THE University of Western Australia (UWA), a member of Australia’s Group of Eight (Go8) universities has submitted an application to the India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish multiple branch campuses across India, with the hub to be established in Mumbai. Subject to UGC and UWA Senate Approval, the University of Western Australia intends to establish branch campuses in both Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. This development would make it the third Australian varsity to have a presence in India, Deakin and Wollongong already having set up campuses in India’s GIFT City.

Diane Smith-Gander, Chancellor, UWA, recently met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in a closed door session.

UWA intends to provide a range of undergraduate and master degree programmes including STEM, Business and in particular creative industry offerings from the UWA Conservatorium of Music. The establishment of the India campus marks a significant milestone in UWA‘s global expansion strategy.

“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.

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 will offer an international education experience as well as facilitate access to global career opportunities and fosters a diverse and globally connected academic community.

Last month, the University launched the Asia Centre at UWA, a new initiative to deepen Western Australia’s social, cultural and business connections with Asia and its diaspora communities who call Western Australia home.