William Paterson University (WPU) has formalized a major new international partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (IP University) in Delhi, India. The agreement establishes a direct pathway for academic exchange and research collaboration, significantly expanding WPU’s global outreach.
The centerpiece of the MOU is a “2+2 pathway program” that will allow IP University students to earn a bachelor’s degree from William Paterson University. Students will complete the first two years of a jointly developed curriculum at IP University in India, then transfer to WPU’s campus in Wayne for their final two years of study.
“We are excited for this new partnership with IP University, which will extend William Paterson’s global reach while providing IP University’s students access to a quality William Paterson education,” President Richard Helldobler said.
The agreement follows a February 2025 visit to India by President Helldobler and WPU Vice President for Enrollment Management George Kacenga, where they met with IP University Vice Chancellor Mahesh Verma, a recipient of India’s respected Padma Shri Award.
Kacenga highlighted the alignment between the two institutions: “What stood out was how closely their aspirations align with William Paterson’s strengths. Establishing a WP presence with our partner’s campus in India allows us to support those aspirations from the start through shared academic programs and research that prepare students for continued study in the United States.”
The partnership is designed to leverage the existing success of Indian students at WPU while providing a more structured and affordable pathway to a U.S. degree.
IP University is one of the largest public universities in northern India, serving over 93,000 students. The MOU is the latest in William Paterson’s growing network of Indian academic alliances, adding to existing agreements with J.B. Institute of Engineering & Technology (JBES) and Sushant University, with more partnerships currently under discussion.
“Indian students already succeed at a high level at William Paterson,” Kacenga added. “Their success shows that when we create the right conditions, global talent does not just enroll, it strengthens the institution.”
