New Delhi: Australia has made history by becoming the first country to establish a foreign campus in India. Deakin University, a prominent Australian institution, has recently inaugurated its branch campus in GIFT City, Gujarat. This strategic move allows Indian students to pursue Master of Business Analytics and Master of Cybersecurity (Professional) degrees locally. The inaugural courses are set to commence in July this year.
The new campus is a significant development for Indian students, offering them the benefits of an Australian education without the need to relocate. This initiative comes as Australia continues to be a preferred destination for Indian students, with over 122,000 Indian students welcomed in 2023.
In an official notification, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, HE Philip Green OAM, expressed his pride in this milestone. “I am so proud that the first university to establish a campus in India from anywhere in the world is Australia’s Deakin University at GIFT City. This opens a new chapter in Australia-India education ties, and this is only the beginning,” he stated.
Deakin University has had a longstanding presence in India, spanning over 30 years. During this period, the university has made substantial investments in higher education. It has entered into research collaborations with prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology, established a joint centre focused on nanotechnology and sustainability with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), and launched the Global Job Readiness program in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation to skill young Indians.
Furthermore, High Commissioner Green revealed that Australia plans to expand its educational footprint in India, with the University of Wollongong set to open the second foreign branch campus in GIFT City.
The inauguration of Deakin University’s campus was a highlight of the 10th Edition of Vibrant Gujarat, where High Commissioner Green led a robust 90-member delegation. This delegation included representatives from 36 Australian universities, underlining the strong educational ties between the two nations.
Latest Developments:
- Expansion of Programs: Deakin University is planning to introduce additional undergraduate and postgraduate programs by the next academic year, including courses in Information Technology, Engineering, and Health Sciences, catering to the diverse educational needs of Indian students.
- Collaborative Research Initiatives: The university has announced new collaborative research initiatives with Indian institutions. These include partnerships in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and biotechnology.
- Scholarship Opportunities: Deakin University will offer a range of scholarships to Indian students, aimed at making high-quality Australian education more accessible. These scholarships will cover tuition fees, living expenses, and provide merit-based awards.
- Industry Partnerships: The university is actively engaging with leading Indian corporations to develop industry-linked programs and internships. This approach ensures that students gain practical experience and are job-ready upon graduation.
- Student Exchange Programs: There are plans to establish student exchange programs with Indian universities, allowing for a greater cultural and educational exchange between Australia and India.
- Infrastructure Developments: The GIFT City campus is set to expand its infrastructure, including state-of-the-art labs, advanced learning facilities, and residential accommodations, to support the growing student population and enhance the overall educational experience.
This pioneering initiative by Deakin University marks a significant milestone in the Australia-India educational relationship, offering Indian students unparalleled access to global education within their home country.
