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
- SLU School of Medicine Receives Transformational $10 Million GiftThe gift is one of the largest and most impactful contributions in the School’s history. The donation comes from a patient who wishes to remain anonymous in honor of Gerald A. Maguire, M.D. (SOM ’91). The accomplished California-based psychiatrist has also personally pledged $100,000 to support his alma mater.
- SLU to Host 4th Annual Be Heard: Women in Leadership ConferenceSaint Louis University's Emerson Leadership Institute will host its fourth annual Be Heard: Women in Leadership conference on Friday, March 28. The free half-day event, "Fostering Dignity and Belonging," will explore the role of dignity in organizational culture.
- Fontbonne University’s Center for Bosnian Studies Moving to SLUSLU will become the permanent home of the Center’s unique oral histories, rare collections, circulating materials and growing digital archives. The move ensures that the Center’s mission continues and its work remains accessible as Fontbonne ends instruction and closes its operations after the summer term.
- Saint Louis University Offers Scholarship Opportunity to Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s ADVANCE HER Leadership Movement ProgramSLU and the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri announced a partnership to provide a new scholarship opportunity for Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri who wish to pursue higher education as part of the Advance HER Leadership program.
- Raymond Benoit, Ph.D.: 1936-2025Raymond P. Benoit, Ph.D., professor emeritus in English, died Friday, Jan. 24, 2025. He was 88.
- SLU Hosts Lights of Remembrance to Honor Those Enslaved by the UniversityAs part of Black History Month, Saint Louis University held the inaugural Lights of Remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Feb. 27, honoring the lives and contributions of enslaved individuals who helped build and sustain the University and other Jesuit missions in Missouri in the 19th century.
