Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), India’s premier engineering institute, is set to establish a branch campus in Sri Lanka, this year. Earmarking a significant stride in the internationalization of IITs and their expansion beyond Indian borders. The initiative, funded by the Sri Lankan government, was announced in the 2024 Budget last November by Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who also holds the position of finance minister. Located in Kandy, a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage, the new campus is poised to offer accessible higher education options for Sri Lankan students.
Education Minister of Sri Lanka, Dr. Susil Premajayantha, revealed plans for a team of academics from Sri Lanka to visit IIT Madras and engage in discussions.
The collaboration is expected to present a comprehensive report to Sri Lanka’s University Grants Commission. This report will outline the courses and lay the groundwork for establishing the Kandy branch campus. Dr. Premajayantha emphasized the potential for local students to pursue affordable higher education locally, with IIT Madras degrees carrying international recognition and facilitating employment opportunities.
This expansion aligns with the broader strategy of IITs venturing beyond India. IIT Madras previously pioneered the establishment of an international campus in Zanzibar, Tanzania, in November of the preceding year. IIT Delhi is also set to launch its global campus, IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi, offering master’s courses in Energy Transition and Sustainability, among other disciplines. The move is part of a comprehensive strategy to extend the reach of Indian educational excellence globally.
Former Director of IIT Bombay, Ashok Misra, emphasized that opening campuses abroad serves as an outreach program for IITs, providing an opportunity for bright students in other countries to receive top-notch education in their own nations. The establishment of overseas campuses is expected to enhance India’s reputation globally, strengthen diplomatic relationships, and contribute to the diversity of student and faculty populations, fostering international research collaborations.
The move also aligns with India’s foreign policy, emphasizing education cooperation and the establishment of offshore campuses of Indian universities abroad. This strategy is in line with the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes internationalization and encourages high-performing Indian universities to set up campuses in other countries.
In addition to overseas expansion, the IITs are attracting collaborations from international universities within India. Australia’s Deakin University recently inaugurated its branch campus in India’s GIFT City, offering Master’s programs in Business Analytics and Cybersecurity. Deakin University also partnered with IIT Madras to establish the IIT Madras Deakin University Research Academy, focusing on advanced research in areas such as clean energy, climate change, and healthcare technologies.
The IITs have become a hub for international collaboration, attracting partnerships with institutions such as the University of San Diego (USD). IIT Gandhinagar and USD signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on joint double master’s and dual-degree programs, including a Masters in Engineering Management and Leadership. The collaboration aims to provide students with a unique blend of educational experiences, including opportunities to study in both the United States and India.
As India continues to prioritize education as a key component of its foreign policy, the establishment of overseas campuses by IITs is expected to deepen global research collaborations, enhance the quality of education and research, and contribute to India’s standing as a global educational hub. The IITs’ efforts to share their knowledge and expertise with other nations are anticipated to foster mutual learning and academic excellence on an international scale.
