Western Sydney University (WSU) has announced plans to open its first campus in India, making it the third Australian university to establish a presence in the country.
This new campus, set to be located in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, will position WSU as a key player in India’s education ecosystem and marks the first foreign university to set up operations in the state.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the new campus was virtually signed by Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary of Uttar Pradesh, and Professor Deborah Sweeney, Acting Vice Chancellor of WSU.
Professor Sweeney said the MOU is an important milestone for the University as it continues with its planning to establish a presence in India.
Professor Sweeney emphasised, “We are pleased to sign this agreement heralding the next chapter for the University and its transnational education programs, We are deeply committed to expanding our presence in India and passionate about taking Western Sydney to the world.”

“We are preparing our application for this stand-alone campus, which will be focussed on creating impactful solutions for sustainable agriculture and food security, with teaching, research and technological innovations specifically tailored for India’s agritech, technology and other allied industries.”
This agreement signifies Uttar Pradesh’s increasing importance as an educational hub, bolstering its position as one of India’s fastest-growing economic regions. The new campus is expected to contribute significantly to the state’s GDP, promote regional economic development, and enhance its status in the global education landscape.
The first phase of the campus development will see WSU begin operations from a pre-existing infrastructure in Greater Noida. The second phase will include the construction of a full-fledged, state-of-the-art campus on a sprawling seven-acre site, which will feature cutting-edge facilities for academic, research, and extracurricular activities.

“This MoU is a game-changer for Uttar Pradesh, particularly in fostering global partnerships in education,” said Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh.
“The establishment of WSU’s campus will elevate our status on the global education map and contribute to the economic transformation of the region.”
WSU’s new campus in Greater Noida will focus on providing world-class education in fields like computer science, business, and engineering. Additionally, a Centre of Excellence (CoE) will be established, with a particular emphasis on smart farming and agritech. This CoE will address critical issues such as precision agriculture, water security, and agri-based commodity solutions, which are vital to India’s agricultural sector.
As part of the partnership, WSU will leverage the global connectivity provided by the upcoming Jewar International Airport, which will facilitate the export of agricultural solutions developed at the Centre.
Professor Sweeney emphasised the university’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, noting,
“Our planned presence in Greater Noida will provide life-changing opportunities for the next generation of leaders, empowering them to support India’s economic transformation.”

The CoE at WSU’s new campus will play a key role in addressing the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in the areas of agriculture and water management. By promoting smart farming techniques and sustainable agricultural practices, the campus aims to make a significant contribution to the agricultural sector in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
With a focus on water security and agri-based commodity solutions, the CoE will also work on innovations related to packaging, treatment, and exports, ensuring that Indian agricultural products meet global standards.
The MoU aligns with Uttar Pradesh’s Higher Education Incentive Policy 2024, which is designed to create a robust, inclusive, and flexible education system. WSU’s presence will not only enhance employability through globally relevant courses but will also foster innovation in emerging fields such as smart agriculture and climate adaptation.
Dr. Nicolene Murdoch, Pro Vice-Chancellor Global at WSU, highlighted the partnership’s potential, stating, “This collaboration exemplifies the shared commitment to creating new pathways for innovation and growth in education.”

“It will strengthen India-Australia relations, contribute to regional economic growth, and provide a blueprint for future collaborations in education and research.”
WSU’s expansion into India marks a new chapter in the country’s growing global education footprint. By integrating global best practices with local priorities, this initiative is expected to:
- Set New Benchmarks: WSU’s focus on sustainability and innovation will inspire local Indian institutions to raise their standards.
- Promote Interdisciplinary Learning: The CoE will provide opportunities for students and researchers to tackle real-world challenges.
- Encourage Internationalization: The presence of a globally recognized institution like WSU reflects India’s readiness to host world-class universities and strengthen its educational infrastructure.
- Support Policy Goals: This initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages global collaboration and multidisciplinary education.
The establishment of WSU’s campus in Greater Noida represents a significant milestone in India’s educational evolution. With its focus on innovation, employability, and sustainability, WSU is poised to make a profound impact on the Indian education sector and help foster long-term economic growth in Uttar Pradesh.
As the first foreign university to set up a campus in Uttar Pradesh, Western Sydney University’s move exemplifies the transformative potential of international collaborations, paving the way for a future that is more interconnected, innovative, and inclusive. This partnership is expected to shape the future of education in India, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leading hub for global education and research.
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