Gandhinagar: Australia’s High Commissioner to India Philip Green OAM, today lauded the inauguration of Australia’s Deakin University branch campus in GIFT City in the state capital – the first foreign  university to ever open a campus in India.  

“I am so proud that the first university to establish a campus in India from anywhere in the  world is Australia’s Deakin University at GIFT City. This opens a new chapter in Australia India education ties, and this is only the beginning,” High Commissioner Green said. 

Consistent with GIFT City’s priority sectors, Deakin University’s new campus will enable students to study a Master of Business Analytics and Master of Cybersecurity  (Professional) from July this year.  

“Deakin University has had a remarkable 30-year presence in India, with investments in all  aspects of higher education – from research collaborations with India Institutes of  Technology, establishing a joint centre focussed on nanotechnology and sustainability with  The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), to their Global Job Readiness program for skilling  young India with the National Skill Development Corporation. The campus is the next step in  Deakin University’s long-term strategy of investment in India’s future,” he said.  

“The opening is a testament to the Australian education system, India’s progressive  education policy and the warm and close relations between our nations. Later in 2024, we  look forward to celebrating the opening of India’s second foreign branch campus in GIFT  City by the University of Wollongong, also from Australia,” he added.

Australia welcomed over 122,000 Indian students in 2023 providing them with qualifications  for their global careers. With Deakin University’s campus opening in India, more Indian  students can now benefit from an Australian education without having to leave home and  Australia is looking forward to more Indian students having this opportunity, an official statement form Australian High Commission stated.

The inauguration took place during the 10th Edition of Vibrant Gujarat where High Commissioner Green is leading a strong 90-member delegation, including representatives from 36 Australian universities. Australia’s strong representation signals the importance it  attaches to greater two-way business activity and trade and investment opportunities with  India. DeshGujarat