A YEAR AFTER starting operations at GIFT City in Gandhinagar…
Australia’s Deakin University and the University of Wollongong (UOW)—the first foreign university campuses to set up in India—have received mixed responses. Both institutions continue to face challenges, including expanding small student cohorts and attracting foreign faculty.
Deakin GIFT and UOW India commenced their inaugural cohorts in July 2024 and November 2024, respectively. Their curriculum, focused on problem-solving, upskilling, and peer learning, aligns with GIFT City’s rising demand for skilled professionals in finance, fintech, STEM, and other domains outlined by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).
Industry Focus
Deepak Bajaj, Campus Director of Deakin University GIFT, emphasized that industry-ready courses will be crucial for strong placements and future enrollments.
“As a new university, ensuring top-tier placements for students is the challenge. Which is why Deakin’s programme aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills and knowledge,”
Students appreciate the blend of affordability and accredited foreign degrees, offering a strong alternative to studying overseas.
Student Perspectives
1. Fintech Rising
Prajwal Bharad, a UOW India fintech student, shared:
“In three months, I learnt Python from scratch and now have a solid understanding of data analytics.”
India’s fintech sector, valued at $44.12 billion, is expected to reach $95.3 billion by 2030, creating strong demand for such programs.
2. Affordable Global Education
Shiwangi Mishra highlighted the benefit of reduced total costs:
50% scholarship
Course cost reduced to ₹10–11 lakh
Practical, industry-focused learning
3. Early Placement Success
Ritik Kumawat from Deakin GIFT is among seven students placed at NAB Innovation Centre India.
“We worked on solving industry-specific problems with mentors across GIFT City.”
Deakin’s first cohort has achieved 30% placements so far, with its first convocation set for 2026.
Changing Trends in Overseas Education
Nimay Kalyani, Campus Director at UOW India, noted geopolitical pressures reshaping study-abroad decisions:
Rising international tuition fees
Tighter visa restrictions
Caps on international enrolments
Restrictions on applicants from six Indian states
These factors make an international degree in India an attractive middle path for many students.
Small Cohorts & Faculty Concerns
Despite rising interest:
Deakin GIFT has 70 students
UOW India has 28 students
Most teaching staff are Indian, raising questions about:
Whether the “foreign university” premium is justified
Alignment between branding and actual international exposure
Value proposition vs fee levels (₹14–21 lakh)
Both institutions currently operate from limited physical infrastructure inside GIFT City.
Future Outlook
More universities are coming—including Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and Coventry University—signalling strong global interest in India’s emerging higher-education hub at GIFT City.
Further Insights
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