HYTARC partners with India’s Sharda University to offer advanced degree pathways for PNG students

Sharda University assistant director for International Relations, Manu Aggwaal (eft) and HYTARC founder Michael Rogo showcasing the start of partnership *(Image: Supplied)*

The Highlands Youth Training and Rehabilitation College [HYTARC] has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with India’s Sharda University to establish a direct academic pathway for Papua New Guinean students to pursue advanced degrees abroad.

HYTARC Founder and Director Michael Goro announced that the agreement is specifically designed to create seamless educational progression for local students.

"Our students, when you graduate from HYTARC to that college, you will have a pathway to go continue Bachelor's and Master's at Sharda University," Goro said. "That's why we're going to sign the MOU."

The MOU was signed last Friday at the HYTARC main campaus in Port Moresby. Goro emphasized that the initiative will give PNG students access to world-class educational infrastructure at Sharda University's campus in New Delhi, India.

"For our students here in PNG, especially those who finish from our program, when they go to Sharda University in New Delhi… they have advanced technology there," he said. "They've got facilities, they've got exposure, everything is there. So after today, it's like they'll be going to more advanced [studies]."

The Sharda Universtiy established in 2009, accomdates students from over 95 countries, offering courses from engineering, management, health sciences, and law, with a strong focus on international partnerships.

Speaking on the academic advantages of the partnership, Sharda University’s Assistant Director for International Relations, Manu Aggwaal, said the institution's curriculum is heavily aligned with modern global industries.

"The kind of curriculum we are using, it's like latest trending curriculum, which is enhanced by the industry," Aggwaal said. "I can say it's an industry-oriented curriculum we can offer to the students, and they can get completely hands-on experience with the latest technologies."

Aggwaal said the curriculum actively incorporates rapidly evolving fields that are shaping the global workforce, including: Artificial Intelligence [AI] and Machine Learning, Data Science and Analytics, Cyber Security, Advanced Mechanical and Civil Engineering.

"There's like more and more development going on around the world," he said. "So, I think there's a much more impact of the technologies over it."

The partnership marks a proactive step towards bridging the gap between technical training in PNG and high-tech global industries, ensuring local graduates are well-equipped for the future.