In a groundbreaking move that marks a significant milestone in the realm of international education, Australia’s Deakin University has planted its flag firmly on Indian soil. Situated within the vibrant Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Deakin’s brand-new branch campus is poised to redefine educational opportunities for Indian students, offering them an authentic Australian experience without leaving their homeland.
The genesis of this initiative traces back to March, last year when Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese unveiled plans for Deakin University to become the first overseas institution to establish a branch in India. For Deakin, a pioneer with over three decades of engagement in India, this announcement culminated years of strategic partnerships and a deep-rooted commitment to the country’s educational landscape.
Ravneet Pawha, Deakin University’s Vice President for Global Engagement and CEO (South Asia), remarked that Deakin had achieved a significant milestone by being the first to establish a presence. Pawha emphasized that their campus in Gujarat was more than a physical extension, it mirrored Australian academic standards and was seamlessly integrated into the local fabric.
Pawha further highlighted that the campus reflected its Australian counterparts in curriculum and infrastructure, providing a familiar environment for students studying disciplines such as cyber security and business analytics. She emphasized that stepping onto their campus in Gujarat was akin to entering a slice of Melbourne, where the pedagogy, digital interfaces, and overall atmosphere resonated with the Deakin ethos.
One of the most appealing aspects for Indian students and their families is the affordability. Tuition costs are approximately half of what students would incur studying in Australia, making world-class education more accessible than ever before.
Pawha explained that the initiative arrived at a crucial juncture in India’s educational progress, supported by the new National Education Policy (NEP) aimed at enhancing domestic higher education prospects. She elaborated that the NEP facilitated international collaborations, emphasizing that it was not solely about attracting students but fostering a mutually beneficial relationship where both nations could leverage shared knowledge and expertise.
Pawha noted that the strategic selection of GIFT City as the campus location underscored Deakin’s forward-thinking approach in accessing India’s rapidly expanding economic zones. She highlighted that GIFT City provided distinct advantages, including regulatory benefits and a vibrant ecosystem of startups and multinational corporations. Pawha described it as an ideal environment for nurturing future leaders in academia and industry alike.
Monica Kennedy, Senior Trade Commissioner of Austrade in Mumbai, emphasized her instrumental role in facilitating Deakin’s expansion into India. She stated that the collaboration between Austrade and Deakin had been pivotal, emphasizing that it went beyond education to enhance Australia’s global reputation in education and skills development.
Indeed, the ripple effects of Deakin’s Indian campus extend far beyond educational realms. Prime Minister Modi himself has hailed this initiative as a testament to the growing Indo-Australian ties, particularly in skill development and innovation.
As Australia’s educational footprint in India continues to expand, Deakin University’s pioneering initiative stands as a beacon of collaboration and innovation, heralding a new era in global education.
