Deakin University has launched its inaugural cohort at the GIFT City Campus in Gujarat, India, marking its distinction as the first international university to establish a teaching campus in the country. The first group of students has commenced classes in the Master of Cyber Security (Professional) and Master of Business Analytics programs.
Deakin’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Iain Martin, was delighted to see students arrive on campus. “Today, we fulfill our promise to India as our GIFT City Campus comes to life with students. This ambitious project, conceived less than two years ago, has resulted in a fully operational Deakin teaching campus, a world first", he said.
The GIFT City Campus will adopt international standards for innovation and learning, providing education based on the Australian system to meet the demands of the Indian labor market and industry. “We’re working with local industry and business to forge strong and meaningful partnerships for our students, ensuring they leave with a world-class education and established networks with some of the world’s top organizations and employers", Professor Martin added.
Hailing from various regions across India, the diverse group of students at Deakin University's GIFT City Campus eagerly anticipates the university's practical, hands-on learning approach and looks forward to internships and collaborations with leading industry partners. Ms. Ravneet Pawha, Deakin Vice-President (Global Alliances) and CEO (South Asia), emphasized the importance of this occasion for the India-Australia partnership. She said, "We are actively developing content and programs in response to industry feedback, ensuring our students are among the most sought-after graduates globally”.
Deakin University is in alignment with India's progressive National Education Policy 2020, offering students access to high-quality education comparable to its Australian programs, complete with international accreditations, right here in India. With tuition fees set at 22 lakh INR, the university aims to make this world-class education accessible to deserving students who may face financial challenges. To further support this mission, the Deakin University and GIFT City Scholarship Programme 2024 are offering two fully funded scholarships that cover tuition and living expenses.
Bhavika Khotani, a student of the Master of Business Analytics, has expressed her utmost delight at securing the Deakin University and GIFT City Scholarships for 2024. She says, “Receiving the scholarship is an overwhelming and gratifying experience. It allows me to concentrate fully on my studies without the stress of financial constraints”. Upon graduation, these students will become part of Deakin’s alumni network in India, the university's largest international cohort, which comprises over 20,000 graduates globally.
Akshita Karlapati, a first-cohort student, has moved more than 1400 kilometers to pursue studies in Business Analytics at Deakin’s GIFT City Campus. She says, “The education I receive and the connections I make at Deakin GIFT City will open doors globally, helping me achieve my dream of becoming a Business Analyst”.
