away along the south-western coast of the Indian sub-continent is the State of Kerala which offers a tryst with harmony. Kerala is an impossibly green fertile strip nestled between the grandeur of the Western Ghats and the opulent beaches of the Arabian Sea. The unmatched beauty of Kerala, rightly christened “God’s Own country”, provides myriad opportunities for escapades into the lap of Mother Nature. The rich cultural heritage of this tiny strip of land steeped in its long history of contact with the outside world coupled with the characteristic “malayalee” warmth has led to the blossoming of lasting relationships that continue to transcend geographical / national confines.
The City of Kochi
Kochi (Cochin) is one of the most beautiful University locations in India — on the coast and surrounded everywhere by a lush green canopy. Kochi, celebrated as the ”Queen of the Arabian Sea” and the commercial capital of the State of Kerala, is the most prominent port city in Southern India and has a hoary tradition of welcoming the foreign visitor as a guest and a friend. The bewitching network of its meandering waterways and the cluster of its islands that offer a peep into its unviolated countryside provide ecstatic bliss.
Kochi is ~ 200 km from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of the State of Kerala and has excellent local, national and international links by air, rail and road. (Also, see Section on “How to reach CUSAT”).
The urban metropolis of Greater Kochi includes the twin cities of Fort Kochi and Ernakulam and the adjoining towns of Tripunithura, Kalamassery and Alwaye. It has an area of ~88 sq.km. and a population of ~17 lakhs. An efficient bus service network is a boon to the city.
Weather
The weather in Kochi (and Kerala) has no extremes, but is usually humid during the summer months with the temperatures peaking to 30 to 350 C.
Three seasons are recognized :
Pre-monsoon (spring / summer) : January to May
(temperature : 22 – 350 C)
Monsoon : June to September
(temperature : 24 – 290 C)
Post-monsoon : (a semblance of fall /winter) : October to December
(temperature : 24 – 270 C)
Monsoon rains in Kerala are to be seen to be believed. It doesn’t merely rain, it pours ! Average annual rainfall is ~ 300 cm.
Religion
Kochi has a cosmopolitan population all living in wholesome amity and communal harmony. Christian, Hindu and Muslim worship places abound in the vicinity of CUSAT as well as all over the city of Cochin.
Distances to Kochi
Distances and travel times from Indian metros to Cochin
From Distance in kilometers (duration in hours)
By air By rail
Kolkotta (Calcutta) 1900 (6) 2385 (60)
Mumbai (Bombay) 670 (2) 1850 (18)
New Delhi 1300 (4) 2840 (48)
Chennai (Madras) 340 (1) 690 (13)
Bangalore 230 (1) 590 (12)
How To Apply
International students are exempted from the requirement of admission tests for the academic programmes of the university. They can apply either on self-financing basis or through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) attached to the Ministry of Human Resources Development of the Government of India. The ICCR offers a number of scholarships to enable International students pursue higher studies in universities and other recognized institutions of higher learning in India. Details regarding the various ICCR Scholarships may be had from :
The Programme Director
Indian Council for Cultural Relations
Azad Bhavan, Indraprastha Estate,
New Delhi - 110 002
Tel. : 91-011-23319309 / 23319310
Fax : 91-011-23712639 / 23710732 / 23318647
E-mail : iccr@giasdl01.vsnl.net.in
For admission to the first degree B. Tech programmes of the University, self-financing International students can apply directly to the University.
Prospective self-financed students desirous of undergoing a postgraduate programme of study may submit their applications indicating the programme and enclosing copies of mark lists/transcripts of all examinations undergone, curriculum vitae, two copies of recent passport size photographs, character certificates from the Principal of the institution last attended and two reference letters from persons who have intimate knowledge of their academic capabilities. Such candidates will also have to obtain a “No Objection Certificate” issued by the Ministry of Human Resources Development/Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India and attach it to the application, which is to be forwarded to:
The Director, IRAA, CUSAT, Kochi - 682 022
The academic year at CUSAT commences in July. Applications from international students are required to be received for processing atleast six months in advance.
The International Students Programme (ISP)
The International Students Programme (ISP) of the IRAA unit acts as the cynosure for international students and provides a variety of assistance to prospective/ongoing international students :
Pre-arrival information support on
• all academic programmes and their entry requirements
• application procedures and other formalities
• immigration requirements
• accommodation availabilities
• flight connectivity to Kochi from overseas cities
Meeting and greeting service
A friendly welcome and transfer to the university campus awaits you at the airport (Kochi International Airport) / railway station.
Orientation programmes
Orientation programmes to help international students settle down and get acclimatized to life in Kochi. Included are a welcome reception, assistance in Police registration formalities, opening of Bank accounts, tour of the university campus, and an introduction to health care facilities, Indian culture, social events and life in Kochi.
Assistance in language support
Assistance in arranging English language support programmes as well as additional short-term programmes in Arabic, Japanese, French, German and Russian.
The goals of the ISP are two-fold : to attract more international students to the university and to provide them with efficient, personalized service once they are here. The mission of the ISP is, thus, to help students in all stages of their educational experience.
International Student Adviser (ISA)
International Student Adviser (ISA) of the IRAA is your friend away from your home and seeks to offer advice and help to all international students (and their families) during their life in Kochi. This could involve, among others, liaison with University Departments and officers or with local/public administration. The Advisor would have periodic interactions with the students on all academic/personal matters of concern and would organize weekend social / sight-seeing trips to help reduce stress and to bridge cultural barriers.
Should you have any problems, the ISA would be willing to offer free counselling and / or confidential advice on subjects such as visa, finance, housing etc.
The Adviser would also induct the international students into “Home Away from Home” (HAH) programme whereby each student would be attached and encouraged to visit and stay at an Indian home as non-paying guests during weekends/holidays. This opportunity to live with Indian families and experience real Indian home life is indeed one of the most attractive extras in studying at CUSAT.
Academic Admissions
The IRAA Unit is also bestowed with the onus of conducting the Common Admission Test for admission to the various academic programmes of the University and for organizing the process of centralized admissions to the academic programmes.
Student Support Services
The Student Support Service of the IRAA offers practical / personal advice and information support to prospective and current students on a wide variety of issues — accommodation, finances, programme requirements, international student queries, immigration procedures, application / admission formalities etc.
Assistance / advice / guidance may be had from the office of :
The Director
International Relations and Academic Admissions
CUSAT, Kochi - 682 022
