Western Australia University to establish campuses in India
Talking to CNBC-TV18, Professor Gai Littlefare, Deputy Chairman (Education and Student Experience) in the UWA, the decision reflects the long-term commitment of the university for India’s fast extended education sector and its ability to become a global center for higher education.
“The University of Western Australia is setting up two complexes, one in Mumbai and one in Chennai,” he said. “We fully believe that we have an opportunity for students to come to India in and around India and they have world-comprehensive qualifications.”
Professor Littlefare said that India’s location and demographics make it one of the most important sectors for international education growth over the next two decades. “We have to wait and see how India performs as an international education destination, but it is definitely going to be a center,” he said. “Looking at the policy changes by the government’s decision to welcome the university’s grant commission and foreign universities, we realized that it was once a lifetime opportunity.”
He said that the UWA entry is not a short -term step, but part of a comprehensive strategy to create a continuous educational appearance in India. “This is not for the short term, we are here for a longer period,” he said. “We want to develop a comprehensive university offering program in art, humanities, technical science and health.”
Around 100 billion dollars approximate India’s higher education market has become increasingly attractive to global institutions. Professor Littlefare said that UWA sees the move as an academic and economic opportunity. “This is a large market to ensure, and a one that provides significant stimulation to the economy,” he said.
Talking about the choice of cities, he said that Mumbai represents the financial heart of India and is a rich entrepreneurial ecosystem, making it a natural place for the expansion of the university. On the other hand, there is a high demand for study in engineering, computer science and technical science in Chennai. “For us, it was an easy decision to install in both cities,” he said.
The UWA has already received an intention letter from the University Grants Commission and is working towards establishing its physical presence in India. Professor Littlefare said that the university estimates to open its doors for students by August next year.
The university is still assessing whether to install the complexes independently or through a joint venture with an Indian partner. “We are working to install as a joint venture or on our own. Both sides have professionals and opposition,” he said. “Whatever happens, we will distribute some important here in India for those students who are looking for such opportunities in the future.”
He also assured that the quality of education in India campuses will match the UWA standards in Australia. “We have to provide courses for the same standard we provide in Australia,” he explained. “There will be some local nuances, but the offerings will be the same in quality.”
The UWA will focus strongly on the student experience, offering a mixture of classroom learning, field work, community engagement and research-based internships. “We focus on the student’s experience, not only in class but also through the work of the region and community,” he said. “We take advantage of our research expertise and offer internships and work-educated learning.”
While Professor Littlefare did not disclose the scale of investment, he confirmed that it would be enough. “The installation of two complexes in a foreign country is an important investment, but one that is worth making well,” he said. “We don’t see anything here in India.”
With the move, India’s goal of becoming a global education hub is taking firm shape, as foreign universities begin to translate policy reforms into on-ground partnerships and complexes.
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