Earlier this month, Macquarie University celebrated the achievements of the first cohort of students completing a double master's degree delivered in partnership with the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) in Hyderabad, India.

The program enables students to graduate with both a Master of International Relations from Macquarie University and a Master of Public Policy from TISS, combining global perspectives with practical policy expertise.

The cohort arrived at Macquarie in mid-2025 and spent the past year immersed in Australian academic life. During their time here, they:

• built lasting connections with peers, academics and industry professionals
• engaged with contemporary international relations issues
• experienced Australian culture.

The farewell event brought together students and academic staff to recognise the cohort's accomplishments and reflect on the significance of this innovative international partnership.

Addressing the students, Executive Dean Professor Chris Dixon highlighted Macquarie University's enthusiasm for the program and its commitment to fostering international collaborations that enrich student learning and strengthen the University's global engagement.

Head of School Professor Julian Droogan spoke about the transformative value of studying overseas, highlighting how these experiences help students:

• approach complex challenges from multiple perspectives
• build professional networks
• develop the confidence to adapt to new environments.

Students also reflected on their experiences, praising the contemporary perspectives offered across their units, the hands-on learning opportunities and the practical assessment tasks that helped prepare them for their future careers.

As the cohort embarks on the next stage of their academic and professional and academic journeys, the School of International Studies congratulates them on their achievements and is thankful for the contributions they have made to the Macquarie community.

This inaugural cohort marks an important milestone in the partnership between Macquarie University and the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, demonstrating the value of international collaboration in preparing graduates to address complex public policy and international relations challenges.