Australian Universities Partner to Deliver Degrees in India Under New Campus Initiative

Australian Universities to Open Transnational Education Campus in India

Australia’s Innovative Research Universities (IRU) consortium will establish a campus in India, with six of its seven-member universities such as Flinders University, Griffith University, James Cook University, La Trobe University, University of Canberra, and Western Sydney University responsible for its development. Unlike the campuses being set up in GIFT City, this campus will be under the University Grants Commission Regulations 2023. Stakeholders have stated that this consortium is the first of its kind among Australian universities. Paul Harris, executive director of IRU, highlighted that it is the first collaboration of Australian universities to expand the delivery of Australian degrees offshore, with courses aligned to those offered at their Australian campuses.

The campus will adhere to Australia's higher education standards, offering undergraduate courses in areas such as cybersecurity, software engineering, tourism, AI, fintech, and sports management.  Harris explained that degrees will be awarded by individual Australian universities and recognized as Australian qualifications, providing students with access to an Australian education without them needing to travel abroad.

He believes the diverse courses will help IRU produce graduates to meet India's current and future needs. While the campus's timeline is yet to be confirmed, the coalition is working on an MOU with Haryana and exploring potential campus locations in the state. He highlighted that IRU universities increase access to higher education, especially for under-represented students, with a focus on flexible courses, innovative curricula, and industry partnerships for better employment outcomes. The University of Southampton is establishing a campus in Haryana's International Tech Park.

According to IRU statistics, 21% of students at its member institutions are international, with India being the top source. However, India is a "natural fit" for the consortium, given its strong educational and research ties with IRU members, including a five-fold increase in research collaboration over the past decade. Uncertainty around Australia's ESOS Amendment Bill, which imposes caps on international enrolment, has impacted international students' views of the country as a study destination. New data shows a sharp decline in student visa applications, with only 15,000 submitted in August 2024, compared to around 30,000 in August 2023.

While the uncertainty may prompt Australian universities to explore more offshore and transnational education (TNE) opportunities, Harris explained that the IRU’s campus proposal in India "predates the recent discussions in Australia about international student caps." He added that the initiative was designed to expand access to Australian degree programs for students in India, offering an innovative approach to transnational education. Additionally, IRU member universities are collaborating to build on their individual experience of successfully operating overseas campuses in other countries. These universities, significantly exceed the Australian average for offshore delivery as part of their international student cohorts.

The IRU consortium’s new campus in India will provide Australian-quality education in fields like cybersecurity and AI, offering degrees recognized globally. This initiative expands access to Australian degrees and addresses India’s present educational needs.

Editor's Note:

The establishment of an Australian university campus in India by the IRU consortium marks a significant step in  expanding access to quality higher education. By offering globally recognized degrees in AI, cybersecurity, tourism and others, this initiative addresses the growing demand for education in India and the evolving needs of the global workforce. It also reflects a forward-thinking approach to transnational education, ensuring that students can benefit from Australian academic standards without leaving their home country.

Skoobuzz appreciates this initiative as it provides a world-class education for Indian students in their home country.