The University of Pretoria (UP) recently formalised its academic and research partnership with India’s PSG Institute of Advanced Studies (PSGIAS) by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during PSGIAS’s inaugural visit to South Africa. 

The MoU marks a new chapter in a growing relationship between the two institutions, and includes provisions for the secure exchange of information and joint ownership of intellectual property resulting from collaborative research. While it does not include immediate financial commitments, the agreement creates a foundation for future project-specific collaborations that may involve funding arrangements.

The visit began at UP’s Gordon Institute of Business Science, where representatives from PSGIAS met with Dean of the business school Professor Morris Mthombeni to explore potential areas of collaboration, particularly in innovation, entrepreneurship and cross-disciplinary business research.

“I’m looking forward to seeing how this collaboration develops,” said UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Francis Petersen. 

The MoU strengthens the relationship between the two institutions, one that has been shaped through previous exchanges and leadership engagement. One of the earlier milestones in this partnership was a visit by UP Vice-Principal Prof Sunil Maharaj, a key figure in fostering the connection between the two institutions, to PSGIAS in Coimbatore. The visit helped to establish trust and understanding, paving the way for deeper engagement.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to international collaboration that drives real-world impact,” Prof Sunil Maharaj said. “We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will open up for our students, faculty and researchers.”

The agreement lays out a framework for cooperation in four major areas: student participation, academic and staff exchange, joint research activities, and the development of interdisciplinary academic programmes. This includes initiatives such as co-supervised postgraduate research, academic credit recognition, co-hosted seminars and conferences, and the exploration of joint degree programmes.

“This MoU is a significant step towards fostering stronger ties between India and South Africa in the fields of higher education and research,” said Shri L Gopalakrishnan, PSGIAS Managing Trustee. “Together, we aim to create a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and global learning.”

As the MoU comes into effect, both institutions are looking forward to building a lasting partnership that bridges continents, and contributes meaningfully to global academic and research excellence.