National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad and Whitecliffe Global Sign Groundbreaking Agreement for International Collaboration
New Delhi, India / Auckland, New Zealand – March 18th, 2025
The National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, and Whitecliffe Global, a consortium of higher education institutions from New Zealand, Germany, and Australia, have entered into a transformative agreement to foster academic exchange, research collaboration, and joint educational initiatives across multiple creative disciplines. This agreement, aimed at strengthening global connections and enriching the educational experience of students and faculty alike, will begin immediately and will last for an initial period of five years.
The collaboration was formalized today ie. 18th March 2025 between Dr. Ashok Mondal, Director of NID, and Mr. Feroz Ali, Executive Chairman of Whitecliffe Global, in presence of Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt. Hon. Christopher Luxon marking a significant step towards nurturing cross-border academic ties and enhancing international academic mobility. Under the terms of the agreement, NID and Whitecliffe Global will exchange students, faculty members, and jointly develop projects that will bring together talent and innovation from both institutions.
Highlights of the Agreement:
- Student Exchange Programs: NID and Whitecliffe Global will facilitate the exchange of students across multiple campuses, allowing students to attend courses and participate in independent research projects, gaining exposure to diverse design practices in different cultural settings. The agreement includes provisions for up to three students from NID to attend Whitecliffe Global institutions for one semester annually, with reciprocal participation from Whitecliffe Global students at NID.
- Faculty Exchange Programs: A robust faculty exchange mechanism will enable the sharing of expertise and knowledge. Faculty members from NID and Whitecliffe Global will visit each other's institutions, conducting workshops, courses, and collaborative projects, with an emphasis on design innovation and cross-disciplinary learning.
- Joint Research and Projects: The agreement also outlines opportunities for joint research projects, industry consultancy, and international workshops or exhibitions, which will leverage the strengths of both institutions to address global challenges through design thinking.
- Global Networking and Learning Opportunities: By collaborating with esteemed institutions across continents, both NID and Whitecliffe Global seek to broaden their academic offerings and provide students and faculty with opportunities for professional development and international exposure.
About the National Institute of Design (NID): Founded in 1961, the National Institute of Design (NID) is one of India’s premier institutions for design education and research. With campuses in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Bengaluru, NID offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in design across a wide range of disciplines. Declared an ‘Institution of National Importance’ by the Government of India, NID is dedicated to nurturing design leadership, creativity, and innovation.
About Whitecliffe Global: Whitecliffe Global comprises institutions across New Zealand, Germany, and Australia, including Whitecliffe College of Arts & Design in New Zealand, Whitecliffe MDH University of Applied Sciences in Germany, and Whitecliffe Institute of Creative Arts and Technology in Australia. These institutions offer world-class programs in design, creative arts, digital innovation, and more. Whitecliffe is known for its forward-thinking approach and commitment to developing students into global leaders in the creative industries.
Shared Vision: Both NID and Whitecliffe Global share a commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and a global perspective in the field of design education. Through this collaboration, both institutions seek to create a rich, multicultural learning environment for students and professionals, promoting the exchange of ideas, research, and best practices.
Dr. Ashok Mondal, Director of NID, "The National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad is delighted to enter into this agreement with Whitecliffe Global. NID is particularly enthusiastic about developing faculty exchanges and collaborative research projects with Whitecliffe, in addition to the student exchanges. We are confident that this agreement will provide us with numerous opportunities to initiate these activities in the near future."
Mr. Feroz Ali, Executive Chairman of Whitecliffe Global, added, "We are thrilled to collaborate with NID, an institution of national and international renown. This partnership will allow us to combine our strengths, offering students opportunities to thrive in a global creative ecosystem."
Next Steps: As part of the agreement, both institutions will begin implementing student and faculty exchanges in the coming academic year, with joint workshops and projects planned to commence shortly thereafter. Annual reviews will assess the progress and impact of the collaboration, ensuring that both parties are aligned in their objectives and continue to benefit from the exchange.