UNSW Sydney, Australia’s top-ranked university, has officially launched its first international campus in India, with academic operations scheduled to commence in Bengaluru in August 2026, marking a major milestone in the deepening education partnership between India and Australia.
Located at Manyata Business Park in Bengaluru, the UNSW Bengaluru campus will offer students access to the university’s globally recognised academic programmes while leveraging the city’s vibrant technology and innovation ecosystem. The university aims to blend Australian academic excellence with Bengaluru’s thriving industry landscape to foster interdisciplinary learning, research collaboration and stronger industry engagement.
The launch comes shortly after UNSW retained its position among the world’s top 20 universities in the 2027 QS World University Rankings, reinforcing its global standing in research, teaching, graduate employability and sustainability.
Strengthening India-Australia ties
UNSW Sydney Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Attila Brungs said the Bengaluru campus reflects the university’s long-term commitment to strengthening the India-Australia education partnership through its ‘Progress for All’ strategy.
He said India offers one of the world’s most dynamic innovation ecosystems, driven by strong research capabilities, entrepreneurial talent and a rapidly expanding knowledge economy. Through the new campus, UNSW plans to collaborate with students, researchers, industry and government to deliver world-class education, promote impactful research and develop solutions to global challenges.
Government support
Australia’s Commonwealth Assistant Minister for Citizenship and International Education, Julian Hill MP, described education as one of the strongest pillars of the Australia-India bilateral relationship.
He said the launch of the Bengaluru campus provides Indian students with greater access to Australia’s high-quality education while creating new opportunities for collaborative research, innovation and skills development.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar welcomed the initiative, saying Karnataka has emerged as one of Asia’s leading centres for technology, research and innovation, making it an ideal destination for globally recognised institutions.
He said the partnership would create significant opportunities for students, researchers and industry through world-class education, collaborative research and innovation, while supporting Karnataka’s vision of building a globally competitive knowledge economy.
Focus on emerging technologies
The Bengaluru campus will initially offer programmes aligned with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and future workforce requirements. Key focus areas include:Artificial intelligence, Cybersecurity, Digital technologies, Advanced manufacturing and Sustainability.
UNSW said its education model will combine academic rigour with strong industry engagement to enhance graduate employability and prepare students for rapidly evolving global careers.
Expanding research and innovation
The Bengaluru campus is expected to serve as a platform for expanding Australia-India collaboration in research, innovation and enterprise by bringing together universities, government agencies and industry partners.
The university said the campus aligns with its broader Progress for All strategy, aimed at expanding its global impact through education, research and partnerships that deliver meaningful social and economic outcomes.
With India strengthening its position as a global knowledge and innovation hub, UNSW said the Bengaluru campus represents a long-term investment in talent development and in the future of the Australia-India strategic partnership.