Manipal, 12th February 2025: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) hosted the very first convocation for online graduates on 8^th February celebrating the achievements of 426 students who successfully completed postgraduate programs., including MBA (Master of Business Administration), Master of Science (MSc) in Business Analytics, MSc in Data Science, Post Graduate Certificate (PGCP) in Business Analytics, and PGCP in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, through a fully online learning experience.

Students from 22 different countries around the globe attended online and including South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda, attended in person to receive their degrees, highlighting the far-reaching impact of MAHE’s online education programs. MAHE’s Online Education Initiative, by partnering with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, helps to make higher education accessible to African Youth. In the first convocation of online education around 204 African students received their degrees under the e-Vidya Bharati Pan-African Scholarship Project.

Reinforcing the credibility of online education, the UGC guidelines affirm, “The online degree is recognised as equivalent to the conventional degrees offered on campuses, and students can apply for all job opportunities and higher education as per their eligibility.” MAHE pioneered its online degree programs in September 2022, envisioning a future where learning transcends geographical boundaries.

The event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Dr. H S Ballal Pro Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education. The ceremony was graced by distinguished leaders, including Lt. Gen. (Dr) M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, Dr. Narayana Sabhahit Pro Vice Chancellor (Technology & Science) MAHE, Dr. Sharath K Rao,  Pro Vice Chancellor, (Health Sciences), Dr. Dilip G Naik, Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr. Madhu Veera Raghavan - Pro Vice Chancellor (MLHS & Head, MAHE Bengaluru campus), Dr. Giridhar P  Kini Registrar, Dr Vinod V Thomas Registrar, Evaluation, and Dr. Manojkumar Nagasampige, Director, Directorate of Online Education. The event also welcomed the Guest of Honor, Mr. Ambrish Sinha, CEO - of Unext Learning.

Dr. H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, MAHE, said, “The Convocation for online graduates highlights the significant milestone achieved by Manipal Academy of Higher Education in impacting the lives of the students in a better way as well as strengthening and maintaining the bond with international countries. This momentous occasion is not only a defining milestone for our graduates but a significant chapter in MAHE’s legacy as we embrace the future of education in an evolving world.”

Lt. Gen. (Dr.) M D Venkatesh VSM, (Retd) Vice Chancellor, MAHE, said, “The initiative by Manipal Academy of Higher Education is shaping the education of students from all over the world. The very First Convocation for Online Graduated held highlights MAHE’s legacy in embracing the future of education. Under the UGC guidelines, MAHE has been pioneering in the field of online education programs ever since its launch in September 2022. The convocation event inspired many by bringing together working professionals from the industries together.