In a landmark decision, India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) has granted approval to The University of Western Australia (UWA) to establish international branch campuses in India. This makes UWA the first Group of Eight university from Australia to receive such recognition under India’s National Education Policy 2020.
The first campus is set to open in Mumbai, followed by another in Chennai. These campuses will offer a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in STEM and business disciplines, aimed at meeting the aspirations of Indian students and the evolving needs of the global workforce and economy.
Strategic Expansion into India
The announcement comes as UWA seeks to deepen its engagement with India, a country with a burgeoning youth population and a growing demand for higher education. UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma expressed the university’s honor and excitement at receiving UGC’s approval, emphasizing the shared commitment to academic excellence and global collaboration.
“This milestone reflects our shared commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and global collaboration, and solidifies our commitment to being a leading university in the Indo-Pacific region,” Professor Chakma said.
The decision follows high-level discussions between UWA leadership and Indian government officials earlier this year, highlighting the strategic importance of this expansion in fostering stronger bilateral ties between Australia and India.
Commitment to Inclusive Education
As part of its commitment to inclusive education, UWA has partnered with the Avasara Academy, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to empowering young women leaders. This partnership will offer full scholarships to girls from low socio-economic backgrounds, creating pathways for talented students who may otherwise lack access to world-class education.
This initiative is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of many young women, providing them with opportunities to pursue higher education and contribute to their communities and the global economy.
Fostering Innovation and Industry Collaboration
In a move to foster innovation and industry collaboration, UWA has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HCLTech, one of India’s leading global technology companies. This agreement includes plans to develop short courses and university-innovation hubs across UWA’s campuses in India and Western Australia, creating a dynamic network for research, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
UWA Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) Professor Guy Littlefair highlighted the importance of this collaboration, noting that it would connect academic research to real-world innovation, benefiting students, startups, and industry alike.
“Our collaboration with HCLTech will connect academic research to real-world innovation, benefiting students, startups, and industry,” Professor Littlefair said.
Implications for Australia-India Relations
UWA’s expansion into India is expected to promote research collaboration, student mobility, and industry partnerships, further strengthening the Australia-India bilateral relationship. The move represents a significant step in fostering strengthened intergenerational relationships between both nations.
UWA’s Indian campuses will uphold the same academic standards and quality assurance frameworks as its Perth campus, ensuring that students receive a globally recognized education close to home. This development is likely to set a precedent for other Australian universities looking to expand their presence in India.
As UWA prepares to open its doors in Mumbai and Chennai, the university is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of higher education in India, contributing to the country’s educational landscape and the broader Indo-Pacific region.
