Western Sydney University To Open Campus In India
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In a landmark development for higher education in India, Western Sydney University (WSU) has received formal approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish its first foreign branch campus in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The announcement was made during the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2025 held in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, other central and state ministers, and senior education leaders. This marks a significant step in India’s journey toward becoming a global knowledge hub and aligns closely with the National Education Policy (NEP) goals.
The new India campus is set to become operational in August 2026 and will initially offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Over time, it will expand its offerings to include disciplines such as data science and science, with plans to incorporate agriculture-focused courses aligned with India’s national development priorities. Western Sydney University is also planning to introduce its highly regarded Launch Pad initiative—a business incubator that will offer entrepreneurial education, startup mentoring, and research commercialisation opportunities to Indian students.
The Greater Noida campus will operate under the University’s ‘One University’ model, providing students with seamless cross-campus mobility across its global network, including locations in Australia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The model will offer robust industry internships, work-integrated learning, and research opportunities, directly connecting students with real-world applications and global career pathways. WSU’s curriculum aims to build future-ready talent with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world.
Professor Jennifer Westacott AC, Chancellor of Western Sydney University, said the India campus reflects the institution’s strategic commitment to deepening its international engagement. She noted that WSU is focused on delivering education that aligns with India’s evolving skill needs and on forging long-term partnerships with governments, industries, and communities to drive research, innovation, and sustainable development. Vice-Chancellor and President Professor George Williams AO highlighted the University’s legacy of facilitating accessible, inclusive education and expressed confidence that the India campus will create transformative opportunities for students and contribute meaningfully to India’s social and economic progress.
The campus in Greater Noida is also designed to support the Indian government’s vision for socio-economic development and sustainability. It will offer a state-of-the-art learning environment with world-class facilities aimed at creating a vibrant and inclusive student experience. By integrating academics with practical industry exposure, the campus will not only enhance employability for Indian students but also open avenues for international collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Western Sydney University’s India expansion comes on the back of its consistent recognition in global rankings. The University was recently named number one in the world for the fourth consecutive year in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings. This recognition is based on WSU’s outstanding commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing its global leadership in areas such as climate action, quality education, and partnerships for sustainable growth.
India has long been a priority market for Western Sydney University. Indian students make up about 20% of its international student body, with more than 1,300 currently enrolled across its Australian campuses. Of its top 30 programmes, 25 are Australian-accredited and industry-aligned, offering strong job readiness for graduates. Over the past two decades, WSU has cultivated robust partnerships in India with over 30 State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), IITs, IISc, and prominent financial institutions like NABARD and ICICI Bank.
The university’s collaborations in India span a wide range of activities, including dual-degree programmes, short-term skill development, and major research projects. One of the flagship initiatives is the Centre of Excellence in Hi-Tech Protected Cropping established with ICAR. WSU has also led the Australia-India Water Centre, which promotes sustainable groundwater use and has already trained 5,000 farmers. A notable AUD13 million national pollination project, completed in 2023, underscored the university’s commitment to agricultural innovation. Additional collaborations include wastewater recycling research with IISc and UAS Bangalore and the creation of agri-incubation centres to support entrepreneurship and startup growth.
As it gears up to launch its India campus, WSU plans to work closely with the Uttar Pradesh government, local institutions like IITs and ICAR, and Indian industry stakeholders. These collaborations are expected to build on the university’s global expertise in climate resilience, water quality, and sustainable agriculture—critical areas for India’s future.
The launch of the Greater Noida campus reflects a growing trend of international universities investing in India’s educational landscape. Western Sydney University’s entry is not only a significant endorsement of India’s higher education reforms but also a major step toward creating global learning ecosystems that empower students and drive innovation-led development.
