Deakin University's GIFT City Campus Expands with Third Cohort
Event summary
- Deakin University's GIFT City Campus welcomed its third cohort of students in July 2026, marking over two years of operations since its inaugural cohort in July 2024.
- The campus has built a network of more than 60 industry partners, including National Australia Bank (NAB), HSBC, and Goldman Sachs.
- Graduates from the inaugural cohort have already secured opportunities with leading Indian and multinational organizations.
- The latest cohort includes equal representation of male and female students, with enrollments from across India, led by Gujarat.
The big picture
Deakin University's GIFT City Campus exemplifies how international universities can integrate global education standards with local relevance, aligning with India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The campus's rapid growth and strong industry partnerships highlight its role in building future-ready talent for India's knowledge economy. As India continues to open its higher education sector to global participation, Deakin's model could set a precedent for other international universities looking to establish a presence in the country.
What we're watching
- Market Adoption
- How the pace of industry partnerships will affect the campus's long-term sustainability and growth.
- Educational Model
- Whether Deakin can sustain its innovative education model while maintaining global quality standards.
- Regulatory Environment
- The impact of India's opening higher education ecosystem on the campus's ability to attract and retain students.
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