Western Sydney University Expands Global Network with New India Campus and Vietnam Collaboration

The Indian government has been putting a lot of emphasis on creating international alliances in the fields of skill development and higher education. This is due to the nation's recognition of the importance of international cooperation for its youth and knowledge economy. It is believed that the development of relationships between Indian and international universities will help the country boost its research capabilities and teaching quality. It is against this background that the current interaction between Australia and India in the education sector has taken significance.

The Vice-Chancellor & President of Western Sydney University, distinguished Professor George Williams AO, was reported to be attending the meeting of the Australia-India Education & Skills Council in New Delhi with Australian Government Ministers and other leaders from the education sector. Western Sydney University was also represented in the delegation led by Minister for Education Jason Clare, Minister for Skills and Training Andrew Giles, and Assistant Minister for International Education Julian Hill in discussions with India’s Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, about the possibilities available to enhance education and skills collaborations.

The university was highlighted to have been actively engaging and participating during the visit, as the University’s Provost, Professor Deborah Sweeney, was mentioned to have been present in India to support the delegation during the trip to India. The venture trip saw Western Sydney University mention that it had partnered and entered into agreements and MoUs with some of the prominent institutions in India, including the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub, IIT Ropar, Vasantrao Naik Marathwada Krishi Vidyapeeth (VNMK), and the KMCT Group of Institutions during the trip.

On 9 December, an official press conference was held in New Delhi to declare the site of the WSU India Campus in the Greater Noida Industrial Development Authority Building. The function was attended by Minister Clare, representatives of the Uttar Pradesh Government, and the Greater Noida Authority. Professor Williams was quoted as saying a few words about the possibilities of enhancing the India-Vietnam partnerships of Western Sydney University, apart from forging fresh opportunities for learning and research for the benefit of students and communities in both India and Vietnam. The Professor mentioned the proposed campus of the University in the Greater Noida area, which had received UGC approval.

Professor Williams was quoted as saying that Western Sydney University comprises 10 per cent of the population of Australia and that the University is young, diverse, and global. He stated that the University sought to take Western Sydney to the world and bring the world to Western Sydney. Additionally, Professor Williams indicated that the new campus would provide “world-class learning and innovation capability” which would “initially focus on business and entrepreneurship and Ag-Tech” while continuing the development of the existing partnerships relating to food and water security.

It was described as being a part of the global education plan of the Western Sydney University, along with campuses established in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia. The One University structure enabled the university to provide seamless opportunities for the mobility of students, internships, placements, research facilities, and incubation opportunities. It was also expected to facilitate collaborative relations with local bodies, industry, and the community, and would align with the requirements of the Indian government regarding the sustainable development of the country.

It was further mentioned that Minister Clare and the Vice-Chancellor visited Western Sydney University Vietnam and attended an event showcasing the “strong transnational partnership between Western Sydney University and the University of Economics Ho Chi Minh City (UEH).” Dr Douglas Foster, Provost of Vietnam, reportedly noted that “more than 3,000 students have completed their studies in Vietnam, and a further 500 graduates have completed their studies in Sydney.”

He further continued that this represented results that demonstrate the quality of our programs and our shared commitment to developing graduates equipped to meet the needs of the international world. Western Sydney University was also reported to have topped the list internationally for the fourth year running in the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings, for its leadership role and efforts in support of the Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations.

Editor’s Note:

India has been emphasising its international collaboration efforts in higher education and skills. This is because the country knows that international collaborations are important to the future of its youth and the development of its knowledge economy. With international university collaborations, the country hopes that its research will increase and the quality of education will improve, while also offering students international learning experiences.

The fact that Western Sydney University was actively involved in the recent Australia-India Education and Skills Council meeting in New Delhi is a manifestation of this aspiration. The Vice-Chancellor of Western Sydney University, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, was in attendance along with Australian ministers in a discussion with India’s Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan. This initiative was further encouraged by the Provost of Western Sydney University, Professor Deborah Sweeney, with the signing of memoranda with top universities in India, like the Ratan Tata Innovation Hub and IIT Ropar. The fact that a new campus has been inaugurated by Western Sydney University in Greater Noida is especially important. It marks a transition from dialogue to action in Australian-Indian collaboration on education. The proposed campus, which has been approved by the University Grants Commission, aims to specialise in business, entrepreneurship, and Ag-Tech, besides supporting food and water security, which are priorities for an “Indian food and water-secure future.”Yet, as it often does, globalisation has its postmodern twist to it, which seems to contradict its traditional ideology. Here, instead of an interstate dynamic between two nations, there seems to be a dynamic

Skoobuzz underlines that the expansion of Western Sydney University in India and its ongoing partnership in Vietnam demonstrate the crucial role universities play in fostering international cooperation. These collaborations offer new prospects for students in India. For Australia, they are vital as they solidify the country's reputation as a reliable educational partner, particularly across South and Southeast Asia.

FAQs

1.Is Western Sydney University ranked number one in the world?

Yes. Western Sydney University has been ranked number one globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings for four consecutive years. This ranking measures universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, recognising WSU’s leadership in sustainability, innovation, and community impact.

2.Is Western Sydney University planning to establish a campus in Greater Noida?

Yes. The University has received formal approval from India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) to open a branch campus in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. The campus is expected to open in 2026, with initial programmes in Business, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship, and later expansion into areas such as Data Science and Ag-Tech.

3. What is Western Sydney University famous for?

Western Sydney University is well known for:

• Being in the top 2% of universities worldwide.

• It has global partnerships in India, Vietnam, and Indonesia under the “One University” model.

• Strong focus on research and innovation, particularly in sustainability, food and water security, and emerging technologies.

• It's repeated success in the THE Impact Rankings, where it has led the world in advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

4.How do I contact Western Sydney University as an international student?

International students can contact Western Sydney University through several channels:

• Email: mypathway@westernsydney.edu.au (International College)

• Phone: +61 (2) 9685 9860 (International College)

• General enquiries: Call 1300 668 370 (option 5) or use the University’s international student support services.

• The University also provides after-hours assistance for international students via 1300 884 235.

5.Is Western Sydney University hard to get into?

Western Sydney University is considered accessible compared to some highly selective institutions. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes with clear entry requirements. Admission depends on academic performance, English language proficiency, and programme-specific criteria. While competitive courses may have stricter requirements, the University is known for being inclusive and supportive of diverse student backgrounds.