The University of Western Australia (UWA) has received approval to establish international branch campuses in India, becoming the first member of Australia’s Group of Eight universities to achieve this under India’s National Education Policy 2020.
UWA will open its first Indian campus in Mumbai, followed by a second in Chennai, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and business. The move aims to meet the ambitions of Indian students and the growing demand for skilled graduates in the global economy.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said the approval from India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) reflected a strong commitment to academic excellence and deepening collaboration with India.
“This milestone reinforces our role as a leading institution in the Indo-Pacific, focused on innovation, quality education, and global partnerships,” Professor Chakma said.
In a bid to improve access to higher education, UWA has partnered with the Avasara Academy to offer full scholarships to high-achieving young women from low socio-economic backgrounds. The initiative will help bridge education gaps and support emerging female leaders in India.
UWA has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with HCLTech, a major Indian technology company, to co-develop short courses and establish innovation hubs across UWA’s campuses in both countries. The partnership aims to align academic learning with real-world industry needs.
Professor Guy Littlefair, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience), said the HCLTech collaboration would help turn research into practical solutions, fostering opportunities for students, startups and tech industries.
The expansion into India follows high-level discussions between UWA executives and Indian government officials earlier this year (TKN 12/5/25). The initiative is expected to boost bilateral ties between Australia and India through research partnerships, student exchanges, and industry collaboration.
UWA confirmed its Indian campuses will maintain the same academic standards and quality assurance as its Perth campus, ensuring students receive an internationally recognised qualification closer to home.
