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
- A Camp Friendship that Stirred Up Lifelong BondsIn the summer of 2005, Mary Kate Keenoy (Chaifetz Grad '22) and Genevieve Willman met at SLU's Gardens to Tables culinary camp. What started as a shared interest in cooking grew into a lasting friendship that has endured for two decades.
- Bruce Bacon, M.D.: 1949-2025Bruce Bacon, M.D., professor emeritus of internal medicine, died Sunday, July 6, 2025. He was 75. Bacon was known globally for his expertise in all aspects of clinical hepatology, specifically hemochromatosis, viral hepatitis, chronic liver disease / general hepatology, and liver transplant. Bacon was also a member of the research team that discovered the gene for hemochromatosis, HFE, in 1996.
- SLU Launches William L. Clay, Sr. Institute of Civic Engagement and Economic JusticeThe Clay Institute will provide immersive learning experiences and hands-on training that address the social and economic challenges facing the St. Louis region and the nation. Institute programming will be available to all students with an interest in civic engagement and democratic participation.
- SLU Research Explores Depression's Ripple Effect on DiabetesA study conducted by researchers at Saint Louis University found that patients with depression were more likely to have uncontrolled diabetes over time and that depression contributes to a heightened economic burden to diabetes management.
- SLU/YouGov Poll: Statewide Cell Phone Ban for Missouri Schools Popular with VotersGovernor Mike Kehoe has signed Senate Bill 68 into law, enacting a statewide ban on the use of personal electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, and smartwatches, throughout the school day in Missouri public and public charter schools.
- SLU Vaccine Center Will Enroll Healthy Volunteers in Yellow Fever Vaccine Clinical TrialSaint Louis University's Center for Vaccine Development will enroll up to 70 adult volunteers in a clinical trial to study the safety elicited by a new investigational vaccine for yellow fever, a potentially deadly disease that is spread by mosquitoes. The research is funded by Sanofi Pasteur.
