Two Foreign Universities’ Campuses In GIFT City: Centre Informs Rajya Sabha

Junior Education Minister Dr Sukanta Majumdar informed the Rajya Sabha that two Australian universities, Deakin University and the University of Wollongong, have established campuses in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). This development follows the University Grants Commission (UGC) receiving applications from Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) for setting up campuses in India.

In November 2023, the UGC issued regulations for the establishment and operation of these campuses, the minister said. A Standing Committee has been constituted to evaluate each application based on merit, including the credibility of the institutions, the programs offered, their potential to enhance educational opportunities in India, and the proposed academic infrastructure.

“Based on the recommendations of the Commission, a Standing Committee has been constituted to examine the matters relating to the Setting up and operation of campuses of FHEIs in India. As per the UGC regulations, the Standing Committee is responsible to asses each application to be received on merit, including the credibility of the educational institutions, the programmes to be offered, their potential to strengthen educational opportunities in India and the proposed academic infrastructure, and make recommendations thereof,” the minister said.

World-class foreign universities and institutions are permitted to set up campuses in GIFT City, offering courses in Financial Management, FinTech, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These institutions must adhere to the standards outlined in the International Financial Services Centers Authority (Setting up and Operation of International Branch Campuses and Offshore Education Centers) Regulations, 2022, issued in October 2022.

“Foreign Universities and Institutions can set up their Branch Campuses in GIFT City as per the criteria and standards laid down in the International Financial Services Centers Authority (Setting up and Operation of International Branch Campuses and Offshore Education Centers) Regulations, 2022, issued in October, 2022. Two universities i.e. Deakin University and University of Wollongong from Australia have established their campus in GIFT City,” the minister added.