In a significant move toward strengthening higher education cooperation between Australia and India, the University of Western Australia (UWA) is set to become one of the first Group of Eight universities to establish campuses in Mumbai and Chennai, India.

Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC), India’s statutory higher education authority under the Ministry of Education, has opened the door for global universities to set up campuses in the country. This move aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to internationalize Indian education and elevate its global reputation. UWA now stands among the first international institutions officially approved to operate in India under this new framework.

“UWA has always looked westward, and India, across the Indian Ocean, is our natural neighbor,” said Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Guy Littlefair, in an exclusive interview with South Asian Herald on October 3, 2025. 

Littlefair explained that UWA’s planned campuses in Mumbai and Chennai reflect both economic and educational logic. 

“Mumbai, being the economic heart of India, makes perfect sense for business and commerce programs,” he said. “Chennai, on the other hand, with its growing technology and engineering ecosystem, is ideal for STEM and computer science disciplines.”

He also noted that the move aligns with the Western Australian Government’s presence in Chennai, potentially paving the way for greater bilateral connectivity, including the possibility of a direct Perth–Chennai flight in the future.

For UWA, the initiative goes beyond academics. “We see this as much more than just education delivery,” Littlefair emphasized. “It’s about supporting communities, partnering with industry, and learning from India as much as contributing to it.”

UWA’s approach is already reflected in its early collaborations with Avsara Academy, recognized for its work in women’s empowerment, and HCLTech, one of India’s leading IT services firms. These partnerships, Littlefair said, symbolize a blend of grassroots engagement and global industry collaboration, setting the tone for UWA’s inclusive model of growth. 

“It’s a bridge between two nations and it’s going to benefit everyone involved,” Littlefair said about the collaboration. “There are other collaborations in the pipeline too, which we’ll be announcing in due course.” 

What It Means for Students

For students, the benefits will go beyond borders. “We want to create pathways that blend study with real-world experience,” Littlefair said, referring to work-integrated learning opportunities. These initiatives will help students gain global exposure through internships, research, and exchange programs between India and Australia.

He envisions a vibrant two-way flow. “Our Perth-based students will be able to undertake study tours or even semesters in India,” he said. “And Indian students can experience UWA’s Perth campus or pursue postgraduate degrees after completing their undergraduate studies in India.”

Maintaining the UWA Standard

Quality assurance remains a cornerstone of this initiative. “The degrees we offer in India will be identical in structure, content, and standard to those in Australia,” he confirmed. Both TEQSA, Australia’s regulator, and India’s UGC will oversee compliance, but UWA’s motivation goes deeper.

“It’s not just an obligation, it’s who we are,” Littlefair said. “UWA is known for its student experience, its clubs, and its campus culture and that’s exactly what we’ll bring to India.”

A Bridge Across the Indian Ocean

Littlefair sees UWA’s expansion as part of a wider story, one of cultural connection and shared growth. “Education is one of the greatest tools of diplomacy,” he noted. “This partnership strengthens the bilateral relationship between Australia and India, and potentially creates a gateway for UWA into other parts of Asia.”

He also pointed out that India is becoming a regional education destination in its own right. “We’re already seeing students from neighboring countries look to India,” he said. “For them, this could be a way to earn an Australian degree without leaving the region.”

Shared Research, Shared Future

While academics and degrees form the foundation, UWA’s ambitions extend to joint research and innovation. Discussions are already underway in areas such as sustainable mining, agriculture, and healthcare.

“UWA is a research powerhouse,” Littlefair said. “Mining and minerals are big for us in Western Australia, and we’re looking at sustainable practices that can support India’s priorities. We also see opportunities to co-create solutions in biomedical technologies and medical devices, a collaboration that benefits both nations.”

An Indian University with Australian DNA

Summing up UWA’s long-term vision, Littlefair quoted his Vice-Chancellor: “This is not about taking an Australian university to India. It’s about creating an Indian university with Australian DNA.”

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