Degrees of Connection

Narrative from a presentation at the Junction 91 Conference in New Delhi, India, January 2025. Degrees of Connection: Navigating Twinning, Dual, and Joint Degrees Between India and the United States 

Introduction

The globalization of higher education is no longer a choice; it is an imperative. Institutions worldwide are seeking ways to expand their reach, provide students with international exposure, and build sustainable academic networks. Nowhere is this transformation more evident than in India, where the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has catalyzed a surge in collaborative degree programs. Twinning, dual, and joint degree programs represent a paradigm shift in how universities approach global engagement, yet these models require careful navigation of regulatory frameworks, accreditation processes, and institutional investments.

While partnerships between Indian and U.S. institutions have long existed, the new regulatory environment presents both opportunities and challenges. India’s policy changes have spurred a 20% increase in institutional collaborations, with over 500 institutions exploring these frameworks[1]. However, less than 1% of U.S. students study in India, and the vast majority of those who do participate in short-term programs rather than full degrees[2]. This imbalance underscores the need for innovative, sustainable, and mutually beneficial partnership models.

This article explores the distinctions among twinning, dual, and joint degree programs, the regulatory and logistical challenges associated with each, and the investments necessary for institutional success. Drawing on case studies and legal frameworks, this piece provides actionable insights for institutions considering these models as a means to enhance global engagement.

The Role and Importance of Collaborative Degree Programs in Higher Education

In the modern academic landscape, collaborative degree programs such as twinning, dual, and joint degrees serve as crucial mechanisms for fostering internationalization, enhancing student experiences, and advancing institutional partnerships. These programs not only expand the global footprint of participating institutions but also contribute to the intellectual and cultural exchange necessary to address pressing global challenges, including climate change, healthcare, and digital transformation.

Promoting Diversity, Access, and Inclusion

Collaborative degree programs inherently facilitate the exchange of ideas and perspectives, allowing students and faculty from diverse backgrounds to engage in meaningful academic discourse. By integrating different pedagogical approaches and cultural perspectives, these programs enrich the academic environment, fostering an inclusive learning atmosphere that transcends national borders. For institutions, this diversity enhances their reputation as globally engaged entities, positioning them as attractive destinations for students seeking a multicultural education. International academic partnerships create opportunities for students and faculty to engage in a multicultural academic environment, fostering a deeper understanding of global perspectives. These collaborations bring together diverse intellectual traditions, preparing students for careers in an increasingly interconnected world.

Collaborative degree programs play a pivotal role in expanding access to high-quality education, ensuring that students from varied socioeconomic, cultural, and geographic backgrounds have equitable opportunities to pursue globally recognized degrees. By eliminating barriers related to geography, financial constraints, and institutional exclusivity, these programs promote a more inclusive and representative academic community.

At the faculty level, these partnerships foster interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing educators and researchers from diverse academic traditions to exchange methodologies and insights. This cross-pollination of ideas enriches curricula, pedagogical strategies, and research perspectives, ultimately benefiting students by exposing them to a broader spectrum of intellectual thought.

Economic Growth and Innovation

From an economic standpoint, international partnerships generate financial benefits by attracting a broader spectrum of international students who contribute tuition revenue and, in many cases, external funding. Beyond monetary gains, these collaborations drive innovation through shared research initiatives. By pooling intellectual resources across institutions, faculty members can engage in joint research that leads to breakthroughs in various disciplines, further solidifying the value of such partnerships. Beyond academic enrichment, these partnerships offer substantial economic benefits by attracting international students, generating tuition revenue, and fostering innovation through joint research projects and faculty exchanges. Institutions that invest in global education gain a competitive advantage in international recruitment.

Beyond direct financial gains, these programs drive intellectual capital development, enabling institutions to attract top-tier faculty, researchers, and industry partnerships. Cross-institutional collaborations facilitate access to global grants, research funding, and corporate sponsorships, ensuring that universities remain at the forefront of cutting-edge discovery. For instance, joint research centers, technology transfer programs, and academic-industry partnerships arising from these collaborations enhance institutional capacity in fields such as artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and biotechnology.

