In the dynamic world of global education, where boundaries between countries blur through innovation, research, and collaboration, Nidhi Piplani Kapur has emerged as a powerful voice and a transformative leader. With over 14 years of experience in international higher education, she has carved a unique space as an educator, strategist, and advocate for stronger global partnerships. Her journey is not only about professional milestones but also about redefining what it means to be an international higher education leader in the 21st century.
Nidhi Piplani Kapur: Early Career and the Making of a Global Leader
The foundation of Nidhi’s career lies in her ability to merge academic knowledge with practical diplomacy. Trained as a professor of economics and strategy, she seamlessly transitioned into international education, recognizing that universities must serve as bridges of cultural understanding and vehicles of global cooperation.
Her career trajectory took her through significant leadership roles, including serving as Deputy Director International and Assistant Professor of Economics and Strategy at IILM, before joining Symbiosis International University. At Symbiosis, she became the driving force behind creating the Symbiosis Centre for European Studies (SCES), a hub designed to facilitate meaningful, research-driven, and sustainable partnerships with European institutions.
Leadership at Symbiosis International University
Currently serving as Head – International Initiatives at Symbiosis Centre for International Education, Nidhi Piplani Kapur leads programs that expand Symbiosis’ global footprint. She has been at the forefront of initiatives that connect Indian institutions with European universities, diplomatic missions, and international organizations. Her work goes beyond student exchange programs—it builds long-term, impactful collaborations that align with contemporary global challenges such as sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity.
Under her leadership, SCES launched pioneering initiatives such as E-Academies on Internationalisation in India and the first European Horizons chapter in India—a student think tank fostering dialogue on EU-India relations. These projects reflect her passion for empowering students to become global citizens and thought leaders.
Nidhi Piplani Kapur: Global Recognition: EAIE and Beyond
What makes Nidhi Piplani Kapur stand out on the world stage is her election to the General Council of the European Association for International Education (EAIE), headquartered in the Netherlands. She is not only the youngest female but also the first Asian (and Irish-Indian) professional to be elected for two consecutive terms. This achievement underscores her reputation as a respected voice in international higher education.
At EAIE, she has contributed to shaping policies and practices that influence global student mobility, institutional collaboration, and intercultural dialogue. Her unique perspective—coming from India and working extensively with European partners—has been invaluable in fostering mutual understanding and creating frameworks for sustainable growth.
Research and Scholarly Contributions
Alongside her leadership roles, Nidhi Piplani Kapur is also an active researcher and PhD scholar at the South East Technological University, Waterford, Ireland. Her research focuses on Internationalisation at Home, a groundbreaking area that examines how higher education institutions can embed intercultural and international perspectives into their curricula without students necessarily traveling abroad.
Her academic contributions have been recognized globally, and she was awarded the prestigious Irish Research Council Government of Ireland Scholarship for her research. She has also published widely in leading outlets like The Diplomatist and Modern Diplomacy, writing on topics such as EU-India relations, international diplomacy, and the evolving landscape of higher education.
Awards, Recognition, and Impact
Her achievements have not gone unnoticed. Nidhi Piplani Kapur has been recognized as one of the “40 under 40 Leaders Shaping India-EU Relations” by the European Centre for Business and Industry. She has also contributed thought leadership to the ORCAxWICCI Special Issue titled “Building the Future of EU-India Strategic Partnership: Between Trade, Technology, Security and China.”
Also Read : Krupa Sheth: Brent’s Youngest Councillor and Climate Leader