The University of Wollongong (UOW) has officially launched its India campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, marking a significant milestone in bringing world-class education closer to Indian students. This new campus is poised to offer a range of cutting-edge courses, with an emphasis on financial technology, as well as establish a bridge between local and global industries.
UOW India’s offerings include the Master of Financial Technology, Master of Financial Technology (Extension), and Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology, designed to equip students with the skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving world of finance and technology. These programmes are not just academic but also driven by real-world industry insights, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the workforce.
At the inaugural event, UOW India made an important announcement, revealing Cerin Elsa Joji as the first recipient of the Women Leaders in FinTech Scholarship. This scholarship aims to encourage more female participation in the tech and finance sectors, areas traditionally underrepresented by women. This initiative speaks to UOW’s broader mission of promoting inclusivity and diversity in high-demand industries.
Another highlight of the event was the announcement of a new partnership between UOW India and Odoo, a leading open-source business software company known for its applications in CRM, eCommerce, accounting, and beyond. This collaboration is part of UOW India’s ongoing effort to work closely with global industry leaders and provide students with hands-on, practical skills that align with the needs of today’s businesses. Odoo joins other notable industry partners such as IBM, which has already played a significant role in shaping the curriculum for UOW India’s courses.
Speaking at the launch, Michael Still, Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, expressed his excitement about the new campus. “Launching UOW’s campus in GIFT City marks an exciting new chapter for our University and I’m incredibly proud to see us become part of India’s remarkable educational legacy,” he said. “This campus isn’t just about expanding our global reach; it is about building lasting connections and creating meaningful opportunities for students and communities.”
UOW India’s partnership with IBM has already begun to yield results, with the tech giant contributing to the curriculum in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, big data, gaming, blockchain technology, and more. By linking education to real-world technological advancements, UOW India is ensuring that its graduates are not only academically strong but also highly competitive in today’s job market.
The campus’s strategic location in GIFT City, India’s first operational smart city, offers students an immersive educational experience set within a hub of innovation and technological growth. Marisa Mastroianni, Managing Director and Group CEO at UOW Global Enterprises, emphasized the importance of bringing top-tier education to students within India. “Students shouldn’t have to travel across continents to access Australia’s world-class education. With UOW India, we’re bringing global learning to their doorstep,” she said.
In addition to the high-calibre education on offer, students will be integrated into UOW’s international network. The first cohort of students will receive a fully funded trip to the UOW Dubai campus, allowing them to experience the university’s global collaborations firsthand. Upon graduation, UOW India students will join a vast alumni network of over 190,000 members from 199 countries, enhancing the global opportunities available to them.
The event was attended by prominent figures from the academic, governmental, and business sectors. Rebecca McPhee, Deputy Secretary of Investment NSW, highlighted the strong relationship between New South Wales (NSW) and GIFT City, stating that the expansion of UOW into India was a testament to the growing ties between Australia and India. “This is a fantastic outcome for the UOW and demonstrates not only the importance of the India-NSW relationship but also the many opportunities that exist in the growing field of transnational education,” she noted.
As India continues to emerge as a global leader in technology and innovation, the opening of UOW’s campus in GIFT City is a timely development that will offer students access to high-quality education in fields crucial for the future. The campus is set to play an important role in shaping the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs who will drive innovation across various industries.
UOW India’s efforts are part of a broader trend towards expanding educational opportunities beyond traditional borders, with international campuses and collaborations making world-class education more accessible. This move is likely to spark further interest in transnational education, particularly in high-growth sectors like fintech and technology. With its strong industry partnerships and a focus on practical, industry-driven education, UOW India is set to make a lasting impact on the Indian educational landscape.
As the first students walk through the doors of the new campus, UOW India’s commitment to shaping future leaders in finance and technology seems poised to leave a lasting legacy in India and beyond.
