National Education Policy 2020 Enables UNSW Sydney Branch Campus in India

The Indian landscape in international education is quickly being transformed as there is increasing demand from Indians for quality higher education and a welcoming approach from the government in terms of international cooperation. The current student body in India is rising, and the National Education Policy of 2020 has paved the way for foreign educational establishments. As a result, existing reputable international institutions are focusing on entering the Indian market. It is amidst this that the University of New South Wales, Sydney, has announced its plans to establish its first international campus in Bengaluru in 2026.

The signing was conducted in New Delhi by Australia’s Federal Education Minister Jason Clare during a ceremony organised by India’s Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan. It was clarified that education was one of Australia’s largest export sectors and that the agreement covered not just Indian students pursuing education in foreign countries but also the establishment of universities from Australia in India. According to Minister Clare, the new institution would make it possible for the establishment of one of the top-ranking universities in the country.

The plan was also well-received by Minister Pradhan, and he was pleased to show his support for the launch of the UNSW Bengaluru India campus in 2026. He believed this would increase the links between students, lecturers, and industries from both India and Australia and also support India’s ambition to be a global education destination. The UNSW Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungus, visited the proposed site at Manyata Business Park in Bengaluru. Talking about this proposal, he said this is an important move for UNSW to extend its footprint globally. Speaking to this point, he highlighted that UNSW valued the contribution made by Indians to its classrooms and laboratories in Australia. With the new Bengaluru International University campus, quality education will now be accessible locally.

Professor Brungs pointed out that this “top 20 degree in global rankings by 2026” offered by the UNSW Bengaluru campus will meet the demand for higher education that has existed in India. “We will add more tertiary study places, yet these studies will be of an equivalent standard to our Australian campus,” Professor Brungs said. “Students will graduate with an exactly equivalent degree, accepted by employers worldwide.”

Reflecting on the history of UNSW, Professor Brungs said that the university had always operated based on anticipating future needs. He said that UNSW will continue with the same in India and will work on developing a globally competitive workforce as the country comes out as a leader in research and innovation. It is anticipated to enhance collaboration between the two nations in terms of education, industry, and research. It is also set to redefine international education options by providing opportunities to Indians to gain education in India in a world-rated institution. It will offer courses in UNSW business, media, computer science, data science, and cybersecurity programs.

Editor’s Note:

The higher education sector in India is rapidly transforming, with a growing number of students wanting quality classes and the National Education Policy 2020 offering opportunities for foreign universities to enter the country. This can be why top universities are knocking on the doors of India to establish themselves there. The fact that UNSW Sydney is going to establish its first international campus in Bengaluru in 2026 is an obvious indication of the prevailing trend. The UNSW Bengaluru India campus will provide students with the opportunity to obtain a top 20 university degree in India without having to leave the country. This move will further enhance the future cooperation on education between Australia and India. This project was referred to as a way to meet the unsatisfied demand for higher education in India while sustaining the same level of educational standards as UNSW in Australia. It will further expand opportunities for the young generation to pursue courses in business and media, computer science and data science, and cybersecurity. On the other hand, it can also be anticipated that the new international campus of Bengaluru University will strengthen academic, industrial, or research ties. It can be said that this initiative adheres to the long-term vision of UNSW to look forward to what will be needed in the future and enable the development of an internationally competent workforce.

As per Skoobuzz, this initiative bears out the fact that India is fast becoming the education hub for the international community. With the opening of foreign universities in the country, a new dimension of access to quality education is being introduced in India, and this includes access to a global top 20 university education offered in India. This is a breakthrough for UNSW and India's ascent in the international education arena.

FAQs

1. How many campuses does UNSW have?

It was explained that UNSW has multiple campuses, including Kensington (main campus), Paddington (Art & Design), Sydney CBD, and Canberra. The Kensington campus is the largest and home to most faculties.

2. Which is the top 1 university in Bangalore?

Rankings showed that the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) is the top university in Bangalore. It is also one of the leading research institutions in India, well known for science and engineering.

3. Which is the UNSW main campus?

The Kensington campus in Sydney is UNSW’s main campus. It is located in New South Wales and covers around 38 hectares. Most teaching, research, and student facilities are based there.

4. What courses will be offered at the UNSW Bengaluru campus?

Reports confirmed that the UNSW Bengaluru campus 2026 will offer undergraduate degrees in business, media, computer science, and data science, along with a postgraduate programme in cybersecurity. These courses will mirror UNSW’s Australian programmes and maintain the same academic standards.

5. Which is better, the University of Sydney or UNSW?

Comparisons suggested that both universities are excellent but have different strengths. The University of Sydney is older, with a strong reputation in medicine, law, and the humanities. UNSW Sydney is often praised for engineering, technology, and innovation, and is ranked slightly higher in some global tables. The choice depends on the subject area and career goals.

6. When will the UNSW Bengaluru campus open?

It was confirmed that the UNSW Bengaluru campus 2026 will open in that year, offering Indian students access to a global top 20 university degree in India without leaving the country.

7. How does India’s National Education Policy 2020 enable foreign campuses?

It was explained that India’s National Education Policy 2020 allows leading international universities to establish branch campuses. This policy aims to improve education quality, expand access, and build a skilled workforce.

8. What courses will be available at UNSW Bengaluru?

Reports stated that the UNSW Sydney branch campus in India will offer degrees in business, media, computer science, data science, and cybersecurity. These programmes will match the academic standards of UNSW in Australia.

9. Will UNSW Bengaluru degrees be the same as those in Australia?

It was emphasised that graduates of the Bengaluru international university campus will receive identical qualifications to those awarded in Sydney. These degrees are recognised by employers and academic institutions across India and internationally.

10. How will UNSW Bengaluru benefit Indian students?

Observers noted that the campus will meet India’s unmet demand for higher education, provide access to QS top 20 university degrees in India, and allow students to study abroad locally at an Australian university campus.