Nigerians may start to consider universities with United States (US) or United Kingdom (UK) affiliations in other countries, as an option for their study abroad pursuit. This is not unconnected to the Trump administration recently halting US student visas from being issued to international students.
The United Kingdom (UK) is also not left out as, post study work options are currently unavailable to international students, leaving many to reconsider studying there.
Another issue is the high exchange rate which has caused the tuition fees and living expenses in these countries almost impossible to bear.
Read also: Young Nigerians hit as Trump orders US embassies worldwide to halt student visa application
For some time now, several countries in Asia have deepened their collaborations with American universities. From joint research ventures to dual degree programmes, these initiatives are reshaping the global academic landscape. Here’s a closer look at some notable developments across India, Taiwan, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia.
These examples highlight the growing interconnectedness of global education and the increasing appetite for collaborative, cross-border academic experiences. As student mobility and international credentials gain prominence, these partnerships play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education.
India
India continues to strengthen its academic ties with the U.S. through research and dual degrees and currently leads Southern Asia in forming partnerships with American institutions. Some of these institutions are:
Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) Madras and Northwestern University teamed up to offer courses such as data science, web science, network science, and computational social science.
IIT Hyderabad has also been actively engaging with various U.S. universities, regularly hosting delegations and joint research initiatives across multiple disciplines.
Brandeis University and IIT Jodhpur utilises a dual-degree model where students commence their studies in India and complete their second year in the U.S.
Further collaboration is being driven at the policy level. For instance,
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved the establishment of campuses for five foreign universities in India, including the Illinois Institute of Technology.
Arizona State University (ASU) has also partnered with various Indian institutions on a range of research and academic programmes.
Johns Hopkins University has launched a clinical research consortium with Indian medical colleges, including Byramjee Jeejeebhoy Government Medical College in Pune.
Taiwan
In East Asia, Ming Chuan University in Taiwan stands out for being the first university in Asia to earn U.S. accreditation, reflecting its commitment to international standards and cross-border education.
Kyrgyzstan
In Central Asia, the American University of Central Asia (AUCA), based in Kyrgyzstan, offers U.S-accredited degrees through its long-standing affiliation with Bard College. This partnership encompasses shared curricula, faculty exchange, and quality assurance aligned with American academic standards.
Malaysia
Malaysia continues to be a regional leader in offering U.S -linked degree pathways in these institutions:
Sunway University collaborates with the University of Wisconsin through the American Degree Transfer Program (ADTP), enabling students to begin their studies in Malaysia and complete their degrees in the U.S.
Taylor’s University offers dual degree programmes in partnership with several American universities, allowing students to graduate with qualifications from both countries.
Other institutions such as UCSI University, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, and Monash University Malaysia also maintain strong U.S. ties, promoting global learning experiences through exchange programmes and academic collaborations.
Mauritius
In the Indian Ocean, Mauritius is emerging as a node for transnational education, including U.S. affiliations.
Texila American University is an institution with American roots.
Middlesex University Mauritius, Université des Mascareignes, and Whitefield Business School are among the institutions with formal links to either the U.S. or the U.K., offering diverse international study options on the island.
