Western Sydney University VC interview: ‘We will offer Australian faculty, India-based academics with international teaching credentials'

Indian Express

2 days ago

On the fifth anniversary of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) handed over Letters of Intent (LoIs) to four foreign universities—three from Australia and one from the UK—to set up campuses in India. Western Sydney University is among them and plans to open its campus in Greater Noida, with admissions expected to begin in 2026.
In an email interaction with indianexpress.com, George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, shares why the university chose Greater Noida, details of their undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, and how they plan to implement a blended academic model in India.
Why is Western Sydney University establishing a campus in India, and why Greater Noida?
George Williams AO: Western Sydney University is establishing a campus in Greater Noida to deepen its long-standing partnership with India and expand its impact in education, research, and innovation. With over two decades of collaboration with Indian institutions, government bodies, and industry, the University brings a strong track record in delivering high-impact, real-world outcomes — ranging from agricultural, water innovation to climate resilience and sustainability. Its integrated approach to education, research, and policy, alongside proven bilateral initiatives like the Australia India Water Centre, positions it uniquely to meet India's evolving needs.
Greater Noida, located in Uttar Pradesh's Knowledge Park, offers a strategic base for this expansion. The campus will open in 2026. Supported by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the location provides access to a large student population, proximity to emerging innovation corridors, and alignment with state and national priorities in areas like supply chain, data analytics, entrepreneurship, agriculture, water, clean energy, and skills development.
What programmes will be offered initially?
George Williams AO: WSU's Noida campus will open with undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Business, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. These will be followed by offerings in Data Science, Supply Chain and Logistics, Water Futures, Sustainability etc. These areas reflect both Indian priority sectors and WSU's own global research leadership, especially in agriculture, water security, and climate resilience.
Will the curriculum follow the Australian model or be tailored for India?
George Williams AO: Our programmes will retain the academic rigour and global recognition of our Australian campuses, while also integrating Indian industry needs and regional relevance. At the same time, we'll adapt elements of teaching and assessment to reflect the local context, industry trends, and work-integrated learning opportunities. The business course will carry AACSB accreditation, one of the most prestigious and internationally recognised accreditations awarded to select business schools globally. The data course will be accredited by ACS, which is crucial for professional recognition and assessments in the field.
6. What is the fee structure, especially compared to premium MBA colleges?
George Williams AO: Our postgraduate business programmes are expected to cost between Rs 9–12 lakh per annum (approximately AUD $16,000–$22,000). This represents a substantial value proposition, delivering a globally ranked Australian degree at a highly competitive price.
What kind of faculty structure will the campus adopt?
George Williams AO: WSU will implement a blended academic model: Australian faculty, India-based academics with international teaching credentials, and visiting industry experts. This mix ensures that students benefit from global perspectives, local insights, and real-world expertise.
What mobility options will students have?
George Williams AO: Students will have access to global mobility pathways, including short-term study tours, semester exchanges, or full transfer options to our Australian or Indonesian campuses (subject to visa eligibility). These options offer flexibility, affordability, and cross-border experience.
How will WSU ensure parity in quality and experience across campuses?
George Williams AO: Our 'One University' model means all campuses operate under the same academic governance, policies, and quality assurance mechanisms. The India campus will be overseen by Western's Academic Senate and adhere to our Australian standards for teaching, assessment, and student support.
Will the India campus admit international students?
George Williams AO: Yes. Admissions will be open to international students, particularly from South, Southeast Asia and Middle East. We also anticipate reciprocal interest from Australian students interested in learning within the Indian innovation ecosystem.
Will the campus have a research focus?
George Williams AO: Yes. Research will be central to WSU's presence in India, building on our extensive partnerships in agritech, water security, climate resilience, and sustainability. Flagship projects such as the National Centre of Excellence in Protected Cropping with ICAR, the MARVI groundwater initiative, and the Australia–India Water Centre, focused on integrated water management, farmer training, and capacity building demonstrates our strong and growing research footprint.
Building on our existing research strengths, we will also bring cutting-edge capabilities in areas such as applied AgTech (AI-based advisory tools, IoT soil sensors, satellite monitoring, gene-editing), circular economy and waste-to-energy solutions, wastewater and ground water management and carbon monitoring for smart cities. Our initiatives will support workforce training, MSME incubation in food, water and agribusiness, and scalable climate-smart technologies. Furthermore, we will contribute to evidence-based policymaking through joint impact assessments and data platforms, supporting Uttar Pradesh's aspirations for sustainable, inclusive growth.
How is WSU responding to Australia's new visa rules in student engagement?
George Williams AO: We're committed to transparency. We ensure students and families have the latest information on visa policies and support them in making informed decisions. Our India campus provides an attractive alternative offering high-quality education in-country with future international mobility options.
Have visa changes impacted Indian students' interest?
George Williams AO: Yes, the changes have caused a noticeable shift. Students are now more cautious and are actively considering hybrid and transnational models. Our India campus offers a stable, affordable option, meeting this emerging demand.
How many Indian students are currently studying at WSU?
George Williams AO: We currently have over 1,300 Indian students enrolled across our Sydney campuses, making them one of our largest and most vibrant international cohorts.
How do Indian students typically perform at WSU?
Indian students at WSU are known for their strong academic performance, commitment, and work ethic. As the first university to deliver a highly successful dual degree program in partnership with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and 30 State Agricultural Universities, WSU has seen first-hand the calibre of Indian students. These cohorts have consistently demonstrated academic excellence, with many securing placements in Australia and overseas, and several returning to their alma maters as faculty members contributing to long-term capacity building. This initiative is widely regarded as one of the most successful bilateral education programs in agriculture, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture.
Neeti Nigam leads the education department at indianexpress.com. She joined the Indian Express in 2015 and has set up the education and job sections in the online department. She covers schools and higher education, entrance and board exams, study abroad, civil services and other career-related news. Prior to that, she worked as a lifestyle and entertainment journalist in The Pioneer newspaper's magazine division. Besides working in the in-flight Air India (Namaskaar) magazine, she was part of the launch team of Indian Railways on-board magazine Rail Bandhu. She has also worked as a city reporter covering north Delhi in Hindustan Times. In 2012, she covered the MCD elections. You can write to her at [e-mail] ... Read More