New Delhi, India / Auckland, New Zealand – March 18^th, 2025

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) in New Delhi, India, has officially entered into an Educational Cooperation Agreement with Whitecliffe Global, a collective of institutions that include Whitecliffe Education Limited (New Zealand), Whitecliffe MDH University of Applied Sciences (Germany), and Whitecliffe Institute of Creative Arts and Technology (Australia). This groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aims to foster cross-border academic collaborations, creating unparalleled opportunities for students, faculty, and staff in the fields of fashion, creative arts, and technology.

The agreement, signed by Prof Dr. Sudha Dhingra, Dean of NIFT, and Mr. Feroz Ali, Executive Chairman of Whitecliffe Global, will facilitate a wide range of initiatives, including the reciprocal exchange of students, faculty, and staff. These exchanges will include academic programs, workshops, lectures, exhibitions, and collaborative research projects, promoting a unique fusion of diverse educational perspectives.

Ms. Tanu Kashyap IAS, Director General of NIFT says “At NIFT, we believe in the power of collaboration to drive creative excellence and innovation. This MoU with Whitecliffe Global represents an exciting opportunity to share expertise, promote cross cultural learning and create pathways for students to thrive in the dynamic global design industry. “

Key Areas of Collaboration

The MOU outlines several key initiatives designed to enhance the educational experience across both institutions:

• Student Exchange: Facilitating the exchange of students between NIFT and Whitecliffe Global, offering opportunities for cross-cultural learning and gaining international exposure.
• Faculty Exchange: Promoting academic cooperation through the exchange of faculty members for teaching and research activities.
• Workshops, Lectures, and Exhibitions: Encouraging the promotion of creative projects through collaborative workshops and exhibitions.
• Craft Cluster and Industry Visits: Providing students with exposure to India’s rich heritage of traditional crafts and manufacturing hubs, reinforcing the importance of global industry connections.

“We are excited to partner with NIFT to bring this vision to life,” said Mr. Ali. “Whitecliffe Global believes in the value of international collaboration, and this agreement allows us to share knowledge, foster innovation, and build stronger ties in the global academic community.”

Mutual Commitment to Educational Excellence

Both institutions have committed to a yearly review of the agreement to ensure the ongoing success of their collaboration. The exchange program will continue to be evaluated with a focus on maintaining a balanced exchange of students and faculty over the next five years.

Furthermore, the agreement also addresses student welfare by ensuring medical insurance requirements, accommodation assistance, and cultural integration support for exchange participants. It highlights the importance of adhering to both institutions’ academic guidelines and ethical standards.

Future Prospects

The MOU is expected to set the stage for a series of joint academic initiatives that will continue to foster knowledge sharing and innovation in the creative industries. The long-term goal is to further globalize both institutions’ educational offerings, preparing students for leadership in a fast-evolving, interconnected world.

About NIFT

The National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) is India’s premier fashion and design institute, recognized globally for its cutting-edge programs in design, management, and technology in the fashion industry.

About Whitecliffe Global

Whitecliffe Global is an international network of educational institutions, including Whitecliffe Education Limited (New Zealand), Whitecliffe MDH University of Applied Sciences (Germany), and Whitecliffe Institute of Creative Arts and Technology (Australia), specializing in creative disciplines, arts, and technology.

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