The economic impact extends to local and national markets. Cities that host international students experience boosts in housing, local businesses, and employment sectors, reinforcing the role of education as a key driver of economic growth and workforce development. Countries that invest in higher education internationalization position themselves as hubs for knowledge-based economies, attracting foreign direct investment in research and technology-driven industries. NAFSA, the Association of International Educators, provides an International Student Economic Value Tool[3] demonstrating the contributions of international students to the United States economy each year. This tool is used by universities and international education professionals alike to advocate for international student enrollment on U.S. campuses and in their states.

As global competition for top talent intensifies, institutions that embrace international collaboration gain a strategic advantage in both student recruitment and research excellence, ensuring their long-term sustainability in an evolving academic and economic landscape.

Building Sustainable Networks

Long-term collaborations between institutions ensure their relevance in an increasingly competitive higher education landscape. These relationships foster academic resilience, enabling institutions to remain adaptive to changing educational trends and policies. In addition, these networks provide a foundation for students from diverse economic and geographic backgrounds to have equitable access to international education opportunities. Long-term academic partnerships strengthen global knowledge networks, ensuring institutions remain relevant in a dynamic educational landscape. These collaborations support ethical and accessible recruitment strategies while fostering resilience in global engagement.

Sustained partnerships also reduce administrative burdens by standardizing credit transfer policies, regulatory approvals, and financial models. Universities that invest in robust international networks benefit from shared governance structures, allowing for smoother navigation of accreditation, funding mechanisms, and student mobility logistics.

A key component of sustainable networks is the emphasis on ethical and accessible recruitment. Rather than treating international partnerships as transactional agreements, institutions that prioritize long-term collaboration ensure that educational opportunities remain inclusive and socially responsible. This includes developing financial aid mechanisms, scholarship opportunities, and hybrid learning models that expand access for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Resilient and diverse global partnerships provide institutions with a buffer against geopolitical uncertainties, economic fluctuations, and policy shifts. By diversifying international collaborations, universities reduce their dependence on any single market or demographic which ensures stability and adaptability in an increasingly volatile global landscape.

Ultimately, institutions that invest in sustainable global networks position themselves as leaders in international education, fostering academic resilience, cross-cultural competency, and interdisciplinary innovation that extend far beyond the classroom.

Addressing Global Challenges

In an era of rapid globalization, higher education institutions serve as key drivers of innovation and problem-solving, particularly in addressing urgent global challenges such as climate change, healthcare access, and digital transformation. Collaborative degree programs foster cross-border research that integrates expertise from multiple disciplines, allowing institutions to develop innovative solutions that transcend national limitations.

For example, climate change mitigation requires contributions from environmental scientists, policy experts, and engineers working across different geopolitical and climatic contexts. Through joint research initiatives, universities can develop sustainable energy solutions, climate-resilient infrastructure, and effective environmental policies that benefit both developed and developing nations. In healthcare, partnerships between institutions can facilitate advancements in telemedicine, vaccine research, and public health strategies, improving medical access in underserved regions.

As digital transformation reshapes industries and economies, global academic collaborations enable students and faculty to explore advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital education platforms. By sharing technological resources and expertise, universities can equip future leaders with the skills necessary to drive innovation in the digital economy.

Ultimately, these collaborative programs enhance the global knowledge ecosystem and ensures that research is not confined to local contexts but is instead leveraged for the collective advancement of humanity.

Enhancing the Student Experience

Twinning, dual, and joint degree programs provide students with immersive international exposure, equipping them with critical, important skills for success. Often called “soft skills,” those such as critical thinking, intercultural competence, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills, universities should adopt the nomenclature of “critical skills” in describing the skills that are critical to the human experience. These critical skills transcend workplaces and are transferable between industries and within an individual’s academic, professional, and personal life. Experiential learning models ensure that graduates are well-prepared for diverse career paths in the global job market. Twinning, dual, and joint degree programs provide students with an unparalleled opportunity to engage with diverse academic cultures, methodologies, and learning environments. By studying at multiple institutions across different countries, students gain a broadened academic perspective, improving their adaptability and resilience in multicultural settings.

