Prime Highlights:
- The University of Western Australia is set to become the first Australian Group of Eight (Go8) university to establish a physical presence in India, with campuses in Mumbai and Chennai.
- Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma will lead a multi-city mission to India, unveiling initiatives supporting skills, research, and innovation aligned with India’s national priorities.
Key Facts:
- UWA’s India campuses were strategically selected for their strong industry connections, talent hubs, and innovation ecosystems.
- David Das has been appointed Chief Operating Officer for UWA India to oversee the operational setup and academic program development.
Background:
The University of Western Australia (UWA) is taking a major step to deepen its engagement with India and the wider Indo–Pacific region. Vice-Chancellor Professor Amit Chakma will lead a multi-city mission from December 3 to 13, underscoring the university’s long-term commitment to India’s education and innovation sectors.
Invited as part of the official delegation led by Australia’s Education Minister, the Honourable Jason Clare MP, Professor Chakma’s visit highlights UWA’s strategic goal of becoming one of India’s most trusted academic partners. Notably, UWA is set to become the first Australian Group of Eight (Go8) university to establish a physical academic presence in India.
WA Tertiary and International Education Minister Dr Tony Buti, who recently completed a six-day mission to India, welcomed the development, saying the university’s India campuses align with the State Government’s vision to expand Western Australian education offerings into the Indian market. “There is strong demand for a university of UWA’s calibre in India,” he said.
The new campuses in Mumbai and Chennai have been strategically chosen for their strong industry connections, talent hubs, and innovation ecosystems. During the visit, Professor Chakma will unveil several initiatives that support India’s national priorities in areas such as skills development, healthcare, minerals, sports science, and educational access.
“Our new campuses and partnerships reflect a long-term vision: to collaborate with India on the skills, research, and innovations that will shape the next century,” Professor Chakma said. “We are not just expanding our presence; we are creating shared pathways for talent, discovery, and impact between our nations.”
To oversee the next phase, UWA has appointed David Das as Chief Operating Officer for UWA India. With extensive cross-sector leadership experience, Mr Das will guide the operational setup of the campuses and lead an India-based team focused on partnerships, academic programs, and student engagement.
UWA’s expansion marks a defining moment in Australia-India education cooperation, promising stronger collaboration, innovation, and opportunities for students on both sides.
