Top 6 Australian Universities Look to Establish Undergraduate Campuses in Haryana

According to a Haryana government statement, a team from a consortium of 6 leading Australian institutions indicated considerable interest on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, in establishing a campus in Gurugram to offer undergraduate degrees. The group was led by Mr Nick McCaffrey, Deputy High Commissioner of the Australian High Commission, and met with the Honourable Chief Minister of Haryana, Mr Nayab Singh Saini.

The Australian team also included Mr Mathew Johnston, Minister Counsellor for Education and Research at the Australian High Commission; Prof Simon Biggs, IRU Chair and Vice-Chancellor and President of James Cook University; and university representatives.

Earlier this year, the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) named Professor Simon Biggs, Vice-Chancellor and President of James Cook University, as the group's Chair for 2024-2025.

Haryana Chief Minister Saini welcomed the group and assured them of the state government's full support and cooperation, including providing an existing facility for the campus's headquarters and all other essential amenities. 

According to the announcement, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed shortly. The chief minister remarked that the Haryana government's Foreign Cooperation Department will continue coordinating the Australian IRUs' requirements. According to a state government release, the facility will eliminate the need for students to go to Australia, allowing them to take undergraduate degrees right here in Haryana. 

"Upon completing their studies, they will receive a certificate from the Australian university, which will open doors to job opportunities not only in Haryana but globally. This initiative will help students from Haryana save on hefty tuition fees and other expenses associated with studying abroad. After Class 12, students on this campus will have the opportunity to pursue four-year integrated courses in software engineering, cyber security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), financial technology, tourism and hospitality, and sports management. The range of courses will be gradually expanded in alignment with the evolving needs of the state and the community," it said.

You can also read: India’s IIT Delhi & MIT Lead in Global Employability