University of Western Australia to launch its first global campuses, with academic hubs planned in Chennai and Mumbai
The University Grants Commission has granted approval for five foreign universities to establish campuses in the country. The UGC handed over letters of intent to these institutions from the UK, US, Australia and Italy on Saturday, marking a crucial step in the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 and its vision of global academic integration. Among them is the University of Western Australia (UWA), ranked among the world's top 100 and a proud member of Australia's Group of Eight.
UWA has announced plans to open two campuses in India–in Chennai and Mumbai, its first international branch campuses.
Speaking to indianexpress.com on the sidelines of an event in Mumbai, Professor Peter Grace, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) at UWA, explains why the university chose India, what students can expect, and how the institution aims to contribute to India's educational and entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Why has UWA decided to open campuses in India?
The University of Western Australia's decision to establish campuses in India stems from a combination of strategic, academic, and diplomatic motivations. The Indian government has actively encouraged reputed foreign universities to enter the domestic higher education space, and UWA sees this as an opportunity to expand access to quality global education.
UWA already has long-standing academic, research, and consultancy collaborations in India. Geographically located on the Indian Ocean Rim, the university has long focused on engaging with countries in the region. Establishing a physical presence in India is therefore a logical and timely extension of UWA's vision.
Is this UWA's first overseas campus?
Yes, this will be the first overseas campus for the University of Western Australia. While several Australian universities operate international branch campuses, UWA has until now remained focused on strengthening partnerships without establishing a physical base abroad. With India's regulatory environment becoming increasingly conducive, the university felt this was the right time to initiate operations on Indian soil.
Why choose Mumbai and Chennai for the campuses?
UWA has identified Mumbai and Chennai as strategic locations due to their economic potential, talent pool, and synergies with Perth, the university's home city. Both cities are recognised hubs for education, entrepreneurship, and industry.
They offer access to vibrant student communities and align well with UWA's focus on innovation and skills development.
Does this move respond to tighter immigration norms abroad?
While changes in immigration policies in countries like Australia, Canada, the UK, and the US may influence student choices, UWA's initiative is primarily about offering high-quality education locally.
The Indian campuses provide an alternative for students who want a world-class education without relocating abroad. Students may also choose to complete part of their education in Australia through future mobility options.
When will the campuses begin operations?
According to UGC guidelines, foreign universities are given an 18-month window to commence academic operations after receiving approval. UWA is currently working within this timeline and intends to begin functioning within this period, although specific dates are yet to be finalised.
What academic programmes will be offered initially?
In the initial phase, UWA's India campuses will focus on business and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines. The choice reflects both local demand and the university's academic strengths. Programmes will be available at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and UWA is also exploring ways to integrate its research expertise into the academic offerings in India.
Will the Indian campuses offer the same degrees as in Perth?
Yes. The degrees offered in India will be identical in content and academic standards to those taught at the Perth campus. While minor adaptations may be made to reflect cultural or regional contexts, the core curriculum and quality benchmarks will remain consistent.
Will the curriculum be tailored for the Indian context?
While the core degree programmes will mirror those offered in Australia, UWA is considering opportunities to develop localised short-term courses in collaboration with Indian industry and academia. These will initially focus on business and STEM areas and be designed to meet specific local and regional demands.
How will faculty recruitment be handled?
UWA plans to implement a blended faculty model. Teaching will be delivered by a mix of faculty from the home campus in Perth and qualified academics recruited locally in India. The aim is to bring together the best of both worlds, global academic perspectives and local expertise, thereby enriching the learning experience for students.
What is the WACE curriculum and how does it relate to UWA's presence in India?
The West Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) is a senior secondary qualification that provides direct university entry pathways. It has recently gained recognition in parts of India, creating an end-to-end academic route for Indian students aspiring to study at UWA.
Additionally, students following the WACE curriculum may be eligible for specific scholarships when they plan to pursue a degree at UWA.
Will there be student exchange and mobility programmes?
Yes. UWA intends to facilitate both short-term study tours and long-term exchange programmes between its Indian campuses and its main campus in Perth. The goal is to enhance student mobility, allowing Indian students to experience international education in both domestic and global contexts.
Will the course fees in India be the same as those in Australia?
UWA is currently assessing its fee structures. While the courses in India will match the quality and curriculum of those in Perth, the fees are expected to be more affordable for Indian students. The university aims to strike a balance between quality and accessibility.
With multiple foreign universities establishing campuses in India, how does UWA's offering stand out?
UWA brings over a century of academic excellence as part of Australia's Group of Eight. It is consistently ranked among the world's top 100 universities. While other approved institutions offer a variety of disciplines and formats, UWA aims to stand out through its research intensity, international reputation, and strong academic-industry linkages.
What is UWA's long-term vision for its India campuses?
In the next decade, UWA envisions becoming deeply embedded in India's educational and innovation ecosystem.
