The University of Wollongong (UOW) India has officially inaugurated its campus in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), marking a milestone in making Australian education more accessible to Indian students. UOW India has launched programs including the Master of Financial Technology, Master of Financial Technology (Extension), and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology, with classes commencing this week.
At the event, UOW named Cerin Elsa Joji as the inaugural recipient of the Women Leaders in FinTech Scholarship, aimed at empowering women in the technology sector.
In line with its mission to foster collaborations with Indian organizations, UOW India announced a partnership with Odoo, a global leader in open-source business software. This collaboration will equip students with hands-on experience in CRM, eCommerce, accounting, and more, ensuring industry-relevant learning.
IBM ICE was also unveiled as UOW India’s inaugural global industry partner, contributing to a curriculum focused on artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and blockchain technology.
Michael Still, Chancellor of the University of Wollongong, highlighted the importance of this venture, stating, “Launching UOW’s campus in GIFT City is a proud moment. India has long been a global leader in knowledge and innovation, and we’re thrilled to be part of this legacy. This campus represents not just global expansion but also a commitment to building lasting connections and opportunities for students.”
Marisa Mastroianni, Managing Director and Group CEO of UOW Global Enterprises, emphasized the value of bringing Australian education to India. “With UOW India, students no longer need to travel abroad to access world-class education. Our first cohort will even enjoy a fully funded trip to our Dubai campus, enhancing their global learning experience,” she said.
The campus is located in GIFT City, India’s first operational smart city, featuring state-of-the-art infrastructure and collaborative learning spaces. Students at UOW India will join a global network of more than 7,000 offshore learners and an alumni community spanning 199 countries.
Investment NSW Deputy Secretary Rebecca McPhee lauded UOW’s expansion, stating, “This initiative underscores the strong relationship between India and NSW. GIFT City is the perfect base for UOW, offering numerous opportunities in transnational education.”
Ranked 3rd in India in the 2025 QS World University Rankings, UOW is a dynamic and innovative institution recognized globally for impactful research and producing employable graduates. As one of the first Australian universities to establish a teaching base in India, UOW continues to strengthen its commitment to education, research, and industry engagement in the region.
With GIFT City as its hub, UOW India is poised to shape the future of education and innovation in India.
