Kingston University seals partnership with Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd to enhance higher technical education STEM pathways

Kingston University and Mauritian higher technical education provider Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd (PML) have formalised a new partnership. This will expand career development opportunities for students and staff from both institutions.

The alliance was confirmed with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). A Mauritian delegation, which included government officials, visited Kingston University’s Penrhyn Road campus. Under the agreement, Kingston University will deliver a series of high-impact programmes in areas including engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and robotics.

In a collaborative effort to address critical skills gaps and emerging sector needs, Kingston and PML identified six priority areas for programme development. These are: computer games programming, cybersecurity and digital forensics, digital media technology, computer science, robotic engineering and artificial intelligence.

As part of the MOU, students and staff from both institutions will benefit from exchange programmes, including study abroad and internship opportunities, as well as a staff development initiative. Kingston and PML will share expertise through academic and marketing material, publications and information. They will also work together to organise cultural and social activities for staff and students.

The partnership will also include joint research projects, academic seminars and conferences, and collaborative applications for research funding. These initiatives align with Kingston University’s research and knowledge exchange ambitions, recently reinforced by the launch of the University’s Knowledge Exchange and Research Institutes (KERIs).

Kingston will also share its award-winning Future Skills model of transformative education with PML. This reflects the commitment of both institutions to address global industry demands and enhance students' outcomes through innovative learning.

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment and Pro Vice-Chancellor for Industrial Relations at Kingston University, Professor Amir Alani, described the agreement as significant milestone. “We strive to create new international collaborations as part of our knowledge exchange ambitions. This partnership is a crucial part of that work. It fully resonates with our ambitious Town House Strategy in expanding our transformative education internationally. We want to give our students and staff the chance to gain new experiences, knowledge and career development opportunities. Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd are the perfect partner to help deliver excellent higher education,” he said.

Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd is a leading higher education provider in Mauritius with seven campuses in the country. Its Chief Executive Officer, Yamal Matabudul, welcomed the agreement as a forward-thinking step for higher technical education in the region. “This strategic alliance with Kingston University reinforces Mauritius’ bold ambition to become a regional hub for technical and vocational education. It provides our students with international exposure, access to cutting-edge knowledge and pathways to globally relevant careers. We are proud to align with Kingston in fostering innovation and excellence in STEM education,” he said.

Director of Strategic Partnerships and Development of the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment Professor Mukesh Limbachiya was a key force in establishing the partnership. He said it fully aligned with the ambitions of Kingston University’s Town House Strategy. “At the heart of this collaboration lies a shared commitment to delivering our transformative higher education model, Future Skills, to ensure students are equipped and empowered to succeed in their careers and make meaningful contributions to society,” he said.

“This partnership exemplifies how we are turning strategy into action, delivering global impact through education and extending further through research and knowledge exchange,” he added.

The Mauritian delegation visiting Kingston University included:

• Dr The Hon Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research for the Republic of Mauritius
• Yamal Matabudul, Chief Executive Officer Polytechnics Mauritius Ltd.
• Navindsing Jugmohunsing, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Research
• Deeptee Bungaree-Gooheeram, Country Director of the Department of Business and Trade for Mauritius
• Professor Romeela Mohee, Commissioner of the Higher Education Commission in Mauritius.

• Find out more about the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and the Environment.
• Find out more about knowledge exchange at Kingston University.