UoP moots test centres abroad to draw PhD students

The University of Pune, in an attempt to attract more foreign students for its post graduate programmes, has proposed setting up of at least three centres abroad to conduct entrance exams. The UoP plans to take the help of embassies to conduct entrance tests.

After the exams, foreign students will not even need to come to Pune for the interview.

The idea is to ensure that the number of meritorious foreign students coming to UoP goes up. Wasudev Gade, vice-chancellor, UoP, said, "At times, a lot of students do not consider UoP because they have to come here to sit for the entrance test and appear for the interview. With this step, we are trying to ensure that such factors do not deter students from considering UoP."

To begin with, three such centres will be set up abroad. "We get several students from African countries, Dubai and Iran so we plan to set up the three centres there. We also plan to send our teams to interview students in those countries," added Gade.

The UoP took this decision after only two students cleared the PhD entrance exam this year. The varsity then decided to take steps to increase the number of foreign students coming here. "The reputation of Indian universities abroad is good. Our undergraduate courses have received a tremendous response even after the fees were increased. We also introduced online application forms for international students this year, which also got a good response. This step will ensure that better students come here," added Gade.

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