In a landmark move to boost the internationalisation of higher education in India under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University of Western Australia (UWA) has announced its plans to set up its first overseas campuses in India. The prestigious university, ranked among the world’s top 100 and a member of Australia’s elite Group of Eight (Go8), will establish academic centres in two major Indian cities — Chennai and Mumbai. This marks a significant step in expanding global academic collaboration and bringing top-tier international education closer to Indian students.

The announcement was made during an event held on June 14, 2025, in Mumbai, where Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan formally handed over letters of intent to five foreign higher educational institutions expressing interest in establishing a physical presence in India. These universities hail from the UK, US, Australia, and Italy, and their inclusion in the initiative highlights India’s growing appeal as a global knowledge hub and education destination.

UWA’s decision to establish campuses in Chennai and Mumbai is seen as a strategic move to increase its global footprint and deepen academic, research, and consultancy collaborations with Indian institutions and industries. The university already enjoys strong ties with India through various academic partnerships, and the establishment of physical campuses will further enhance accessibility to high-quality Australian education for Indian students. Chennai and Mumbai, both known for their vibrant academic environments, thriving industries, strong talent pools, and strategic locations, were chosen to host the new campuses. UWA believes that these cities’ emphasis on education, entrepreneurship, and innovation aligns perfectly with its mission to deliver global-standard learning experiences.

India’s evolving regulatory landscape, especially the simplification of rules under NEP 2020, has made it increasingly attractive for international universities to set up operations in the country. With new provisions for joint degrees, dual and twinning programmes, academic credit mobility, and greater institutional autonomy, the Ministry of Education is actively encouraging foreign universities to collaborate and contribute to India’s education ecosystem. These efforts are aimed at transforming India into a global education powerhouse, allowing students to access international curriculums without the need to travel abroad.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, while speaking at the event, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for international universities. He emphasized that the new policies and initiatives reflect a bold and confident approach towards making India a global knowledge destination. “Our regulations have been simplified, our approach is open and inclusive, and our vision is ambitious. We are confident that India will emerge as a leader in global education,” he stated.

Alongside the University of Western Australia, four other institutions have received approval to establish campuses in India. These include the Aberdeen University of Scotland, the University of York from the United Kingdom, the Illinois Institute of Technology from the United States, and Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) from Europe. These institutions are expected to set up their campuses at the proposed ‘International Education City’ in Navi Mumbai, which will serve as a global education and innovation hub.

This collective move by top global universities to invest in the Indian education landscape is seen as a major endorsement of the country’s academic potential and talent. It also promises to offer Indian students broader choices and exposure to international academic standards and teaching methodologies. By facilitating physical campuses in India, the government also hopes to curb the growing trend of educational migration and retain talented students who otherwise would travel abroad for quality education.

The initiative is also expected to enhance India’s higher education infrastructure, foster knowledge exchange, and provide significant economic and social benefits. It will open new avenues for faculty and student exchange, joint research, and skill development programmes, fostering deeper integration between India and the global academic community.

With UWA leading the way, the presence of international universities on Indian soil represents a new era of academic excellence and cross-border educational collaboration. As the NEP 2020 vision continues to unfold, India appears well on track to becoming a truly global centre of learning, research, and innovation.