UWA Set to Establish International Branch Campuses in India by 2026
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is on track to establish international branch campuses in India, marking a significant step for Australia's higher education sector and strengthening the Australia-India education partnership. If approved, these campuses would be a major milestone, with the University Grants Commission (UGC) aiming to greenlight such projects by 2026-2027.
UWA has applied to set up multiple campuses in India, focusing on key states. The proposed locations include Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, with a central hub planned for Mumbai. These campuses will offer undergraduate and master's degree programs, with a strong emphasis on STEM, business, and creative industries. The initiative aligns with India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages foreign universities to establish campuses within its borders.
UWA's Chancellor, Diane Smith-Gander, has held high-level discussions about this project. She met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis to discuss the initiative. The strategic alignment and cultural affinity between Western Australia and India, particularly in Mumbai and Chennai, have influenced UWA's decision to expand into the country.
UWA's proposed international branch campuses in India, if approved, will deepen the Australia-India education partnership. These campuses, focusing on STEM, business, and creative industries, reflect UWA's commitment to global engagement and India's openness to foreign higher education institutions. The project's success will depend on the UGC's formal approval, with a tentative timeline set for 2026-2027.
