The University of Western Australia (UWA) is expanding its global footprint with plans to open its first Indian campuses in Mumbai and Chennai by August 2026.
According to university officials, the initiative marks a major step in strengthening UWA’s academic engagement with India. A high-level delegation from UWA is currently visiting the country to collaborate with government bodies, state agencies, and higher education institutions to build long-term partnerships in research, innovation, and industry integration.
Based in Perth, UWA has secured approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish multiple branch campuses in India, with its Mumbai campus serving as the primary hub.
Ranked among the top 100 universities globally, UWA will become the first Australian Group of Eight (Go8) university — comparable to the Ivy League — to set up campuses in India.
Highlighting the vision behind this expansion, Professor Guy Littlefair, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience), said:
“India’s young, tech-driven, and entrepreneurial population is shaping the future of global innovation. Through our new campuses, UWA aims to collaborate closely with this dynamic ecosystem to create real-world impact through education, research, and industry partnerships.”
The Mumbai campus is expected to open first, followed by Chennai, with both locations beginning operations in 2026. The delegation’s visit to India focuses on finalising the implementation roadmap, strengthening academic ties, and exploring collaborative opportunities with leading Indian institutions and businesses.
UWA has already established several partnerships in India, including collaborations with:
- Andhra Pradesh MedTech Zone (AMTZ) to promote medical research and internship opportunities.
- Avid Sports to design pathways in sports science, business, and performance management.
- HCLTech to integrate real-world innovation and technology experience into academic learning.
The upcoming campuses are envisioned as centres for innovation and entrepreneurship, offering startup incubators, research collaborations, and cross-border exchange programmes that connect students, researchers, and industry professionals from India and Australia.
Through its School of Earth and Oceans, UWA is also partnering with premier Indian institutions on research in sustainable mining, renewable energy, climate change, and ocean science, further reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and global collaboration.
With this expansion, UWA aims to make world-class Australian education more accessible to Indian students while fostering deeper academic and cultural links between the two nations.