Saint Louis University Deepens Partnership with University of Mumbai, Expands Opportunities for Students in India
Saint Louis University (SLU) is strengthening its innovative partnership with the University of Mumbai, creating new opportunities for Indian students to earn advanced degrees while gaining valuable academic and cultural experiences in the United States.
The collaboration features a 1+1 pathway program that enables students to complete the first year of their master’s degree at the University of Mumbai and the second year at SLU in St. Louis. This fall, chemistry will be added as an additional offering to the available master’s programs in cybersecurity and analytics.
When it launched last fall, the pathway program marked the first articulation agreement between a public university in India and a U.S. university. Such agreements streamline the transition for students between institutions, ensuring they retain progress toward their degrees.
By partnering with the University of Mumbai, SLU has connected with one of the world’s largest university systems, which serves more than 700,000 students across hundreds of campuses and affiliated colleges.
SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., is honored during the University of Mumbai's commencement in January 2025. Submitted photo.
Last month, SLU President Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., traveled to India to meet with University of Mumbai leaders and participate as the first American guest of honor at their commencement ceremony. During the event, he was recognized by Shri. C. P. Radhakrishnan, the governor of Maharashtra and chancellor of Maharashtra State Universities.
“It was a privilege to take part in such a significant event,” Pestello said. “Our growing partnership with the University of Mumbai supports India’s bold educational initiatives while enriching the global perspectives at SLU, benefiting both international and U.S. students.”
Related: Read India’s 2020 National Education Policy (PDF) on the Ministry of Education’s website.
During his visit, Pestello also met with representatives from the U.S. State Department, U.S. Embassy and the U.S. Commercial Service — a division of the Department of Commerce dedicated to fostering international partnerships.
“These discussions have strengthened our commitment to expanding SLU’s presence in India and enhancing the support we offer to our international students,” Pestello said. “We look forward to building on these relationships and exploring new avenues for collaboration.”
The inaugural cohort of 55 students in the 1+1 program is wrapping up their first year in India and will begin their studies at SLU this fall. For many of these students, the program offers a unique blend of academic rigor and cultural exchange that’s already had a lasting impact.
“I am confident about the program and am looking forward to completing my second year at SLU,” said student Srishti Srinivasan, “This program offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises excellent exposure and growth opportunities in my field.”
Student Vrinda Thakur shared a similar perspective. “I’m finding the program interesting and insightful so far, with plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. The chance to gain international exposure and study in a diverse academic environment is particularly exciting.”
For more information about Saint Louis University’s programs for international students, visit slu.edu/globalgrad or contact globalgrad@slu.edu.
Latest Newslink
- Gary Wayne Barker: 1963-2026Gary Wayne Barker, professor of theatre and associate dean for administration and undergraduate affairs in the College of Arts and Sciences at Saint Louis University, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026. He was 62.
- Campus Read Speaker Series Invites Participants to Discuss the Writings of Jhumpa LahiriAs part of the St. Louis Literary Award series of programs honoring the 2026 award recipient Jhumpa Lahiri, the Saint Louis University 2026 Campus Read Speaker Series will highlight Lahiri's work, with a focus on her award-winning work "Interpreter of Maladies."
- ‘A Model Human Being’: SLU Pediatrician Cared for Children with CancerDennis "Denny" M. O'Connor, M.D. (A&S '63, Med '67), professor emeritus of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, died Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026. He was 83 years old. O'Connor dedicated more than 50 years to pediatric care, specializing in treating children with cancer, blood disorders and infectious diseases.
- SLU Golf and Give Innovation Challenge Set for February 24-25The third Golf and Give Innovation Challenge, led by Saint Louis University's School of Science and Engineering and the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship in the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business, will offer the SLU community two days of miniature golf on campus while helping to stock the Billiken Bounty food pantry.
- Rottnek Recognized by Catholic Health AssociationFred Rottnek, M.D., professor of family and community medicine at the Saint Louis University School of Medicine, has been named the 2026 winner of the Sister Carol Keehan Award by the Catholic Health Association (CHA). Created in honor of Sr. Carol Keehan, DC, for her work to ensure everyone has access to quality health care, the Sister Carol Keehan Award is given annually to someone who advances the healing mission of Jesus by valiantly advocating for a more equitable and compassionate health system.
- SLU Professor Wins Top Article Prize for Work on Women and ChristianityAmanda Izzo, Ph.D., associate professor of women and gender studies at Saint Louis University, has been awarded the Jane Dempsey Douglass Prize. The award honors the previous year's best published essay on the role of women in the history of Christianity.
