Apeejay’s IB School hosts University Fair 2.0

On October 15, 2026, Apeejay’s IB School, Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park, hosted the much-anticipated University Fair 2.0. It brought together students from MYP-3 to DP-2, their parents and representatives from over 30+ universities and higher education institutions worldwide. The event transformed the school’s fourth-floor corridors into a vibrant hub of academic exploration, intercultural exchange and purposeful engagement, offering learners an invaluable opportunity to envision their future beyond geographical boundaries.  

The fair was graced by Mr Stephen James Tumpane, Principal-cum-Director, Research and Capability Development, and Ms Neha Sharma, Vice-principal, whose presence reaffirmed the school’s commitment to fostering internationally minded, reflective and independent learners equipped to navigate an evolving global landscape. 

With an impressive representation of universities spanning Asia, Europe, Australia, and other international destinations, the fair provided students with a comprehensive perspective on the diverse possibilities available in higher education. Participating institutions included the University of Melbourne, the University of Hong Kong, Imperial College London, University College London, the University of Southampton, the University of Sydney, the University of Bath, the University of Tokyo, Singapore Institute of Management, the University of Leeds, Monash University, Les Roches & Glion, the University of York and Istituto Marangoni, among others.  

The scale and diversity of participation contributed significantly to the fair’s success, creating an enriching platform for students to engage directly with university representatives and explore opportunities aligned with their academic interests, personal strengths and long-term aspirations. The enthusiastic participation of parents further strengthened the experience, reinforcing the importance of a collaborative approach to university counselling and future planning. 

Through personalised interactions, students and parents gained valuable insights into undergraduate programmes, course structures, admission criteria, application timelines, visa procedures, tuition fees, living expenses, scholarships, internships and prospective career pathways. These conversations enabled learners to move beyond preliminary research and develop a more nuanced understanding of the academic, financial and practical considerations involved in pursuing higher education overseas. University-specific resources and thoughtfully curated giveaways added to the engagement, making the experience both informative and memorable.

Sharing his thoughts on the occasion, Mr Stephen James Tumpane said, “The University Fair 2.0 marks a significant milestone, bringing together an exceptional array of universities, including institutions ranked among the world’s top 50, from across Asia, Europe and the United States. The encouraging feedback on our learners’ academic calibre, coupled with remarkable parent participation, makes this occasion particularly gratifying. With 22 nationalities represented in our school, our diverse, globally minded community continues to strengthen our appeal to leading universities. Aspirations become meaningful when translated into action, and today’s fair reflects our commitment to creating outstanding opportunities for every learner.” 

The fair’s success was reflected not merely in the number of participating institutions but also in the quality of conversations, the depth of engagement and the confidence with which students explored their future possibilities.

By creating a space for direct interaction, informed questioning and individualised guidance, the initiative encouraged learners to take ownership of their educational journeys. It also reinforced the IB philosophy of nurturing inquiry, agency, international-mindedness and lifelong learning, qualities that empower students to make considered choices in an increasingly interconnected world.

Insights from university representatives

Ms Ritu Kadian, Senior Country Officer at the University of Melbourne, highlighted the institution’s global standing, noting its position as No. 1 in Australia and 22nd worldwide. During her interaction with students, she outlined undergraduate programme options, admission requirements and scholarship opportunities, helping learners gain a clearer understanding of the university’s academic offerings and the pathways available to prospective applicants.

Mr Karan Menon, Senior Manager, Student Recruitment and Strategic Alliance-South Asia, Queen’s University Belfast, underscored the value of university fairs in guiding students and families through the complexities of higher education choices. He emphasised the role of counselling in helping learners evaluate subject combinations, extracurricular engagement, scholarships and application requirements. He also encouraged students to look beyond institutional rankings and examine course modules, practical learning opportunities and the relevance of their chosen programmes to their long-term academic and professional aspirations.

Student perspectives: Exploring possibilities with confidence

For students, University Fair 2.0 offered an opportunity to connect their aspirations with practical guidance and a clearer understanding of the pathways ahead. 

Sofia Pacheco Kato,  from DP-1 shared, “The University Fair has broadened my horizons and helped me learn so much about different countries, universities and courses. It has given me a better understanding of the opportunities available and helped me explore diverse pathways for my future.” 

Rivaan Berlia, a DP-1 student aspiring to pursue engineering, particularly aerospace or mechatronics, with the long-term ambition of entering the field of space technology, described the fair as an inspiring and insightful experience. “I appreciate the opportunity to learn about international universities, admission requirements and future academic possibilities through direct conversations with representatives. I am grateful to the school’s administration and teachers for facilitating an initiative that meaningfully supports students in shaping their academic and career trajectories.”

Aditi Hasija, a student of MYP 5, found the fair particularly enriching, appreciating the approachable university representatives and the clarity of the information they shared. She highlighted the concise, practical guidance on university requirements and scholarship opportunities, noting that the interactions had broadened her understanding of international higher education and helped her explore available options with greater confidence. 

Parent’s perspective

The fair’s impact extended beyond the student community, providing parents with an opportunity to engage directly with university representatives and gain greater clarity on the decisions that shape their children’s futures. 

Ms Fernanda, mother of Sofia, a DP-1 student, expressed gratitude to the school for organising the initiative. “I believe it is important for parents to understand the various university options available and start planning early, keeping their children’s individual interests and aspirations in mind. The fair provided a valuable opportunity for families like ours to explore higher education opportunities across the world and make more informed decisions about our children’s future.”

Ms Somdutta, mother of Viransh Malhotra, a DP-2 student, described University Fair 2.0 as an informative and reassuring experience amid the many uncertainties associated with university admissions. “I appreciated the detailed guidance on courses, internships, sports opportunities and financial aid, which helped us explore options suited to our children’s interests and strengths. Having representatives from international universities under one roof made it much easier to gather information and clarify our doubts. I am also thankful to the school for organising such a useful platform for both students and parents.”

The resounding success of University Fair 2.0 lay in its ability to bring global opportunities within reach while fostering meaningful partnerships among learners, parents, educators and higher education institutions. By combining expert guidance with opportunities for individual exploration, the fair encouraged students to approach the next stage of their academic journey with curiosity, discernment and confidence.

The initiative stands as a reflection of the school’s commitment to an education that extends beyond the classroom, one that nurtures intellectual independence, global awareness and purposeful decision-making. 

Through experiences such as University Fair 2.0, the school continues to empower its learners to explore new horizons, recognise their potential and take informed, intentional steps towards a future shaped by their ambitions.