India’s Top Educational Institutions Strengthen Global Footprint with New Campuses

Indian Institutes Go Global: IIMA's Dubai Campus and Growing International Presence

Indian educational institutions have consistently strived to expand their global presence, contributing significantly to international academia and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. On 29 March, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) announced the establishment of its campus in Dubai, scheduled to commence classes in September. This milestone makes IIMA the first Indian Institute of Management to expand beyond India’s borders, reflecting its ambition to cater to global audiences. However, this is part of a broader trend as several Indian institutions have already established campuses abroad, including in Dubai, Africa, London, and California, further solidifying India's role in international education.

For instance, the Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) set up its Dubai campus in 2000, which now accommodates over 2,500 students from 45 countries. Operating as a branch of India’s largest private university, the Dubai campus has been a hub for multicultural learning. Similarly, BITS Pilani established its Dubai campus in the same year, which remains its only international campus, while others are located in Pilani, Hyderabad, Goa, and Mumbai. Over the last 25 years, the Dubai campus has seen over 6,000 graduates and the creation of approximately 50 start-ups.

Expanding further, SP Jain School of Global Management inaugurated its first international campus in Dubai in 2004, followed by campuses in Singapore in 2006 and Sydney in 2012. It operates additional campuses in Mumbai and London and has recently expanded to the United States through the acquisition of California Miramar University (CMU). Amity University also expanded its reach with the establishment of its Dubai campus in 2011. Spanning an impressive 700,000 square feet, the campus hosts over 2,500 students from more than 70 nationalities and boasts a global alumni network of 85,000 individuals. Beyond Dubai, Amity has launched campuses in prominent international cities such as London, New York, San Francisco, Singapore, Uzbekistan, and Kenya, in addition to multiple locations within India.

In October 2023, IIT Madras took a significant step by inaugurating its Zanzibar campus. The institution offers programs like the Bachelor of Science (BSc) and Master of Technology (MTech) in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. The BSc program is priced at $12,000 per year (approximately ₹10 lakh), while the MTech program costs $4,000 annually, excluding accommodation charges. Notably, Preeti Aghalayam, an alumna of IIT Madras and professor in its Department of Chemical Engineering, was appointed as the director of the Zanzibar campus, becoming the first woman to hold such a position in any IIT.

Looking ahead, Symbiosis International University is set to open a campus in Dubai in 2024, offering a range of undergraduate programs and an MBA. Similarly, IIT Delhi is poised to launch its Abu Dhabi campus in 2024, initially operating from a temporary facility at Zayed University while plans for a permanent campus are underway. The Abu Dhabi campus will offer diverse programs in areas such as energy and sustainability, artificial intelligence, computer science and engineering, healthcare, mathematics and computing, and other disciplines within engineering, sciences, and humanities. These developments highlight the growing ambition of Indian educational institutions to leave a significant mark on global education, showcasing their commitment to academic excellence and international collaboration.

Editor’s Note:

The growing presence of Indian educational institutions on the global stage reflects a powerful evolution in academia. From IIMA’s pioneering campus in Dubai to IIT Madras’s Zanzibar initiative and the expansions of institutions like Symbiosis, Amity, and SP Jain, these efforts exemplify the ambition to bridge borders and foster international collaboration. These initiatives enhance India’s academic reputation and create opportunities for students worldwide to benefit from its rich educational legacy. However, this wave of global expansion brings new challenges: institutions must balance maintaining their core values while adapting to diverse cultural and academic landscapes. As Indian universities extend their reach, the focus must remain on delivering world-class education, nurturing innovation, and promoting inclusivity.

Skoobuzz emphasises that the journey ahead offers immense potential for impact, paving the way for India to emerge as a leading force in global higher education.