Western Sydney University expands global footprint with India campus approval
Dr Nicolene Murdoch, Pro Vice-Chancellor: Global Partnerships and Transnational Education, receiving the official Letter of Intent for the India campus in India from UGC Chairman Vineet Joshi in presence of Hon’ble Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan and other dignitaries at the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2025 in New Delhi.
Western Sydney University has marked a significant milestone, receiving formal approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Indian Ministry of Education to establish a foreign branch campus in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh (UP).
The state-of-the-art campus will deliver world-class teaching, research, and innovation, with an initial focus on business, innovation and entrepreneurship – building on Western Sydney University’s long-standing collaboration with partners in the region across food and water security, and emerging areas such as Ag-Tech.
Designed to offer an inclusive and vibrant student experience, the campus will also foster strong partnerships with local institutions, industry, and the community, while supporting the Indian Government’s goals for socio-economic growth, innovation, and sustainable development.
The announcement follows Western Sydney University being ranked number one in the world for an unprecedented fourth year in a row in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings, recognising the University’s global leadership and commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The India campus in Greater Noida will form part of the University’s international network under its ‘One University’ model, offering seamless cross-campus mobility, industry internships and placements, research, start-up incubation, and cross border commercialisation.
The announcement was made at the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2025 in New Delhi, in the presence of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Hon’ble Education Minister, Government of India, along with key ministers from the Centre and States, and senior education leaders.
Chancellor, Professor Jennifer Westacott AC, said the India campus reflects a major strategic commitment by the University to extend its international impact.
“Western Sydney University is deeply committed to expanding our presence in India, delivering world-class education that aligns with India’s skill needs, and working with government, industry, partners, and local communities to drive innovation, sustainability, and research-led solutions,” said Professor Westacott.
Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, said the campus would strengthen Western Sydney University’s global presence while creating opportunities for students and communities in both India and Australia.
“Western Sydney University has a proud and long history of opening up access to higher education. Our India campus will create life-changing opportunities for students and future leaders, contributing to India’s economic and social transformation. By taking Western Sydney to the world, the campus will also provide new opportunities for Australian students and local businesses,” said Professor Williams.
The University will work closely with the Uttar Pradesh government, Indian agricultural and technology institutions like ICAR and IITs, and industry leaders, to build upon the University’s global research excellence, including leading projects on climate resilience, water quality, and agriculture innovation in India.
From August 2026, the India campus will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs with an Ag-Tech focus in Business and Innovation and Entrepreneurship, later expanding to include Data Science and Science, with specialisations in Sustainable Water Futures.
The campus will also feature access to Launch Pad, the University’s highly-successful business incubator, which supports entrepreneurial education, start-up training and research commercialisation, with strong links to the Ag-Tech sector.
The India campus builds on Western Sydney University’s global presence, including its long-established partnership with UEH University in Vietnam, and its new Surabaya campus in Indonesia, which opened in late 2024.
For more information about the India campus, please visit: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/india (opens in a new window).
ENDS
31 July 2025
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