Mohan Babu University launches India's first joint degree programme with Pennsylvania State University

In a landmark move poised to redefine higher education opportunities for Indian students, Mohan Babu University (MBU) has partnered with Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), US

Mohan Babu University (MBU) has partnered with Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), US, to launch India’s first-ever joint degree programme with a QS top 100 ranked global university.

The partnership, which was announced at a ceremony on Monday, will enable Indian students to pursue an integrated international academic journey and earn a joint degree from both institutions.

The Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the two institutions was signed at the MBU campus in Tirupati in the presence of Dr. M. Mohan Babu, Chancellor, MBU; Vishnu Manchu, Pro-Chancellor; and Vinay Maheshwari, Executive Director. Representing Penn State were Dr. David M. Callejo Pérez, Chancellor, and Dr. Vahid Motevalli, Interim Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

“This collaboration empowers our students by providing access to exceptional global education at a fraction of the typical cost. It brings the best of international academic practices to Tirupati while opening up life-changing career possibilities for Indian students,” said Vishnu Manchu, Pro-Chancellor of MBU.

“We are proud to collaborate with Mohan Babu University, an institution that shares our commitment to academic innovation and inclusive excellence. This joint degree is more than a partnership; it’s a shared mission to prepare globally aware and professionally agile graduates,” added Dr. David M. Callejo Perez, Chancellor, of Penn State University.

Known for its academic excellence, Penn State is ranked 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025. This partnership will introduce Indian students to a US university ranked among the top 100 globally.

The partnership offers students a unique opportunity to pursue a top-ranked US degree at nearly half the cost, along with access to world-class academics, research, and career opportunities.

The partnership offers Indian students access to world-class faculty, advanced research infrastructure, and an internationally benchmarked curriculum.

Beyond academics, students gain exposure to diverse learning environments and global industry standards, significantly enhancing their professional agility and employability in India and abroad.

The programme is also designed with accessibility and affordability at its core. Students will benefit from significant cost savings, nearly 50 per cent lower than pursuing a full international degree abroad.

In addition, dedicated scholarships and financial aid opportunities will be made available to support eligible students. While studying at Penn State, students may also take advantage of on-campus work opportunities to help offset their living expenses.

With a well-integrated credit transfer mechanism between Mohan Babu University and Penn State, the programme is structured to ensure a seamless transition for students.

Both institutions will provide comprehensive academic and administrative support through dedicated coordinators, alongside visa assistance and continuous career guidance to help students navigate every step of their international academic journey.

“We are committed to creating transformative opportunities for our students at Mohan Babu University. This partnership with Penn State ensures that our students gain a truly global academic experience, access to cutting-edge research, and an international degree -- without the typical financial barriers. It’s a giant leap toward our vision of redefining education in India,” said Vinay Maheshwari, Executive Director, MBU.