In a changing landscape of higher education, the gap between academic learning and employability remains one of the greatest challenges for students. Acknowledging this fact, Medhavi Skills University (MSU) has introduced a new initiative called Skill-Based Higher Education — an innovative model that integrates academics with practical experience.
MSU offers application and practice-based programs that include On-the-Job Learning (OJL) along with a stipend. This approach is called an "Earn-and-Learn" approach because students not only learn academic content but also practical skills, and earn a stipend, while they learn. Here are eight questions students commonly ask about MSU’s Earn-and-Learn model — and the answers that make this model truly revolutionary.
1. What does “Earn-and-Learn” really mean at MSU?
At MSU, Earn-and-Learn refers to an entirely new paradigm of higher education. Students participate in structured OJT (On-the-Job Training) or OJL, earning their degree with a mixture of instruction and practical, hands-on professional experience. That means that students are not simply learning in classrooms; students are learning in professional environments and directly applying their lessons while working in their professional roles.
This new model ensures that students are learning fundamental academic concepts while simultaneously developing practical skills, professional discipline, and experience in the industry - all of which are essential for a student's career success.
2. What does OJT training means, and how does it fit into MSU’s curriculum?
Simply put, OJT means "learning by doing" in real-world and professional workplaces. This all means that rather than teaching students only in classrooms, OJT takes students to the worksite itself to learn in an applied, real-world professional context. Students learn by experiencing the actual "doing" of the work and gaining real-world experience, while under the supervision of educated professionals.
At MSU, OJT is a mandatory and credit-bearing component of the curriculum. Students spend 6 to 9 months working in industry environments. This ensures a seamless connection between academic study and workplace practice.
3. How is this different from a regular internship?
Although internships are primarily short-term experiences that take place at the end of a program, OJT at MSU occurs throughout the semester, and is woven directly into the curriculum of the program. The OJT assignment for each semester is strongly and specifically tied to the learning outcomes and content of the academic curriculum.
Students are partnered with highly reputable organizations within the industry, including Aditya Birla Group, Reliance Retail, Mahindra & Mahindra, Hyatt Regency, ITC and others. OJT training means it is not merely observational as some internships can be; OJT is a hands-on role that includes measurable performance as well as valuable contributions within the organization and profession.
4. What type of stipend can students earn for an OJL?
One of the many empowering aspects of the Earn-and-Learn model is that the students will earn some stipend while taking classes. The specific stipends are dependent upon the students’ program of study, the employer, and their work role.
Take for example, for students in the B.Sc. in Hospitality and Hotel Management, students can earn as much as Rs 10,000 as stipend. While it provides the students some financial contribution towards their education, more importantly, it enhances their subsequent independence, purpose, and confidence in starting their careers.
5. Are these programs recognized by UGC and industry relevant?
Yes. MSU’s WISE programs are UGC-recognized and aligned to the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and National Credit Framework (NCrF). Each program is developed in collaboration with MSU experts and relevant industry leaders to provide a contextually current, relevant, and employability focus to the program content.
6. What courses are available under the Earn-and-Learn model?
- Hospitality & Tourism Management – Get on-the-job learning through partnerships with the top hotel and restaurant brands.
- Healthcare & Nursing – Obtain practical learning in hospitals and healthcare organizations.
- Business Management – Learn operational and managerial skills in large retail organizations.
- Engineering, IT & Allied Technologies – Gain experience applying technical skills on real projects and industry certifications.
- Pharmacy - Work with best pharmaceutical companies and gain exposure to the real world practices in the industry
- Humanities - Work in communications, public relations, journalism fields and gain experience from industry experts.
7. What are the key benefits of the Earn-and-Learn approach?
MSU offers a range of academic, financial, and professional benefits:
- Financial Support: Students earn stipends during their studies, reducing financial strain.
- Real-World Experience: Continuous industry exposure builds practical and transferable skills.
- Career Readiness: Graduates finish their degrees with relevant experience, making them highly employable.
- Industry-Aligned Curriculum: Every course is co-developed with industry experts.
- National Recognition: Programs comply with UGC and NEP 2020 standards.
- Confidence & Employability: Students enter the workforce as trained professionals, not freshers.
By integrating work and learning, MSU ensures that students are not just job seekers but career-ready professionals from day one.
8. What is the post-graduation situation, are there guaranteed job opportunities?
Since students are continuously involved with the industry during their program, many students get pre-placement offers from the same organization where they do their OJT. Some rely on their professional working experience and references to secure jobs with top employers in their field.
MSU ‘earn-and-learn’ graduates are uniquely positioned and are always valued by recruiters, as they have demonstrated their skills in real work situations. This affords them preference as recruiters are looking for job-ready candidates.
In Conclusion
The programs of Medhavi Skills University represent the future of higher education in India in bringing together practical learning. OJT or OJL with industry partnership and financial inclusion, to advance students toward both job competence and economic security.
The MSU Earn-and-Learn model is not just about earning income in the form of stipends, it also is about earning experience, earning confidence, and earning a competitive edge in employment while working towards an internationally recognized degree. For every learner who believes education should lead directly to employment, MSU is the way forward!