These programs significantly enhance employability by equipping graduates with international credentials and cross-cultural communication skills, which are highly valued in multinational corporations, international organizations, and diplomatic sectors. Graduates with experience in cross-border education are often seen as more adaptable, collaborative, and capable of leading diverse teams, giving them a competitive edge in the global job market.

Lastly, the integration of internships, research projects, and industry collaborations within these degree frameworks ensures that students gain practical experience aligned with real-world challenges. Programs that incorporate multinational company partnerships or international fieldwork allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in tangible settings, reinforcing both their academic learning and professional development.

By creating holistic and immersive learning environments, collaborative degree programs do not just educate students, they empower them to become globally competent professionals, capable of driving change in an increasingly interconnected world.

Key Opportunities Introduced by NEP 2020

India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 represents a landmark reform in the country’s higher education landscape, introducing a structured and forward-looking approach to international collaboration. By removing previous bureaucratic constraints and establishing clear regulatory guidelines, the NEP has created an environment where Indian institutions can engage with foreign universities in more dynamic, flexible, and impactful ways. These policy changes have opened new doors for research collaborations, student mobility, and institutional partnerships, making global education an integral component of India’s academic evolution.

The following key opportunities highlight how the NEP has enhanced the feasibility, attractiveness, and sustainability of collaborative degree programs between Indian and global universities.

Shared Research and Knowledge Exchange

The NEP expands the scope for interdisciplinary and international research collaborations, allowing Indian institutions to engage in joint research initiatives that address global challenges. By promoting partnerships with foreign universities, the policy facilitates access to cutting-edge research infrastructure, funding opportunities, and collaborative projects that were previously limited due to regulatory barriers.

This shift enhances India's role in global knowledge production, ensuring that research emerging from Indian universities is recognized, published, and applied in an international context. Key areas of focus include climate resilience, sustainable development, digital transformation, biotechnology, and public health, where cross-border collaboration is essential for addressing complex global issues.

By formalizing pathways for co-authored research, faculty exchange programs, and collaborative grant applications, NEP 2020 positions Indian institutions as critical stakeholders in the global academic research ecosystem. This opportunity not only strengthens institutional prestige but also enhances India’s intellectual contribution to solving pressing global challenges.

Increased Autonomy for Institutions

A significant shift introduced by NEP 2020 is the granting of greater autonomy to higher education institutions, particularly in their ability to design flexible, innovative, and globally integrated curricula. Previously, Indian universities faced stringent regulatory constraints that restricted their ability to enter into meaningful, multi-faceted international partnerships.

Under the new policy, institutions can now:

• Establish twinning, dual, and joint degree programs with international partners without excessive bureaucratic delays.

• Customize their academic offerings to integrate global best practices in teaching and research.

• Engage in credit-sharing agreements, making it easier for students to participate in international learning experiences.

This institutional autonomy ensures that universities can develop niche, high-impact programs tailored to industry demands and emerging global trends. By empowering Indian universities to co-develop and co-deliver degree programs with foreign counterparts, NEP 2020 fosters a culture of academic innovation that aligns Indian higher education with international standards.

Regulatory Clarity

One of the most transformative aspects of NEP 2020 is its emphasis on regulatory transparency and clarity in international education. Historically, inconsistent policies, lengthy approval processes, and ambiguity around credit transfers created significant obstacles for Indian institutions seeking to establish international partnerships.

To address these concerns, the NEP has introduced:

• Standardized guidelines for structuring collaborative degree programs.

• Clear pathways for credit transfer, ensuring seamless mobility between Indian and foreign institutions.

• Online regulatory resources to assist universities in navigating compliance requirements.

By providing a consistent and well-documented regulatory framework, the NEP has significantly reduced the risks associated with cross-border educational agreements. Institutions now have greater confidence in pursuing twinning, dual, and joint degree programs, knowing that these partnerships are supported by well-defined legal, academic, and administrative structures.

This newfound clarity also enhances the attractiveness of Indian institutions to foreign universities, encouraging more equitable and sustainable collaborations in the global education space.

