News

VIU to offer business program in India

September 30, 2006

Students in India will soon be able to earn a VIU diploma without leaving their country.

Representatives from Vancouver Island University and INMANTEC, an India-based business and technology academy, signed an agreement September 22 which opens new career opportunities for Indian students.

The agreement allows INMANTEC professors to deliver a VIU Post-Degree Diploma in Business Studies (PDDB) to Indian graduate students studying at the Ghaziabad campus, located 20 kms east of Delhi.

"This is the first time Vancouver Island University has delivered programs in India," said Bronwyn Jenkins-Deas, VIU’s dean of International Education.

"It will open up opportunities for Indian students who can’t afford to come to Canada but who want international accreditation and a good quality VIU education. The biggest advantage the graduates will have is an assured admission into VIU’s one-year Master of Business Administration program in Canada after completing their PDDB in India."

Opinder Singh, a VIU Master of Business Administration graduate and post-graduate degree grad from INMANTEC, is now INMANTEC’s new International representative. He graduated from VIU in 2005 and is excited to see a VIU program being offered in his home country.

"Offering a VIU diploma program in India will give Indian students an opportunity to get an internationally recognized education without traveling abroad," said Singh, who recently moved back to India to start promoting the program.

"It will be more affordable for those students who cannot afford to go to Canada. Now they can get the same quality education in India."

INMANTEC is focused on preparing their business students for the global economy and this agreement will support that vision. Singh found his own education at VIU has prepared him for the real world by broadening his perspectives on other cultures and business practices.

"Indian grads equipped with international degrees and diplomas will have an edge over the others as they have already adapted to the culture, style and business environment that prevails globally," said Singh.

"As we all know, India is becoming more prominent in the international market, so this degree will act as an important tool for budding entrepreneurs. These students may, in future, help boost the trade relations between India and Canada and benefit the economies of both countries."

Although Canadian students won’t immediately benefit from this partnership, Jenkins-Deas and Singh say it could open up opportunities in the future, like a study-abroad program or short-term student and faculty exchange programs.

Jenkins-Deas anticipates at least 40 students will start in the fledgling program next year. That number could grow to 200 a year, once the program becomes better known. VIU business faculty will mentor and support the INMANTEC staff to ensure that Canadian curriculum and quality is being delivered.

The agreement was signed at the Vancouver Island University’s Nanaimo campus on September 22 by INMANTEC executive director Dr. Pankaj Gupta.

VIU also offers programs in China, Singapore and Thailand.