University of Western Australia’s Mumbai Campus Clears Final Approval Ahead of September Opening

by Pooja Bhardwaj August 29, 2026

By Pooja Bhardwaj August 29, 2026 0 comments 2 minutes read

Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma and Jennifer Howell, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Global Engagement, hold University of Western Australia identification cards at the university's Mumbai campus, August 28, 2026. PHOTO: Nashid Chowdhury, Director, Global Growth and Advocacy, UWA

The University of Western Australia (UWA) received the final regulatory approval needed to begin teaching at its Mumbai campus on August 28, 2026, confirming a September start for its first cohort of students.

The Letter of Approval, issued by India’s University Grants Commission, is the latest milestone in UWA’s expansion into India, following the university’s earlier approval to establish an international branch campus in Mumbai.

UWA Chancellor Diane Smith-Gander called the campus opening a significant step for the university’s ties with India, saying it is “about creating new opportunities for students, giving them access to a globally recognized UWA education while they remain connected to the opportunities, communities and aspirations of India.” She added that the university is “delighted to be at this point” and looks forward to welcoming its first students to Mumbai.

The campus will combine UWA’s academic programs with access to one of India’s major business, finance, technology, and innovation hubs.

High Commissioner of India to Australia Nagesh Singh described the campus as a marker of the deepening education partnership between the two countries, noting it gives Indian students “the opportunity to experience an Australian university education in India, while creating new connections between our two countries.” He said he looks forward to seeing the first cohort begin this new chapter.

**Group photo: Staff and faculty of the University of Western Australia’s Mumbai campus, August 28, 2026. PHOTO: Nashid Chowdhury, Director, Global Growth and Advocacy, UWA**

Ahead of classes starting in September, incoming students will take part in orientation and UWA’s AI Jumpstart program, an early learning initiative introducing students to artificial intelligence and its impact on industries and the future of work.

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said the approval shifts the university’s focus to preparing for its first students, adding that the goal is “an exceptional student experience from day one, an experience that combines UWA’s academic excellence and global perspective with the opportunities available in India.” He said the university is especially looking forward to Orientation and AI Jumpstart, where students will begin “building the skills, connections and confidence” that will shape their time at UWA.

Orientation will give incoming students a chance to familiarize themselves with the campus, meet faculty and classmates, and prepare for the transition to university life.

UWA, Western Australia’s oldest university and a member of Australia’s Group of Eight, is ranked among the world’s top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings 2026.