Global Mobility for Students

One of the primary beneficiaries of NEP 2020’s reforms is the Indian student population, which now has expanded opportunities to engage in global academic experiences. Through twinning, dual, and joint degree programs, students can:

• Complete portions of their degree abroad, gaining exposure to international teaching methodologies.

• Access internships, research placements, and industry collaborations in foreign countries.

• Develop intercultural competence, a critical skill in today’s globalized workforce.

This focus on academic mobility aligns Indian higher education with global best practices, ensuring that graduates are competitive in international job markets. Additionally, by allowing students to transfer credits seamlessly between institutions, NEP 2020 removes logistical barriers that previously restricted participation in global programs.

To further support international student mobility, the NEP encourages institutions to establish advising centers, funding opportunities, and streamlined visa support services. These measures collectively enhance the employability and career prospects of Indian graduates, ensuring they are well-prepared for international careers in academia, industry, and research.

Institutional Branding and Competitive Advantage

In a highly competitive global education market, institutional reputation plays a crucial role in attracting top-tier faculty, students, and research partnerships. The NEP 2020 recognizes this reality and positions Indian universities for enhanced global visibility through structured international collaborations.

By engaging in twinning, dual, and joint degree programs, institutions can:

• Strengthen their global brand by associating with internationally recognized universities.

• Attract a more diverse student body, increasing international enrollment.

• Enhance faculty development through participation in joint research and teaching initiatives.

• Position themselves as knowledge hubs, drawing investment from multinational corporations and research organizations.

Furthermore, global recognition improves an institution’s standing in international rankings, making it a more attractive destination for students and faculty from around the world. This, in turn, creates a self-reinforcing cycle of academic excellence, research funding, and industry collaboration, ensuring long-term institutional growth.

With foreign universities increasingly seeking partnerships in India, the NEP enables mutually beneficial collaborations that enhance both institutional and national educational competitiveness.

Understanding Twinning, Dual, and Joint Degree Programs

Twinning Programs: A Gateway to Global Learning

Twinning programs are perhaps the most flexible of the three models. They allow students to complete a portion of their studies, up to 30% of total credits, at a foreign institution while earning their degree from their home institution[4]. These programs are particularly attractive because they require fewer regulatory approvals than dual or joint degrees, making them a pragmatic first step for institutions exploring global partnerships.

A key feature of twinning programs under India's Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system is the seamless transfer of credits between institutions. However, twinning programs come with certain limitations:

• The degree is awarded solely by the Indian institution. This means students benefit from international exposure but do not receive a credential from the foreign partner.

• Visa and mobility restrictions. Students must meet immigration requirements even for short-term mobility, which can be a barrier to participation.

• Institutional buy-in. The success of twinning programs depends on faculty engagement, clear articulation of courses, and a commitment to cultural and academic integration and student support in the form of housing, buddy programs, mental health support, local integration, and involvement events and activities.

Creative partnership structures can enhance the impact and scalability of twinning programs. Institutions might consider launching custom short-term programs with internships, skills-building intensives during summer or January terms, or faculty/staff-to-student exchanges to manage mobility balances. For U.S. institutions, particularly those with limited outbound participation, such models can offer globally engaged learning without long-term commitments abroad.

Finally, institutional readiness hinges on the establishment of clear twinning/exchange agreement templates, implementation of data privacy regulations, and the use of collaborative tools to track course mapping, approvals, and student progress.

Dual Degrees: The Best of Both Worlds

A dual degree program enables students to earn two separate degrees from two institutions by fulfilling the requirements of both. These programs involve more extensive collaboration than twinning agreements, requiring curriculum mapping, faculty coordination, and accreditation approvals.

Under India's regulatory framework, students must earn at least 30% of their credits from the Indian institution and the foreign partner and meet the admission requirements of both institutions independently[5]. Unlike twinning programs, dual degrees provide students with two international credentials which enhances their employability and academic mobility.

Dual degrees present regulatory and logistical challenges:

• Accreditation approvals. In the U.S., accrediting bodies such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) require a six-month notification before program implementation.

• Course articulation complexities. Institutions must map degree requirements carefully to ensure compliance with both Indian and U.S. accreditation bodies.

• Financial and administrative burdens. Students must pay tuition at both institutions, requiring creative financial models such as tuition waivers, joint scholarships, or reduced fees.