Beyond academics, the university aims to support local industries, foster entrepreneurship, and serve as a platform for collaboration between Indian and Australian institutions.
What kind of placement and entrepreneurship support will be offered?
UWA has established a partnership with HCL to create innovation hubs across India. These hubs will serve as incubators for entrepreneurial thinking and industry engagement. The initiative aims to enrich the curriculum with real-world relevance and prepare students for dynamic, future-ready careers.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
21 minutes ago
- Hans India
India is fast becoming a global hub of agri education: Ex-ICAR Dy D-G
Dr R C Agrawal, former Deputy Director General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), highlighted that Indian agricultural education is becoming a global hub, with continually rising standards. He urged students to recognize the importance of agricultural education in achieving the goals of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat. He noted that the world is now looking to Indian agricultural education and encouraged students to embrace innovation. Speaking as the chief guest at the 'Workshop on Agricultural Education and Opportunities' held at the Horticulture College in Rajendranagar, he highlighted the crucial role that agro-based start-up industries play in India's ambition to become a 5 trillion USD economic powerhouse. Dr. Agrawal also pointed out that the application of Artificial Intelligence is expected to drive a rural revolution in the future, improving farmers' income sources. He predicted that by 2029, opportunities in this sector would reach a value of 6.58 billion USD, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.8 percent. forecasted that by 2040, there will be 1.77 million job opportunities in agriculture, with an annual increase of over 8 percent. Dr Danda Rajireddy, Vice Chancellor of Sri Konda Laxman Telangana Horticultural University (SKLTHU), stated that universities are being equipped with the necessary infrastructure, thanks to support from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the state government. He affirmed that the standards of Indian agricultural education are now competitive globally.
Economic Times
26 minutes ago
- Economic Times
$1 bn and counting! Fractional Real Estate booms as NRIs, millennials seek smarter investments
As India's real estate landscape continues to evolve with the rise of digital platforms, the fractional ownership model is gaining significant traction among retail investors, NRIs, and HNIs. ADVERTISEMENT The combination of professional asset management, improved accessibility, and attractive yields is pushing this niche segment into the mainstream. According to Manisheel Gautam, Chief Marketing Officer at Alt DRX, the fractional real estate market in India is currently valued at approximately $1 billion. 'While overall real estate deployment in India stands at around $100 billion annually, the digital real estate segment is still in its infancy. We're seeing a 30–40% year-on-year growth as accessibility for retail investors improves,' he United States, by comparison, is much further along in the journey. 'Top players in the U.S. have deployed over $4 billion each in tokenized and fractional real estate, showing what's possible when the model scales,' Gautam added. ADVERTISEMENT Aditi Watve, President - Investment Sales & REIT Advisory at ANAROCK Group, estimates the Indian fractional real estate market was worth INR 4,000 crore just two years an annual growth rate of 25–30%, she believes it could exceed INR 41,500 crore within the next five years—provided the regulatory environment evolves to support this growth. Globally, the sector is set to reach a staggering market value of USD 4.8 trillion this year, growing at an annual rate of 26%. ADVERTISEMENT Watve pointed out that the demand is primarily being driven by retail investors, HNIs, tech-savvy millennials, and non-resident Indians (NRIs). 'Investors are looking for exposure to premium commercial properties in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, and Pune. Fractional ownership offers them access to high-value assets without large capital outlays,' she in particular, are finding the model attractive due to India's robust rental yields and the potential for capital appreciation. 'They're increasingly using digital platforms that not only enable seamless investing but also handle property selection, due diligence, and ongoing asset management,' she added. ADVERTISEMENT Geographically, the trend is most prominent in the South and West of India. Gautam noted that 'Goa, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Maharashtra are leading the way in fractional real estate activity. Tier-1 cities and warehousing hubs in these regions have become the focal points.'The surge in warehousing demand, driven by India's e-commerce boom and infrastructure growth, is also spilling over into the fractional space, creating opportunities for both retail and institutional investors. ADVERTISEMENT With rising awareness, improving digital infrastructure, and evolving investment preferences, India's fractional real estate market is on the cusp of rapid expansion. As Watve summarised, 'With the right regulatory clarity and continued investor interest, this model has the potential to redefine property ownership in India—making it more inclusive, liquid, and technology-driven.' (Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views, and opinions given by experts are their own. These do not represent the views of the Economic Times) (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel)
Economic Times
27 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Decoding Volatility: What VIX and IV are telling us in 2025
