Deakin University's Breakthrough: Crowned #1 Emerging Foreign Campus in India

Deakin University has achieved a remarkable milestone by being ranked the number one Emerging High-Potential Foreign University India Campus in the prestigious Education World India Higher Education Rankings 2026–27. This accolade highlights the GIFT City campus in Gujarat as a pioneer in delivering world-class, industry-aligned education tailored to India's dynamic job market. Located in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), a smart business district designed as India's first operational greenfield smart city, Deakin's presence marks the first time a foreign university has established a full-fledged branch campus on Indian soil.

The ranking underscores Deakin's strategic focus on bridging India's critical skills gaps through postgraduate programs in high-demand fields. As India races towards its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047, initiatives like this are vital for creating a workforce equipped for the digital economy. With only about 42.6 percent of Indian graduates deemed employable according to recent reports, the need for skill-centric education has never been more urgent.

The Genesis of Deakin's India Venture: First Foreign Campus Pioneer

Deakin University's journey in India began over three decades ago with partnerships and student exchanges, culminating in the official approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) in 2023 to set up its GIFT City campus. Classes commenced in July 2024, making it the trailblazer among foreign institutions under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages internationalization by allowing top global universities to operate campuses in India. This policy shift aims to provide affordable access to quality education, reducing the need for expensive overseas study while maintaining rigorous standards aligned with Australia's Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA).

GIFT City was chosen for its status as a Special Economic Zone under the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), surrounded by fintech giants. The campus boasts modern infrastructure including state-of-the-art labs, collaborative study spaces, and sustainability features, all connected via metro to Ahmedabad. This location not only offers a vibrant ecosystem for learning but also proximity to industry hubs, fostering real-world exposure from day one.

Programs Driving India's Skilling Revolution: Business Analytics and Cyber Security

At the heart of Deakin's offerings are two 18-month full-time postgraduate degrees: the Master of Business Analytics and the Master of Cyber Security (Professional). The Business Analytics program dives deep into tools like Python, Power BI, and advanced statistical modeling, teaching students to derive actionable insights from data. It covers the full analytics lifecycle—from data collection and cleaning to predictive modeling and visualization—preparing graduates for roles in finance, healthcare, and e-commerce where data-driven decisions are paramount.

The Cyber Security program addresses the growing threat landscape, equipping learners with technical skills in threat detection, encryption, and ethical hacking, alongside organizational strategies like risk management and compliance. Both programs emphasize hands-on projects, internships, and capstone experiences with industry partners, ensuring graduates are not just knowledgeable but job-ready. Fees for the 2026 intake stand at approximately AUD 39,600, significantly lower than studying abroad, making global education accessible.

These curricula are co-designed with input from Indian and global industries, reflecting NEP 2020's push for multidisciplinary, skill-based learning. For instance, business analytics modules include case studies on India's retail boom, while cyber security covers local regulations like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act.

Proven Employability: Success Stories from the Inaugural Cohort

The proof of Deakin's impact lies in its first graduating cohort, celebrated in March 2026. These pioneers secured placements with top employers like National Australia Bank's (NAB) India Innovation Centre, HSBC, KPMG, and Aditya Birla Group. One standout, Khushi Saraf from the Business Analytics program, credits the curriculum for landing her role at NAB: "Deakin’s tools and strategic thinking prepared me for a global career." Many others launched startups, showcasing the entrepreneurial spark ignited by the program.

Deakin's career services include personalized mentoring, MBTI assessments, on-campus interviews, and partnerships yielding internships. With Deakin ranked #207 in QS World University Rankings 2026 and #1 in Australia for student satisfaction, employability rates are exceptionally high, aligning perfectly with India's need for 1.5 million digital professionals amid an 82% skills shortage projected for 2026.

Photo by Deakin University on Unsplash

Aligning with NEP 2020: Fueling Viksit Bharat Through Internationalization

NEP 2020 envisions higher education as a driver for economic growth, promoting foreign campuses to infuse global best practices and research. Deakin embodies this by delivering Australian degrees in India, reducing costs by up to 60% compared to overseas study. Vice President Ravneet Pawha notes, "It reflects our commitment to NEP 2020, co-creating talent for Viksit Bharat 2047." This model enhances access, equity, and quality, addressing the employability chasm where only 40-45% of graduates meet industry standards.

By focusing on emerging fields like AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity—where demand outpaces supply by double digits—Deakin contributes to Skill India initiatives. Reports highlight cybersecurity jobs growing exponentially, with global cybercrime costs hitting trillions, yet India faces a multi-million professional shortage.

Strategic Partnerships Powering Skilling and Innovation

Deakin's collaborations amplify its skilling impact. A recent MoU with Telangana's Aikam AI Innovation Hub advances applied AI research, executive education, and workforce training. Ties with NAB facilitated first placements, while partners like BHP, EY, and Bank of America offer internships in GIFT City's fintech ecosystem. These alliances ensure curricula evolve with market needs, providing pathways to roles in India's booming digital sectors.Learn more about Deakin's partnerships.

• Internships with global banks and consultancies
• Joint research in AI and fintech
• Executive programs for upskilling professionals

Navigating Challenges: Foreign Campuses in India's Evolving Landscape

While Deakin leads, other campuses like University of Wollongong (also GIFT City) and planned ones from Southampton and Aberdeen face hurdles like regulatory alignment and local competition. Deakin's edge? Its 30-year India presence and skill-first focus. Challenges include cultural adaptation and faculty recruitment, but NEP's framework supports growth, with 15+ foreign HEIs expected by 2027.

Stakeholder views vary: Students praise affordability and employability; educators call for more research funding; industry lauds ready talent. Balanced perspectives emphasize collaboration over competition with Indian institutions.

Future Horizons: Expansion and Broader Impacts

Admissions for July 2026 are open, with scholarships rewarding merit. Deakin eyes scaling programs, potentially adding AI specializations. This bodes well for India's skilling push, projected to need millions in tech roles. By 2047, such campuses could produce lakhs of global-ready professionals, boosting GDP and innovation.

Actionable insights for aspirants: Assess skills gaps via self-audits, pursue internships early, leverage scholarships. For policymakers, incentivize more foreign entries to accelerate upskilling.

Photo by Deakin University on Unsplash

How to Join Deakin GIFT City: Application Essentials

Apply online via Deakin's portal; requirements include a bachelor's degree (50%+), English proficiency (IELTS 6.5), and work experience preferred. Scholarships cover up to full tuition. Visit Deakin's official site for details. This opportunity positions you at the forefront of India's skilling transformation.