Creative implementation strategies for dual degrees include piloting with 1–2 degree programs, such as Business or STEM disciplines, where demand and course overlap are high. Institutions should also consider embedding internships or capstone projects, offered across both campuses, to deepen engagement and learning outcomes.

On both sides, dedicated points of contact, collaborative course databases, and investments in international student support (housing, orientation, academic advising) are critical to delivering a seamless student experience. Site visits and joint faculty workshops can reinforce trust and ensure sustained alignment in curriculum delivery.

Joint Degrees: The Gold Standard of Academic Integration

A joint degree is a single credential awarded by two institutions after students complete a fully integrated curriculum. These programs represent the deepest level of collaboration but also the most complex regulatory landscape.

For a joint degree to be recognized:

• The curriculum must be co-developed and jointly delivered, with at least 30% of coursework completed at each institution.

• Faculty from both institutions must be involved in program delivery and research supervision, especially at the master’s and Ph.D. levels.

• A single diploma is awarded, with the names and logos of both institutions, necessitating a high level of administrative cooperation.

• The approval process is rigorous and time-consuming. U.S. accrediting bodies require a detailed program agreement, evidence of faculty qualifications, and proof of sufficient learning resources. In India, joint degrees must be approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and align with national higher education quality standards.

The investments needed for joint degrees are substantial: institutions must dedicate time and resources to co-create academic calendars, establish joint admissions and grading standards, and ensure seamless student support. These programs also require sophisticated data management tools, and legal frameworks for handling data privacy, intellectual property, and tuition revenue-sharing models.

However, the benefits are equally significant. Joint degrees:

• Elevate the academic profile of both institutions.

• Promote research collaboration and doctoral pipeline development.

• Create transformative learning environments that equip students to lead in complex global contexts.

To support these efforts, it is advisable to:

• Establish a joint steering committee with representatives from both institutions.

• Conduct regular site visits and faculty exchanges to maintain curricular and research alignment.

• Offer tuition incentives such as non-resident fee waivers or co-funded fellowships.

The joint degree model is most successful when anchored in trust, transparency, and long-term academic vision. It is critical for institutions and faculty to approach the collaboration with humility, equitable effort, and a humble approach. It is not merely a bilateral agreement, but a shared institutional commitment to transnational education as a public good.

Regulatory Challenges and Institutional Commitments

Navigating the regulatory environment requires institutions to align their goals with national policies and accreditation standards. The NEP 2020 has introduced greater clarity in India's approach to global partnerships, but bureaucratic hurdles remain.

For U.S. institutions, understanding India's regulatory requirements, including the need for UGC approval and accreditation compliance, is essential. Similarly, Indian institutions must navigate the complex accreditation landscape in the U.S., where institutional and programmatic accreditations may differ.

Successful implementation requires:

• Time and strategic planning. Formal agreements can take 12-24 months to finalize.

• Administrative commitment. Institutions need dedicated global engagement offices to oversee compliance, credit articulation, and student support.

• Financial sustainability. Revenue-sharing agreements, tuition discounts, and external funding (grants, endowments) are key to making these programs viable.

Conclusion

The evolution of India's international education landscape presents unparalleled opportunities for collaboration. Twinning, dual, and joint degrees can drive global engagement, economic growth, and academic innovation, but they require careful planning, regulatory navigation, and institutional commitment. 

For institutions willing to invest in these frameworks, the rewards are substantial: expanded global reach, enhanced student experiences, and strengthened academic networks. As international education moves forward, these collaborative models will shape the future of global learning. As India continues its ascent as a leading destination for global education, institutions that embrace these opportunities will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of international higher education.

[1] https://www.education.gov.in/nep/internationalization-education

[2] https://opendoorsdata.org/data/us-study-abroad/

[3] https://www.nafsa.org/policy-and-advocacy/policy-resources/nafsa-international-student-economic-value-tool-v2

[4] https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/4555806_UGC-Acad-Collab-Regulations.pdf

[5] https://www.ugc.gov.in/pdfnews/4555806_UGC-Acad-Collab-Regulations.pdf