Following the opening of UWA Mumbai, UWA Chennai takes the next step towards welcoming its first students in October.
Chennai, October 05th, 2026: The University of Western Australia (UWA), a global top 100 university and a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight, has received final approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) for its international branch campus in Chennai. Located on the 7th floor, One National Park, Velachery Main Road, Velachery, Chennai, the 70,000 sq. ft. campus will begin Orientation on 5 October 2026, with classes commencing 19 October 2026.
UWA Chennai will offer undergraduate programmes including the Bachelor of Business (Business Management), Bachelor of Science (Computer Science), Bachelor of Science (Data Science) and Bachelor of Advanced Computer Science (AI), alongside postgraduate programmes in Master of Information Technology and Master of Business Administration (MBA). The campus forms part of UWA’s AUD 80 million long-term commitment to wholly owned campuses in India, following the opening of UWA Mumbai in September. The investment strengthens UWA’s permanent presence in India while creating new opportunities for students across Tamil Nadu and the country to access a globally recognised Australian education and build connections with industry and UWA’s international network.
C. Joseph Vijay, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, said: “Tamil Nadu’s strength in education, technology and industry has made it a leading destination for global institutions. UWA’s presence in Chennai will add to this ecosystem, providing students with access to an internationally recognised university while strengthening the connections between Tamil Nadu and Western Australia. We welcome UWA to Chennai and look forward to the opportunities this partnership will create for our students and our state.”
The Hon. Roger Cook MLA, Premier of Western Australia, said: ““Having just inaugurated UWA’s Mumbai campus, it is exciting to see this long-term Western Australian presence in India extend to Chennai. Through Invest and Trade WA and our strong government-to-government and industry relationships, Western Australia is building enduring connections across India, in particular Tamil Nadu. The State of Tamil Nadu shares many of our strengths in education, skills, technology and industry, and UWA Chennai provides a new platform to deepen these connections and create opportunities for students, businesses and communities in both regions.”
Dr Diane Smith-Gander AO, Chancellor, The University of Western Australia, said: “Chennai is an important addition to UWA’s presence in India and to our international university community. This is an exciting milestone and we look forward to welcoming our first students. Our ambition is to give them an education that combines the depth of a UWA degree with the opportunities created by studying in one of India’s most dynamic cities.”
Professor Amit Chakma, Vice-Chancellor, The University of Western Australia, said: “Final UGC approval allows us to move from planning to welcoming our first students in Chennai, a region where we aim to leverage the WA Government’s presence as well as long-term academic partnerships. The campus brings UWA’s education to students in a region with exceptional strengths in technology and innovation, while connecting them to the University’s global academic and industry networks. We look forward to beginning this journey with our inaugural cohort in October.”
UWA Chennai will bring UWA’s academic offering to a city recognised for its strengths in technology, engineering, manufacturing and innovation. Its initial portfolio will include programmes in data science, artificial intelligence, information technology, business and economics, connecting academic learning with the needs of a rapidly evolving economy.
Orientation will introduce students to the UWA learning environment, campus and academic community before classes commence. Students will also become part of UWA’s global network, with opportunities to engage with peers, academics and industry across India and internationally.
UWA Chennai represents the next step in the University’s more than century-long engagement with India, strengthening its presence in the country while creating new opportunities for education, collaboration and international connection.
About The University of Western Australia:
For more than 110 years, UWA has brought together ambitious minds to create meaningful change. As Western Australia’s leading university and a globally recognised top 100 institution, we connect students, researchers and partners through world-class learning, research and collaboration. Turning knowledge into action and creating impact that lasts.
For more information, please visit our website: https://india.uwa.edu.au
