NEW DELHI: Victoria University (VU), Australia, has received the University Grants Commission (UGC) Letter of Approval to establish its Delhi NCR campus, marking a major step in expanding international higher education opportunities in India. The approval, granted under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, enables the Australian institution to begin operations in Gurugram and welcome its first batch of students.
The announcement coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia for the Third Australia–India Annual Summit in Melbourne. The development highlights the growing cooperation between India and Australia in the education sector and reflects the implementation of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages globally recognised universities to establish campuses in the country.
Approval Presented During India-Australia Summit
The Letter of Approval was formally presented by India’s High Commissioner to Australia, Nagesh Singh, to Victoria University Chancellor Steve Bracks and Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker. The approval was welcomed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the summit, underscoring the importance of strengthening academic collaboration between the two nations.
With the clearance in place, Victoria University joins a select group of international universities authorised by the UGC to establish campuses in India. The initiative aligns with the government’s objective of providing Indian students access to globally benchmarked education without requiring them to study abroad.
Gurugram Campus to Offer Industry-Focused Programmes
The upcoming Victoria University campus in Gurugram, part of the Delhi NCR region, will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across several high-demand disciplines. These include Business, Data Science, Information Technology, Cyber Security, MBA (Global), and Master of Applied Information Technology.
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Students enrolled at the India campus will receive Australian-recognised qualifications, allowing them to benefit from an internationally accredited education while studying in India. The university aims to equip graduates with practical skills and industry exposure that meet global employment standards.
Innovative Teaching Model to Be Introduced
One of the key highlights of the Delhi NCR campus will be Victoria University’s award-winning VU Block Model. Unlike traditional academic systems where students study multiple subjects simultaneously, the Block Model allows learners to focus on one subject at a time during intensive learning blocks.
The teaching approach emphasises smaller class sizes, interactive sessions, continuous assessments, and greater engagement between students and faculty. According to the university, this model has improved academic performance, student satisfaction, and graduate employability across its Australian campuses.
The institution believes introducing this teaching methodology in India will provide students with a more focused and practical learning experience while reducing academic pressure.
University Ready to Welcome First Students
Professor Karen Dodd, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Victoria University India, described the approval as an important milestone in the university’s expansion plans. She said the institution is preparing to welcome its inaugural batch of students and provide an educational environment centred on innovation, academic excellence, and industry engagement.
She noted that the Block Model encourages deeper understanding by allowing students to concentrate on a single subject at a time. The university also plans to create a supportive campus environment where students can develop practical knowledge and prepare for careers in an increasingly global workforce.
Chief Operating Officer Abhishek Sharma said the university has spent months developing infrastructure and student support systems that mirror the standards of its Australian campuses. He added that the institution is committed to delivering a seamless Australian university experience in India through modern classrooms, career services, and industry partnerships.
Global Mobility and Scholarships for Students
Apart from academic programmes, students at the Delhi NCR campus will gain access to Victoria University’s Global Mobility Programme. This initiative will provide opportunities for semester exchanges, undergraduate transfers, and postgraduate progression at the university’s Melbourne campuses.
The university has also announced merit-based financial assistance through the VU Block Model India Scholarship. Eligible students may receive scholarships of up to ₹3 lakh annually throughout their course, making internationally recognised education more accessible.
University officials believe these initiatives will encourage Indian students to pursue global education pathways while remaining connected to India’s growing academic ecosystem.
Strengthening India-Australia Academic Collaboration
Victoria University has a history spanning more than 110 years and serves nearly 52,000 students worldwide. Ranked among the world’s leading universities, the institution has built a reputation for industry-oriented education, research, and innovation.
The establishment of its Delhi NCR campus is expected to deepen academic cooperation between India and Australia through research partnerships, faculty collaboration, and student exchange programmes. It also reflects the broader educational partnership developing between the two countries under recent bilateral agreements.
The approval comes as India continues to position itself as a global education destination by welcoming reputed foreign universities under the framework of the National Education Policy 2020. With Victoria University’s entry into the Indian higher education landscape, students will gain access to internationally recognised degrees, innovative teaching methods, and global career opportunities without leaving the country.
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