90-Credit Work-Integrated Program Introduces an Innovative “Earn While You Learn” Model
September 2026 | PRESS RELEASE
On the auspicious occasion of the First Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, Guru Nanak Dev Global University (GNDGU) announces the launch of its Two-Year Post Graduate Certificate in Global Punjabi Heritage Studies, offered through VIRSA – Global Punjabi Heritage Institute.
The innovative 90-credit postgraduate program brings together academic study, research, professional experience, technology, entrepreneurship, and community engagement to prepare a new generation of Global Punjabi Heritage Professionals.
A New Model of Learning
The program is structured across three stages:
Semester 1 – VIRSA Core:
Students build a common foundation in Punjabi civilization and heritage, language and literature, research methods and digital humanities, sustainability and ethics, and innovation and creative problem-solving.
Semester 2 – Specialization:
Students choose one of five Schools:
- School of Culture – Punjabi Culture, Literature & Performing Arts
- School of Land – Punjab Civilization, Land & Sustainability
- School of People – Global Punjabi, Diaspora & Community Studies
- School of Spirit – Punjabi Struggles, Leadership & Seva
- School of Future – Digital Heritage, AI & Cultural Innovation
Year 2 – Earn While You Learn:
Students apply their knowledge through work-integrated learning, professional placements, research, apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, field projects, or institutional assignments, while completing advanced academic requirements.
The second year culminates in a VIRSA Capstone, enabling students to produce a professional, research, creative, technological, entrepreneurial, or community-impact project.
Heritage for the Future
The program recognizes Punjabi heritage as a living and evolving field extending from Punjab to the global Punjabi diaspora.
Students can explore language, literature, music, arts, history, migration, genealogy, agriculture, sustainability, social movements, leadership, seva, digital archives, artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, and cultural innovation.
Through this approach, GNDGU seeks to move heritage education:
From preservation to participation.
From classroom to workplace.
From knowledge to innovation.
From heritage to the future.
A Meaningful Launch
Launching the program on the First Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji reflects GNDGU’s commitment to education grounded in knowledge, wisdom, dignity of work, service, ethical responsibility, and the advancement of humanity.
The University invites students, scholars, educators, cultural organizations, technology professionals, entrepreneurs, employers, and institutions worldwide to become part of this emerging global academic ecosystem.
Two Years. Five Schools. 90 Credits. One Global Heritage.
Learn. Research. Work. Create. Lead.
Guru Nanak Dev Global University
VIRSA – Global Punjabi Heritage Institute