The muted VIX suggests confidence in the market's overall sentiment. Synopsis In 2025, Indian markets have surged to record highs despite global headwinds, with volatility indicators like India VIX and Implied Volatility (IV) painting a picture of surprising calm. The VIX has remained range-bound between 12 and 16, signalling investor confidence, while ATM IVs for Nifty options suggest low volatility with occasional spikes around key events. India's benchmark indices, Nifty and Sensex, began 2025 on a muted note but later rebounded sharply, with Nifty marking a fresh all-time high above 25,200 in June. This year, Indian stock markets have been facing sharp peaks and troughs, with average At-The-Money (ATM) Implied Volatility (IV) for Nifty 50 options ranging between 13.5% and 15.5%. Global economic uncertainties, US elections, and Tariff changes have shaped investor sentiments and boosted sector rotation. ADVERTISEMENT The India VIX is a number that analyses Nifty options and shows how much volatility or movement traders are expecting in the market over the next 30 days. It's often called the "fear index" because it usually goes up when there's uncertainty or fear in the market. So it has an inverse relation with markets. But in 2025, the VIX has stayed quite calm and steady, mostly moving between 12 and 16 — suggesting investors are not nervous, and there's no sign of panic in the market. This aligned with the higher levels in major indices, sectoral outperformance in IT, Auto, and Energy, and FMCG and Metals. The muted VIX suggests confidence in the market's overall sentiment, despite minor dips due to economic & geopolitical stress, quarterly earnings volatility and monsoon concerns—all of which tend to influence the sentiments of retail India VIX to ATM IVs, VIX is a broader concept while ATM IVs are specific to index options, like Nifty 50, Sensex and Bank Nifty Options. In 2025, ATM (At The Money) IVs for Nifty options have averaged between 13.5% and 15.5%, reflecting a low-volatility range. However, sharp IV spikes have been observed ahead of major events such as RBI policy meetings, Union Budget announcements, and during quarter result announcements. ADVERTISEMENT A closer look at the derivatives front: Put-Call Ratio (PCR) has traded near neutral to slightly bullish territory (0.85-1.10), signalling balanced sentiment with an upward bias, where put options have been trading more than or equal to calls, with rising prices suggesting upward bias. Open Interest (OI) concentration on higher strikes (e.g., 25,500–26,000 on Nifty) monthly expiry suggests participants are pricing in range-bound to moderately bullish scenarios, while on the downside, 24,500 and 24,000 strikes have the highest Put OI build up for month of June. Meanwhile, falling IV with rising OI on call sides has often preceded short-covering rallies. ADVERTISEMENT For investors, the low volatility implies stable accumulation opportunities, especially in sectors showing relative strength such as Healthcare (Pharma & Hospital), Cements, Real Estate, Agri inputs, and Power proxies. However, it also warrants caution. So when investing, one should also use a protective put and covered call strategy to safeguard from traders, 2025 has so far been the year of non-directional strategies — think Iron Condors, Calendar Spreads, and Straddles during events. With VIX low, the cost of buying options is low, making event-based long IV trades more attractive when executed timely. ADVERTISEMENT While the markets appear calm, it's important not to get lulled into complacency. The Indian equity market in 2025 has been shaped by a mix of earnings surprises, data around global uncertainties, and geopolitical developments. VIX and IV are more than just technical metrics — they reflect market psychology and can offer early warnings of turning we head into the second half of the year, keeping a close eye on volatility signals will help you navigate uncertainty with greater confidence— and avoid getting caught off-guard by sudden moves. ADVERTISEMENT (The author Dr Ravi Singh is Senior Vice President - Retail Research, Religare Broking. Views are own) (You can now subscribe to our ETMarkets WhatsApp channel) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Nikita Papers IPO opens on May 27, price band set at Rs 95-104 per share Nikita Papers IPO opens on May 27, price band set at Rs 95-104 per share Why gold prices could surpass $4,000: JP Morgan's bullish outlook explained Why gold prices could surpass $4,000: JP Morgan's bullish outlook explained Cyient shares fall over 9% after Q4 profit declines, core business underperforms Cyient shares fall over 9% after Q4 profit declines, core business underperforms L&T Technology Services shares slide 7% after Q4 profit dips L&T Technology Services shares slide 7% after Q4 profit dips Trump-Powell standoff puts U.S. Rate policy in crosshairs: Who will blink first? Trump-Powell standoff puts U.S. Rate policy in crosshairs: Who will blink first? SEBI warns of securities market frauds via YouTube, Facebook, X and more SEBI warns of securities market frauds via YouTube, Facebook, X and more API Trading for All: Pi42 CTO Satish Mishra on How Pi42 is Empowering Retail Traders API Trading for All: Pi42 CTO Satish Mishra on How Pi42 is Empowering Retail Traders Security, transparency, and innovation: What sets Pi42 apart in crypto trading Security, transparency, and innovation: What sets Pi42 apart in crypto trading Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Altcoins? How investors are structuring their crypto portfolios, Avinash Shekhar explains Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Altcoins? How investors are structuring their crypto portfolios, Avinash Shekhar explains The rise of Crypto Futures in India: Leverage, tax efficiency, and market maturity, Avinash Shekhar of Pi42 explains NEXT STORY
