Deakin University GIFT City Campus Welcomes Third Cohort

On July 9, 2026, Deakin University announced that its GIFT City Campus in Gandhinagar has welcomed its third cohort of students, continuing a rapid expansion that began with the first intake in July 2024. The campus, the first international university branch in India, marks a 32‑year partnership between Deakin and India, operating under the mantra “India, for India.”

The new cohort is enrolled in two globally recognised postgraduate programmes – Master of Business Analytics and Master of Cyber Security – designed to serve India’s fast‑growing digital economy. Enrollment shows equal representation of male and female students, with participants drawn from across the country and a concentration from Gujarat, reflecting growing confidence in the campus model.

Since its inception, the campus has built an ecosystem of more than 60 industry partners, including National Australia Bank (NAB), HSBC, ANZ, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, Macquarie, EY, BHP, ICICI Bank, India INX, Adani Group and Forensic CyberTech. Every student undertakes live industry projects, internships, masterclasses, mentoring and career‑readiness initiatives, linking academic learning directly with real‑world exposure.

Graduates from the inaugural cohort have already secured employment with leading Indian and multinational organisations, and several employers have returned to recruit from subsequent cohorts, underscoring the talent pipeline’s credibility.

Leadership Comments

Ravneet Pawha, Vice President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia) of Deakin University, said the third cohort “demonstrates that international education can successfully combine global quality with Indian relevance,” aligning with the objectives of NEP 2020. Dr Deepak Bajaj, Academic and Campus Director, highlighted the campus’s role in shaping professionals for India’s knowledge economy and emphasized the immersive, industry‑integrated learning environment.

Student and Industry Perspectives

Student Diya Rajesh Jimuliya, pursuing Business Analytics, described the orientation as “extremely motivating,” noting the emphasis on agility and future‑relevant skills. IBM Technical Leader Shefali Gaur praised the students’ awareness of industry disruption, AI developments and ethical considerations, expressing confidence in their readiness.

Strategic Significance

Located within GIFT City – India’s premier international financial and innovation hub – the campus serves as a model for how global universities can expand access to world‑class education while directly supporting national priorities in workforce development, innovation and economic growth. Deakin University, ranked among the top 1 % of global universities, continues to expand its presence, reinforcing the promise of India’s international education vision.

Key Facts Summary

  • Third student cohort welcomed; total three intakes since July 2024.
  • Programs offered: Business Analytics and Cyber Security (postgraduate).
  • Gender parity achieved; students from across India, led by Gujarat.
  • Over 60 industry partners, including NAB, HSBC, Goldman Sachs, ICICI Bank, Adani Group.
  • Live industry projects, internships, masterclasses, mentoring for all students.
  • Inaugural cohort graduates placed with leading Indian and multinational firms; employers returning for later cohorts.