NEW DELHI: The University of Western Australia (UWA) has obtained approval from University Grants Commission (UGC) to open its international branch campus in Chennai.
UWA has become the first foreign higher education provider in Tamil Nadu to receive approval in Chennai. It was also the first Australian university, and the first Group of Eight institution, to receive UGC approval for a campus in the city.
The new campus initiative is a part of UWA’s eighty-million-dollar commitment to wholly owned campuses in India. The UWA has opened a campus in Mumbai recently. It will offer programs for graduates and undergraduates in business, technology and STEM subjects.
UWA Chennai will offer undergraduate programs including Bachelor of Business (Business Management), Bachelor of Science (Computer Science), Bachelor of Science (Data Science) and Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (AI), as well as postgraduate programs in Master of Information Technology and Master of Business Administration (MBA), said an article published on the official website of the University of Western Australia.
UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma said final UGC approval allowed the University to move from planning to welcoming its first students in Chennai.
“This is a region where we aim to leverage the WA Government’s presence as well as long-term academic partnerships,” Professor Chakma said.
“The campus brings UWA’s education to students in a region with exceptional strengths in technology and innovation, while connecting them to the University’s global academic and industry networks. We look forward to beginning this journey with our inaugural cohort in October.”
UWA India’s Chennai Campus is now UGC approved!
UWA is the first foreign higher education provider in Tamil Nadu to receive its Letter of Approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC).
We look forward to welcoming our first cohort in October 2026.
#UWAIndia https://t.co/dyo0kccCay
— The University of Western Australia India (@uwaindia) October 1, 2026
Hon Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia, said having just inaugurated UWA’s Mumbai campus, it was exciting to see this long-term Western Australian presence in India extend to Chennai.
“Through Invest and Trade WA and our strong government-to-government and industry relationships, Western Australia is building enduring connections across India, in particular Tamil Nadu,” Mr Cook said.
“The State of Tamil Nadu shares many of our strengths in education, skills, technology and industry, and UWA Chennai provides a new platform to deepen these connections and create opportunities for students, businesses and communities in both regions.”
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay said Tamil Nadu’s strength in education, technology and industry made it a leading destination for global institutions.
“UWA’s presence in Chennai will add to this ecosystem, providing students with access to an internationally recognised university while strengthening the connections between Tamil Nadu and Western Australia,” he said.
“We welcome UWA to Chennai and look forward to the opportunities this partnership will create for our students and our state.”
UWA Chancellor Dr Diane Smith-Gander AO said Chennai was an important addition to UWA’s presence in India and to its international university community.
“This is an exciting milestone and we look forward to welcoming our first students,” Dr Smith-Gadner said. “Our ambition is to give them an education that combines the depth of a UWA degree with the opportunities created by studying in one of India’s most dynamic cities.”