Australia (Commonwealth)_
Deakin University has marked a significant milestone in the realm of global education by inaugurating its first international branch campus in India.
The inauguration ceremony, graced by the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasized the deepening collaboration between governmental bodies and academic institutions, particularly in the critical domain of cybersecurity. This momentous occasion aligns seamlessly with the National Education Policy 2020’s overarching vision of the internationalization of Indian higher education.
The Australia-India partnership reached a historic juncture with the establishment of Deakin’s GIFT City Campus in Ahmedabad, positioning itself as India’s pioneer foreign university campus. Australian High Commissioner to India, Excellency Philip Green OAM, lauded this development as a landmark moment, heralding a new chapter in educational ties between the two nations. The campus is envisioned to serve as a conduit for fostering global education and providing local students access to Deakin’s esteemed postgraduate courses in business analytics and cybersecurity at a fraction of the cost of international fees.
Professor Iain Martin, Vice Chancellor of Deakin University, underscored the institution’s commitment to global education and empowerment of students in the digital age. Reflecting on the CEO roundtable with Prime Minister Modi, Professor Martin stated, “Opening the world’s first international branch campus in India reflects our commitment to offering global education that empowers students to excel in the digital age. This is an investment in the future leaders who will uphold and strengthen the bond between our nations.” Deakin’s dedication to community impact is evident in its announcement of two fully funded scholarships for economically challenged students, emphasizing the university’s commitment to fostering educational equity and nurturing local talent.
The GIFT City Campus boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including digital classrooms, libraries, and cybersecurity labs. Its seamless digital integration with Deakin’s Australian campuses ensures students have comprehensive access to essential learning resources. As India’s workforce requirements evolve within emerging technology sectors, Deakin University is poised to expand its academic portfolio at the India campus. The aim is to equip students for global market leadership and position Deakin as a key contributor to India’s burgeoning digital workforce.
In addition to academic pursuits, the campus is set to function as a startup incubator, providing a nurturing environment for entrepreneurial talent and innovation. Specialized short courses and extensive support programs will be implemented to elevate the regional startup landscape, contributing to India’s dynamic business ecosystem.
Ravneet Pawha, Deakin Vice President (Global Alliances) and CEO (South Asia), expressed excitement about the burgeoning cross-cultural education opportunities between Australia and India. She remarked, “Our bold vision is for GIFT City to be a regional hub in the future, attracting students from across the globe to India, and offering Australian students a unique opportunity to spend a trimester at Gujarat.”
Following the campus inauguration, Deakin University initiated industry engagements with the inaugural Deakin University x IABCA Leadership Roundtable. This event brought together prominent figures from both Indian and Australian governments and industries for a participative dialogue on ‘Building Sustainable Futures across the Australia-India Corridor.’ It set the stage for a series of strategic dialogues and partnerships aimed at fostering shared progress.
The two-year fast-tracked program at the Deakin GIFT City Campus is priced at approximately Rs 21 lakhs, with the curriculum delivered by a mix of local and international staff. Guest lecturers from leading industry figures will also contribute to enriching the educational experience. Prospective students interested in this unique opportunity have until March 31, 2024, to submit their applications, with classes scheduled to commence in July 2024. The program’s cost-effectiveness, combined with the rich academic offerings and industry collaborations, positions Deakin’s GIFT City Campus as a promising avenue for aspiring students seeking a global education experience in the heart of India.
