In a groundbreaking development for Indian higher education, the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) has received official approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish a degree-granting campus in India. The Chicago-based university’s Mumbai campus is set to open in 2026, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in computer science, engineering, and business. This makes Illinois Tech the first US university to receive UGC approval under India’s new foreign campus regulations, marking a pivotal shift toward international collaboration in higher education as envisioned in the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP).

Global Education, Local Access

The Mumbai campus will deliver the same experiential, industry-aligned curriculum as Illinois Tech’s main campus in Chicago. Courses will be taught by internationally recruited faculty and feature visiting professors from the US, ensuring a globally consistent academic standard. Students will also benefit from Illinois Tech’s signature Elevate programme, which integrates academics with real-world experience through internships, research, and industry projects.

According to Mallik Sundharam, Vice President for Enrollment Management at Illinois Tech, the move comes in response to growing interest from Indian students, with applications increasing over 70% in the past five years. “This campus allows students to earn a globally recognized US degree without the burden of international relocation costs,” Sundharam said.

First Full-Fledged Foreign Campus Approved Under UGC Framework

Although several foreign universities have entered India through collaborations, joint programs, or finance-specialized zones like GIFT City, none have until now received UGC approval for a standalone degree-awarding institution within India. Illinois Tech’s Mumbai campus breaks new ground by operating directly under India’s national education framework—not within a special economic or financial zone.

Previously announced campuses from Deakin University and the University of Wollongong in Gujarat’s GIFT City fall under the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and will focus primarily on international finance and niche programs.

In contrast, Illinois Tech’s presence in Mumbai opens direct access for Indian students to earn a fully accredited US degree in a range of high-demand disciplines particularly STEM and business without leaving the country.

Boosting India’s Position as an Education Hub

The approval aligns with the Indian government’s goal of transforming the country into a global education destination by 2047. By inviting top-ranked global universities to set up campuses, the NEP 2020 promotes cross-border collaboration, encourages talent retention, and widens access to global opportunities for Indian students.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the Consul General of India in Chicago have lauded Illinois Tech’s move, calling it a “historic step” that will benefit both students and employers through globally relevant, industry-ready education delivered locally.

Illinois Tech’s campus in Mumbai is expected to feature:

• A curriculum identical to its Chicago campus

• Teaching by globally qualified faculty

• Cross-campus learning and mobility opportunities

• Programs in high-demand areas like data science, artificial intelligence, and business innovation

• Affordable access to a US education without international relocation

The university also boasts strong global rankings in terms of career outcomes, salary potential, and social mobility, making it particularly attractive for Indian students seeking top-tier education with global career pathways.

Illinois Tech’s entry into India is expected to set a precedent for other global universities. Several institutions from the US, UK, and Australia are reportedly exploring similar ventures. As India continues liberalizing its higher education sector, more international campuses may follow Illinois Tech’s lead, shaping a more globalized academic future within India’s borders. For now, Illinois Tech is not just making headlinesit's making history.