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
- University Core Honors Ignite Seminar InstructorsTwo Ignite Seminar instructors have been recognized with the 2025 Ignite Instructor of the Year Award. At a ceremony Tuesday night in Cupples House, Carolyn O'Laughlin, Ph.D. (Education) and Amanda Barton, Ph.D. (RISE Counselor) were honored by the University Core after being nominated by students in their Ignite Seminars.
- Sharing Throughout the Season: Ways to Give Back at SLUThis holiday season, Saint Louis University is highlighting organizations that could benefit from the gift of time or donations, including the University's annual Blue Santa toy drive.
- SLU Wins Collegiate Chess League Back-to-Back SeasonsThe SLU Chess Team won back-to-back Collegiate Chess League titles, securing the Fall 2025 season championship. This win is SLU's fifth Collegiate Chess League title in the last six seasons.
- TurkeyPalooza Food Drive Helps Provide a Thanksgiving Meal to Individuals, Families in NeedTurkeyPalooza, the annual Campus Kitchen food drive and Thanksgiving food prep event, resulted in 200 individual Thanksgiving meals and 40 meal-prep boxes for families in the St. Louis community.
- Saint Louis University's Moore Honored by Missouri Lawyers WeeklySenior Associate General Counsel Christina Moore, J.D., has been recognized by Missouri Lawyers Weekly for her work as in-house counsel at a non-profit or government organization. Moore (Law '02) was honored at the In-House Counsel Awards, an event designed to recognize attorneys from different sectors for their contributions and work.
- SLU Study Shows Heat Can Cut Insect Survival but Boost ReproductionRising global temperatures are changing the rules for survival—and reproduction—for many species. A new study from Saint Louis University reveals that predicting which species will persist under climate change is more complex than focusing solely on survival.
