Western Sydney University To Open First India Campus In Greater Noida By 2026

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially approved Western Sydney University's (WSU) plan to open a foreign branch campus in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, marking a significant step towards strengthening ties with India. In New Delhi, the announcement was made at the Akhil Bharatiya Shiksha Samagam 2025, where Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and other high-ranking officials were present.

Undergraduate and graduate courses in business, innovation, and entrepreneurship will be offered at the India campus when it opens in August 2026. In the coming years, WSU plans to expand its program offerings to include courses in data science, science, and agricultural studies in order to better serve India's national interests.

“This is a significant strategic step for the University,” said Chancellor Professor Jennifer Westacott AC. “We are committed to expanding our footprint in India and delivering world-class education that meets the country’s evolving skill needs.”

Launch Pad, WSU's acclaimed business incubator that promotes startup training, entrepreneurial education, and research commercialisation, will also be located on the Greater Noida campus. Launch Pad has a proven track record of helping more than 1,000 entrepreneurs and SMEs worldwide, and it is anticipated to be a significant contribution to India's rapidly expanding startup scene.

Students at the India campus will benefit from:

• Access to Launch Pad for real-world entrepreneurial experience
• A One University model allowing cross-campus mobility with Australia
• Australian-accredited, industry-aligned degrees that enhance job readiness
• Internships and work-integrated learning with Indian and global companies
• Exposure to global faculty and research collaborations
• Affordable access to international education in India
• Focus on innovation, sustainability, and career success

Approximately 1,300 Indian students are currently enrolled on WSU's campuses in Australia, making up 20% of the university's international student body. With collaborations with 30 State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), ICAR, IITs, IISc, startup missions, and financial institutions like NABARD and ICICI Bank, WSU has established solid academic linkages throughout India.

These collaborations have led to impactful research and training initiatives, including:

• A Centre of Excellence in Hi-Tech Protected Cropping with ICAR
• The Australia-India Water Centre, training 5,000 farmers
• A nationwide pollination project worth AUD 13 million
• Wastewater recycling research with IISc and UAS Bangalore
• Creation of agri-incubation centres to boost rural entrepreneurship

Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, added, “Our India campus will open new doors for students and communities. It represents our longstanding commitment to access, excellence, and creating opportunities that support India’s social and economic transformation.”