Two-stage master’s degree program launched with India’s VSIS

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has joined with India-based Vishwakarma School of International Studies (VSIS) to offer new two-stage master’s programs that will allow graduate level students easy access to internationalized higher education in Thailand and
India, starting this August 2008 semester.The programs were officially launched with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) on June 17th at a ceremony at VSIS, based
in Pune, India. The two-stage master’s programs will be initially offered in mechatronics, at AIT’s School of Engineering and Technology, and energy technology, at the School of Environment, Resources and Development.Both programs will be conducted in two stages; with one stage at AIT and the other at VSIS. The students will stay at AIT for a minimum period of two semesters to complete course work and research. Students would spend their first and fourth semesters at AIT and the second and third at VSIS. The overall length of stay of each student, however,
will depend on the each individual’s work plan.The two-stage master’s program will allow participating students to benefit from an international curricula taught by world-class faculty and scientists. They will also be exposed to the teaching, research and academic life of both institutions. Students will be eligible to compete for AIT scholarships, fellowships and student assistantships.
Graduating students will earn a master’s degree awarded by AIT.

AIT has chosen Vishwakarma School of International Studies because we feel there are synergies in our respective philosophies. It is the flexibility in curriculum and teaching process that we were looking for from a partner like VSIS,” said Dr. Joydeep Dutta, of AIT’s School of Engineering and Technology.

Officials of both institutions indicated the tie-up would promote AIT–VSIS academic cooperation in many areas. Based on the MoA, the overall curricula and the faculty members delivering the courses and supervising research theses will be determined by AIT. VSIS faculty members will deliver courses based on AIT curricula and also join as co-chairs and committee members for the research thesis.

Vishwakarma School of International Studies (VSIS) was established by Bansilal Ramnath Agarwal Charitable Trust, Pune, established on 16th June 1975 with an objective of offering international degree and career opportunities to student fraternity in association with reputed foreign universities. The trust provides educational and training opportunities through its various educational institutes such as its flagship institute known as Vishwakarma Institute of Technology, Pune, India, set up in 1983.