The University of Western Australia will launch its first international branch campus in Mumbai today, marking an exciting new chapter for students seeking a globally recognised Australian university education without leaving India.
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said the launch of UWA India was a significant milestone in the relationship between Western Australia and India, particularly the Maharashtra region, of which Mumbai is the capital and a major financial hub.
“India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies and is investing heavily in education, innovation and research,” Professor Chakma said.
“Establishing campuses in India allows us to bring our globally recognised education closer to students, strengthen research and industry partnerships, and support the growing Australia-India relationship.”
Professor Chakma said the University had self-funded the two campuses with an initial investment of $80 million.
“Our focus now is on creating an exceptional student experience from day one – an experience that combines UWA’s academic excellence and global perspective with the opportunities available in India,” he said.
“Most importantly, it is about creating new opportunities for students, giving them access to a globally recognised UWA education while they remain connected to the opportunities, communities and aspirations of India.”
Image: UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma at UWA’s Mumbai campus
UWA’s Mumbai campus will be launched by The Hon. Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia, and The Hon. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, alongside UWA leadership.
The Hon. Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia, said the relationship between Western Australia and India was built on much more than trade.
“The opening of UWA’s Mumbai campus marks a significant milestone in Western Australia’s growing relationship with India and Maharashtra,” Mr Cook said.
“Western Australia has maintained a presence in Mumbai for 30 years – that relationship is deeply rooted in people, knowledge, skills, technology and shared opportunity.
“UWA’s Mumbai campus is a tangible expression of that relationship, bringing the expertise and global outlook of a Western Australian university to Maharashtra while creating new opportunities for students, businesses and institutions in both India and WA.”
The Hon. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, said Maharashtra was proud to welcome The University of Western Australia to Mumbai.
“This campus reinforces Mumbai’s position as a global centre for education, business and innovation and gives our young people access to a globally recognised education,” Mr Fadnavis said.
“We look forward to UWA becoming an important part of our education ecosystem and creating new opportunities for students, institutions and industries.”
Situated in Andheri East, the campus places students close to Mumbai’s corporate, financial and technology ecosystem and provides convenient access to the airport and Metro network. It features modern, technology-enabled classrooms, project and innovation spaces, group-work areas, student hubs and collaboration facilities.
Students will also have opportunities for industry engagement through projects, internships, mentoring and networking, supported by career coaching and employer engagement.
The Mumbai campus is the first of UWA’s two Indian campuses to commence operations, with the Chennai campus scheduled to open in October 2026, expanding the university’s presence and engagement across India.
UWA’s India campuses will offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across STEM and Business disciplines, including Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Business Management, Global Business, Enterprise and Innovation, MBA, and Master of Information Technology.
UWA already has well-established partnerships with Indian universities, businesses and government organisations across areas including technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, critical minerals, research and innovation.
The partnership is particularly relevant to sectors shaping future economic growth, including technology, innovation, advanced skills, clean energy and critical minerals.
Image at top: Design render of the library space at UWA’s Mumbai campus