On the Fifth Anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, The University Grants Commission (UGC) Handed Over Letters of Intent (LOIS) To Four Foreign Universities– Three from Australia and one from the uk – to set up campuses in India. Western sydney university is greater noida, with admissions expected to begin in 2026.

In an email interaction with indianxpress.com, George Williams Ao, Vice-Changellor and President of Western Sydney University, Shares Why the University Chose Greater Noida, Details of Details of his Details and Postgradu. Programs, and how they plan to implemen a blended academic model in India.

Why is Western Sydney University Establishing a campus in India, and why greater noida?

George Williams Ao: Western sydney university is establishing a campus in greater noida to deepen its long-standing partnership with India and expand its impact in education, research, andvation. With over two decades of collaboration with Indian Institutions, Government Bodies, and Industry, The University Brings a strong track record in delivering HIGH-IMPACT, Real-Ferd Outcomes-Ranging FROM AGRIAL, Innovation to climate Resilience and Sustainability. Its Integrated Approach to Education, Research, And Policy, Alongside Proven Bilateral Initiatives Like the Australia India Water Centre, Positions It Uniquely to Meet India’s Evlving Needs.

Greater Noida, Located in Uttar Predesh’s Knowledge Park, Offers a strategic base for this expansion. The campus will open in 2026 Like supply chain, data analytics, entrepreneurship, agriculture, water, clear energy, and skills development.

What programmes will be offered initially?

George Williams Ao: Wsu’s noida campus will open with undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, innovation, and entrepreneurship. This will be followed by offering in data science, supply chain and logistics, water photos, sustainability etc. These areas reflect bottom indian priority sectors and wsu’s own global research ledership, especially in Agriculture, Water Security, and Climate Resilience.

Will the curriculum follow the Australian model or be tailored for India?

George Williams Ao: Our programs will retain the academic rigour and global recognition of our australian campuses, while also also integrating indian expression needs and regional release. At the same time, we’ll adapt elements of teaching and assessment to reflect the local context, industry trends, and work-integrated learning opptunities. The Business Course Will Carry AACSB Accreditation, One of the most present and internationally recommended accredited accredits awarded to select Business Schools Globally. The data course will be accredited by ACS, which is crucal for professional recognition and assessments in the field.

6. What is the fee structure, especially compared to premium mba colleges?

George Williams Ao: Our postgraduate business programs are expected to cost between Rs 9-12 Lakh Per Annum (Approximately Aud $ 16,000 – $ 22,000). This represents a substantial value proposition, delivering a globally ranked australian degree at a highly competitive price.

What kind of faculty structure will the campus adopt?

George Williams Ao: WSU Will Implement A Blended Academic Model: Australian Faculty, India-Based Academics With International Teaching Credentials, And Visiting Industry Experts. This mix insures That Students Benefit from Global Perspectives, Local Insights, And Real-World Expertise.

What mobility options will students have?

George Williams Ao: Students will have access to Global Mobility Pathways, including short-trm study tours, semester exchanges, or full transfer options to our australian or Indiansian campus (Shubject to Visa Elect. These Options Offer Flexibility, Affordability, and Cross-Border Experience.

How will WSU ensure parity in quality and experience moss campuses?

George Williams Ao: Our ‘One University’ Model means all campuses under the same acceptmic governmentnance, policyies, and quality assurance mechanism. The India campus will be overseen by Western’s academic senate and adhere to our australian standards for teaching, assessment, and student support.

Will the India Campus Admit International Students?

George Williams Ao: Yes. Admissions will be open to International Students, Particularly from South, Southeast Asia and Middle East. We also anticipate Reciprocal Interest from Australian Students Interested in Learning Within The Indian Innovation Ecosestem.

Will the campus have a research focus?

George Williams Ao: Yes. Research will be central to wsu’s presence in India, Building on our extensive partners in Agritech, Water Security, Climate Resilience, and Sustainability. FlagShip Projects Such as the National Center of Excellence in Protected Cropping With ICAR, The Marvi Goundwater Initiative, and The Australia -India Water Centre, Focused on Water Management, Farmer TRANING. Capacity Building Demonstrates Our Strong and Growing Research Footprint.

Building on our existing research strengths, we will also bring cutting-adge capabilities in are such as applied agtech (AI-Based Advisory Tools, Iot Sensors, Satellite Monitoring, Genre Economy and waste-to-airgy solutions, washwater and ground water management and carbon monitoring for smart cities. Our Initiatives Will Support Workforce Training, Msme Incubation in Food, Water and Agribusiness, And Scalable Climate-Smart Technologies. Furthermore, we will contribute to evident-Based policy Impact assault assessments and data platforms, supporting utter pradesh’s aspirations for sustainable, incarnable.

How is WSU Responding to Australia’s New Visa Rules in Student Engagement?

George Williams Ao: We’er commited to transparency. We have students and families have the latest information on Visa policies and support them in making informed decisions. Our India campus provides an attractive alternative offering high-quality education in-country with Future International Mobility Options.

Have Visa Changes Impacted Indian Students’ Interest?

George Williams Ao: Yes, the changes have caused a Noticeable Shift. Students are now more cautious and are activities hybrid and transnational models. Our India campus offers a stable, affordable option, meeting this emerging demand.

How many Indian students are currently studying at wsu?

George Williams Ao: We currently have over 1,300 Indian Students Enrolled Across Our Sydney Campuses, Making Them One Of Our Largest and Most Vibrant International Cohorts.

How do indian students typically perform at wsu?

Indian students at wsu are known for their strong academic performance, community, and work ethic. As the first university to deliver a highly successful dual degree program in partnership Students. These cohorts have consistently demonstrated Academic Excellence, with many securing places in australia and overseas, and several returning to their alma mats as faculty members contributing to long-capking. This initiative is widely regarded as one of the most successful bilateral education programs in Agriculture, supported by the ministry of Agriculture.