Victoria University is the latest Australian institution to secure formal approval to begin teaching in India, and Flinders University has been given approval to start the process of establishing a campus there.

The announcements came during prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Melbourne this week, reflecting a continued effort to strengthen academic, research and industry links between India and Australia.

India is Australia’s second-largest source of international students, with more than 140,000 Indians studying in Australian institutions last year.

Victoria University’s new campus is in Gurugram, on the outskirts of Delhi, and is scheduled to open in August this year. It will offer courses across business, IT, sports management and research. The campus will enjoy close proximity to major business hubs, transport links and modern infrastructure, the university said.

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Steve Bracks, Victoria’s chancellor, said: “Too many students face barriers to accessing an international education, whether because of limited local opportunities or the cost of studying overseas.

“Victoria University’s campus will bring a globally recognised Australian university experience closer to home, giving more students the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge and networks they need to succeed.”

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The Victoria University Delhi NCR campus will be the first in India to deliver education through the university’s “VU Block Model”, in which students focus on one subject at a time in four-week blocks. Classes are also delivered as part of smaller workshops rather than large lectures.

Victoria was the first Australian university to introduce this learning model and remains the largest university to do so.

Adam Shoemaker, Victoria’s vice-chancellor, said: “Bringing our VU Block Model to India offers students a proven pathway to success – one that is inclusive, industry connected and designed for the future.

“Victoria University’s Delhi NCR campus is about opening doors to opportunity. High overseas study costs and limited access to institutions leave many students in India without global education options. Victoria University’s education and research offerings aim to help change that.”

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During Modi’s visit, South Australia’s Flinders University announced plans to open an Indian branch campus in Bengaluru by early 2027. The campus will offer degrees in business, computer science and information technology.

Jason Clare, Australia’s minister for education, said: “Flinders University joining seven other Australian universities in India is another sign of the strength and trust we’ve built in our education partnership. This is bringing a world-class Australian education closer to home for more young Indians and creating new opportunities for our researchers to work together.”

rosalind.skillen@timeshighereducation.com