The University of Western Australia has received final approval from India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) for its international branch campus in Chennai.
The milestone confirms UWA as the first foreign higher education provider in Tamil Nadu and the first Australian university and Group of Eight (Go8) institution to receive UGC approval in Chennai. It also reaffirms UWA India’s position as the first foreign university to launch two campuses simultaneously in India.
The Chennai campus forms part of UWA’s $80 million long-term commitment to wholly owned campuses in India, following last month’s opening of UWA Mumbai. Student orientation at Chennai will start today and classes commence October 19 with a range of scholarships also offered.
UWA Chennai will bring UWA’s academic offering to a city recognised for its strengths in technology, engineering, manufacturing and innovation. Its initial portfolio will include programs in data science, artificial intelligence, information technology, business and economics, connecting academic learning with the needs of a rapidly evolving economy.
The investment strengthens UWA’s permanent presence in India while creating new opportunities for students across Tamil Nadu and the country to access a globally recognised Australian education and build connections with industry and UWA’s international network.
UWA Chennai will offer undergraduate programs including Bachelor of Business (Business Management), Bachelor of Science (Computer Science), Bachelor of Science (Data Science) and Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (AI), as well as postgraduate programs in Master of Information Technology and Master of Business Administration (MBA).
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said final UGC approval allowed the University to move from planning to welcoming its first students in Chennai.
“This is a region where we aim to leverage the WA Government’s presence as well as long-term academic partnerships,” Professor Chakma said.
“The campus brings UWA’s education to students in a region with exceptional strengths in technology and innovation, while connecting them to the University’s global academic and industry networks. We look forward to beginning this journey with our inaugural cohort in October.”
The Hon Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia, said having just inaugurated UWA’s Mumbai campus, it was exciting to see this long-term Western Australian presence in India extend to Chennai.
“Through Invest and Trade WA and our strong government-to-government and industry relationships, Western Australia is building enduring connections across India, in particular Tamil Nadu,” Mr Cook said.
“The State of Tamil Nadu shares many of our strengths in education, skills, technology and industry, and UWA Chennai provides a new platform to deepen these connections and create opportunities for students, businesses and communities in both regions.”
Hon Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu C Joseph Vijay said Tamil Nadu’s strength in education, technology and industry made it a leading destination for global institutions.
“UWA’s presence in Chennai will add to this ecosystem, providing students with access to an internationally recognised university while strengthening the connections between Tamil Nadu and Western Australia,” Mr Vijay said.
“We welcome UWA to Chennai and look forward to the opportunities this partnership will create for our students and our state.”
UWA Chancellor Dr Diane Smith-Gander AO said Chennai was an important addition to UWA’s presence in India and to its international university community.
“This is an exciting milestone and we look forward to welcoming our first students,” Dr Smith-Gadner said. “Our ambition is to give them an education that combines the depth of a UWA degree with the opportunities created by studying in one of India’s most dynamic cities.”
Orientation will introduce students to the UWA learning environment, campus and academic community before classes commence. Students will also become part of UWA’s global network, with opportunities to engage with peers, academics and industry across India and internationally.
UWA Chennai represents the next step in the University’s more than century-long engagement with India, strengthening its presence in the country while creating new opportunities for education, collaboration and international connection.