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GIFT City is India’s emerging international education and finance hub. Learn why foreign universities like Deakin and Wollongong are opening campuses here and how it benefits Indian students. Brought to you by SafaltaDesk.
Published by: SafaltaDesk
Updated on: 23 May 2025
Introduction: GIFT City – A Gateway for Foreign Universities in India
India is entering a new era of global education—and GIFT City is leading the way. Located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, this smart financial city is now set to become a hub for world-class foreign universities. Two major Australian institutions—Deakin University and the University of Wollongong—have confirmed plans to open campuses here under India’s new liberal foreign education policy.
What is GIFT City?
Quick Overview
- Full Name: Gujarat International Finance Tec-City
- Location: Gandhinagar, Gujarat
- Objective: Serve as a global financial and services hub
- Governance: International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA)
Key Highlights:
- India’s first IFSC (International Financial Services Centre)
- Seamless business infrastructure
- 100% FDI in education and finance
- High-speed internet, plug-and-play utilities, smart urban planning
Why Are Foreign Universities Coming to GIFT City?
High-intent long-tail keyword: why are foreign universities coming to GIFT City India
1. New UGC Regulations Allow Foreign Campuses
In 2023, the University Grants Commission (UGC) approved regulations enabling top 500 global universities to open independent campuses in India, marking a turning point under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
2. GIFT City Offers Regulatory Autonomy
Foreign universities operating in GIFT City enjoy:
- Freedom to design their own curriculum
- No requirement for Indian university affiliation
- Full recognition of foreign degrees in India
3. Financial and Operational Incentives
- 10-year income tax exemption
- Repatriation of profits allowed
- Flexible hiring and global faculty intake
4. Universities Already Signed On:
- Deakin University (Australia): Offers UG and PG programs in business and cybersecurity
- University of Wollongong (Australia): Launching in 2025 with programs in finance and tech
How Indian Students Will Benefit
Major Advantages:
- 🌐 Global Degree at Local Cost: Save on international tuition and living expenses
- 👨🏫 International Faculty Access: Get mentored by global educators
- 🏢 Internships & Industry Exposure: Located in India’s financial powerhouse
- ✈️ Optional International Mobility: Opportunity to transfer credits abroad
- 🎓 NEP-Aligned Curriculum: Focused on skills, research, and innovation
How GIFT City Supports India’s Education Vision
- Aligns with NEP 2020 internationalization goals
- Strengthens India as a South Asian education hub
- Reduces brain drain by offering foreign education locally
- Encourages academic innovation and research partnerships
- UGC foreign university guidelines
- NEP policy updates
- Career advice for global learners
Conclusion: GIFT City – India’s Global Education Gateway
The entry of top foreign universities like Deakin and Wollongong signals India’s rise as a destination for quality international education. With cutting-edge infrastructure, favorable policies, and government backing, GIFT City offers Indian students unprecedented access to global opportunities—without ever leaving home.
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Shridhar is a passionate career coach and expert writer with a focus on professional growth, job search strategies, and personal development. With years of experience in the corporate world, Shridhar understands the challenges professionals face in advancing their careers.