UNSW has appointed Indian academic Prof. Payyazhi Vadakkekara Jayashree as the Rector of UNSW Bengaluru, the university’s new India campus scheduled to open in August 2026.
The appointment comes as UNSW expands its international presence in India, with the Bengaluru campus expected to serve as a hub for education, innovation, research collaboration and industry engagement.
Prof. Payyazhi brings more than two decades of experience in transnational education, academic governance and international branch campus leadership.
Most recently, she served as Dean and Full Professor of Management at the University of Wollongong in Dubai, where she oversaw academic strategy, accreditation, curriculum development and quality assurance across multiple jurisdictions.
UNSW said her appointment reflects the university’s ambition to build a globally connected and industry-focused campus in one of the world’s fastest-growing knowledge economies.
Prof. Payyazhi is internationally recognised for her work in Women in Leadership, Strategic Change and Business Transformation, and has worked extensively across India, the UAE and Australia through partnerships involving academia, industry and government.
Reflecting on her appointment, Prof. Payyazhi said the new role represented a significant opportunity to help shape globally minded future leaders in India.
“Joining UNSW Bengaluru at this defining moment is both a privilege and a profound opportunity to help shape the next generation of globally minded learners and leaders,” she said.
“India is home to extraordinary ambition, talent and creativity, and UNSW Bengaluru, as part of a global top 20, Group of Eight university, will be a place where students can access a world-class education that is industry-connected and grounded in real-world impact.”
UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education & Student Experience) Prof. Sarah Maddison said Prof. Payyazhi’s leadership experience and understanding of both Indian and global education systems made her well-suited to lead the new campus.
Prof. Maddison said,
“Her strong track record in inclusive leadership, transnational education and industry engagement, combined with her deep understanding of both global and Indian education landscapes, makes her exceptionally well placed to lead UNSW Bengaluru.”
Prof. Payyazhi will officially commence as Rector in July 2026 and will oversee all aspects of the Bengaluru campus establishment, including academic delivery, research engagement, student experience and industry collaboration.
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