UWA Plans to be the First Australian University to Launch Campus in Mumbai

MUMBAI:
The University of Western Australia (UWA), one of the world’s top 100 universities, has submitted its application to the University Grants Commission in India to establish multiple branch campuses across India, with the hub to be established in Mumbai.

UWA will become the first Ivy League–equivalent institution and the first of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight (Go8) universities to set up a campus in India. The announcement was made at the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) held at the Jio World Centre, where Diane Smith-Gander, Chancellor, UWA, met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a closed door session.

A leader in research and graduate outcomes, UWA will leverage India’s strength as the world’s second largest innovation ecosystem and Western Australia’s commitment to accelerating its position as a renowned global hub of invention, investment, innovation and impact. UWA intends to provide a range of undergraduate and master degree programmes that will help shape the future economy, including STEM, Business and in particular creative industry offerings, leveraging the faculty and expertise of one of Australia’s leading music schools – the UWA Conservatorium of Music. Subject to UGC and UWA Senate Approval, the University of Western Australia intends to establish branch campuses in both Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu – among the top performing state economies in India.

Established in 1911 and globally ranked #77, UWA, a public research university in Perth, is amongst the top 1% of universities in Australia and #1 in graduate employability in Western Australia with notable alumni including Prime Ministers of Australia, five High Court Justices, Governors of the Reserve Bank, Federal Cabinet Ministers, Premiers of Western Australia, over 110 Rhodes Scholars, 2 Nobel Laureates and a Field’s Medallist. UWA has had its graduates positively impact the society – from Nobel Prize-winning scientists such as Professor Barry Marshall, to Indian Australian mathematician, Professor and Fields Medal winner Akshay Venkatesh, to former Australia Prime Minister Bob Hawke, among several others. The establishment of the India campus marks a significant milestone in UWA’s global expansion strategy. By offering Indian students access to world-class education and international degree pathways, UWA is not only enhancing individual career prospects but also contributing to the development of a skilled, globally competitive and future ready workforce.

“Mumbai has the highest concentration of talent and continues to attract individuals from diverse sectors – with Navi Mumbai emerging as a key dynamic hub in our country and ranked as a top destination in terms of quality of living. My vision for Maharashtra is to carve out dedicated zones with shared infrastructure. It’s an honour and pleasure to welcome University of Western Australia, a G08 (Ivy League equivalent), to establish a presence in Mumbai and thereafter in Educity, Navi Mumbai. This also builds on the long standing relationship we have with the Government of Western Australia who established a presence in our state in 1996 and we continue to deepen our relationship through innovation and education between Australia and India,” said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

“We are proud for UWA to have chosen our first global branch campuses to be established in India. Our selection of India is based on a long standing history of research collaboration in the areas of agriculture, plant sciences and business; and leveraging the Government of Western Australia’s long standing presence across Mumbai and Chennai. We feel connected to India and wish to deepen that connection into a substantial footprint that has the landscape of a diverse and strong economic base. We are committed to working in and with Indian students and the Indian Government to support its ambitions under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020,” said Diane Smith-Gander, Chancellor, UWA.

Indian higher education is expected to grow by approximately 60% in the next decade and there is strong demand for quality education. However, access to top-tier institutions remains limited, creating a gap that UWA aims to fill. By offering degrees from a globally renowned institution, UWA’s India campus will equip students with the skills and credentials sought after by employers worldwide. It is intended that students studying at the UWA India Branch campus will have the opportunity to transfer to the UWA Crawley campus; as well as opportunities for UWA students in Perth to undertake experiences in the intended branch campus. This pathway not only offers an international education experience but also facilitates access to global career opportunities and fosters a diverse and globally connected academic community.