Deakin University, a highly ranked and prestigious Australian university, officially inaugurated its India campus at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) on January 10, 2024, marking an iconic milestone on India's higher education canvas. GIFT City is located 21 km from Ahmedabad, thus putting it on the Indian accessible university map.
Deakin University Australia's strong global reputation directly benefits students at the India campus.
Deakin is
ranked 197th globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025, placing it firmly within the top 1% of
universities
worldwide. The university ranks 201-250 in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025,
and 177th
in the US News & World Report Best Global Universities 2024. Deakin University is ranked among the top
50 young
universities in the world (under 50 years old), demonstrating its rapid rise to global prominence since
its
establishment in Australia in 1974. The university's parent campus consistently receives a 5+ Star
Rating for
excellence in teaching, graduate employability, research, and global outlook from the QS Star Rating
system.
Deakin also ranks among the top 1% globally for business and management, as well as computer science and
information systems, according to QS World University Rankings by Subject. This specific subject-area
strength is
directly relevant to the degree programs offered at GIFT City, ensuring students receive education that
is globally
recognized in their respective fields. The university's parent campus is accredited by the Association
to Advance
Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), placing it among the elite 6% of business schools globally with
international accreditation. It also holds EQUIS and ACS accreditation, further validating the quality
of education.
These accreditations ensure that graduates possess the skills, knowledge, and experience sought after by
employers worldwide. Deakin University has been named Australia's number one public university for
overall
student experience, maintaining this position for ten consecutive years. The university ranks as the No.
1 university
in the Australian state of Victoria for undergraduate employment outcomes. These rankings demonstrate
Deakin's
commitment not just to academic excellence but also to student satisfaction and career success. It goes
without
saying that all these accolades, milestones, and achievements trickle down to strategically position the
university's
GIFT City campus as the preferred choice for postgraduate technical higher education in India.
All degrees offered at Deakin India are approved by TEQSA (Tertiary Education Quality and Standards
Agency),
Australia's national regulator for higher education. This ensures that the curriculum, teaching quality,
and
assessment standards are identical to those at Deakin's Australian campuses. Graduates receive degrees
that
carry the full weight of Deakin University's name without any distinction based on campus location.
Deakin University GIFT City Campus has launched two specialized postgraduate degree programs designed to meet India's urgent need for professionals in emerging technology sectors:
The Master of Cyber Security degree is a comprehensive two-year degree program equipping students with
advanced skills in protecting digital infrastructure, networks, and data systems. With cyber threats
escalating
globally, this degree prepares graduates for high-demand roles in cybersecurity across government
agencies,
financial institutions, technology companies, and consulting firms.
The Master of Business Analytics is also a two-year degree program designed to equip students with
advanced
analytical skills to transform data into actionable business insights. This degree focuses on
statistical analysis,
predictive modeling, data visualization, and strategic decision-making using innovative analytics tools
and
technologies. Students who graduate after completing the degree emerge as data-driven professionals
capable of
solving complex business problems across industries, including finance, retail, healthcare, and
technology.
Both degrees feature innovative curricula designed to meet industry needs, incorporating practical
learning, industry
projects, and work-integrated experiences. The curricula at the GIFT City campus align with Australia's
national
accreditation body, the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), ensuring identical
standards to
those maintained at Deakin University's Australian campuses. Undergraduate degrees have not been
launched yet
on the GIFT City campus.
According to recent industry reports, the highest package offered at Deakin GIFT City in the 2025
placement cycle
reached INR 32+ lakh per annum, demonstrating that the campus is already competing with top universities
in
India. The average package has been competitive, with most students receiving offers in the INR 12-18
lakh range.
International placements have also materialized, with some students receiving offers in Singapore,
Dubai, and
Australia, with packages averaging USD 90,000-110,000. Both degree programs are structured with
flexibility in
mind, incorporating trimester systems that allow intensive focus on subjects. Students benefit from a
blend of
theoretical knowledge and practical application, with emphasis on emerging technologies including
artificial
intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and advanced data analytics. Faculty members from Deakin's
Australian
campuses regularly visit the India campus for guest lectures, intensive teaching modules, and
collaborative
research projects, ensuring continuous knowledge exchange. This "fly-in faculty" model complements the
resident
teaching staff, giving students access to Deakin's global academic community. The curriculum integrates
work-
integrated learning opportunities, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real workplace
settings. Students participate in live industry projects, case studies from real companies, and
internships that
often convert to
pre-placement offers. This hands-on approach ensures graduates are not just job-ready but also
innovation-ready.
Deakin University brings its strong research culture to the GIFT City campus, encouraging students to
engage with
cutting-edge developments in their fields. The university's research strengths are particularly
impressive in areas
such as health, artificial intelligence, sustainability, nanotechnology, and data analytics. Deakin
established a joint
center focused on nanotechnology and sustainability with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), one
of
India's leading research organizations. This collaboration exemplifies the university's commitment to
addressing
global challenges through research partnerships. The university continues to foster research
collaborations with
Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) launched 30 years ago, working on pioneering projects in various
technology
domains. These long-standing partnerships demonstrate Deakin's integration into India's research
ecosystem and
commitment to contributing to India's scientific and technological advancement.
At the GIFT City campus, faculty members are actively engaged in research, and students have
opportunities to
participate in research projects, industry-sponsored studies, and innovation initiatives. This research
exposure
enriches the educational experience, develops critical thinking skills, and prepares students for
research-oriented
career paths or further academic pursuits.
During the 30 Years of Impact celebrations in 2024, Deakin University announced a commitment to
investing AUD 1
million for strategic initiatives in higher education, sports, and disaster management in India. The
university has also
committed to assisting the National Institute of Disaster Management in building disaster-resilience
architecture in
India. These initiatives demonstrate Deakin's ongoing commitment to contributing to India's 360-degree
development through research and knowledge exchange.
Deakin University GIFT City has established a comprehensive scholarship program to support talented Indian students. The Deakin GIFT City Meritorious Scholarship offers eight outstanding students (four from each degree program) a 25% waiver on tuition fees for the entire duration of their two-year program. These scholarships are awarded to exceptionally high-achieving students based on rigorous evaluation. The 20% Accelerator scholarship is available for all eligible students to support their education and career aspirations.
The Deakin University GIFT City campus is strategically positioned in GIFT City, India's first operational greenfield smart city designed to become a global financial and information technology hub. Located in the Gandhinagar district of Gujarat, between the state capital Gandhinagar and the commercial hub Ahmedabad, GIFT City represents India's premier International Financial Services Center (IFSC). The campus occupies purpose-built facilities within this smart business precinct, placing students alongside global and domestic business enterprises. The Deakin GIFT City Campus features world-class facilities designed specifically for modern technology education. The state-of-the-art 25,000-square-foot campus reflects cutting-edge design and construction practices. The innovative design of the campus replicates the quality and standards of Deakin's Australian campuses. The library, for instance, provides both physical and digital resources to support student research and learning. Study spaces and collaborative areas encourage both individual focus and group projects. The campus also features the Clinical Exercise Center supporting student wellness, and various social spaces promoting interaction and community building. Deakin GIFT City has partnered with upscale and high-end accommodation providers to offer housing options near the campus. The recommended accommodation options include Geeta Residency, which offers both boys' and girls' accommodations, and Union Living, which provides girls-only accommodation. The hostel facilities are located off-campus but in proximity to GIFT City, ensuring convenient access for students. Most accommodations offer twin-sharing rooms with modern amenities. The campus cafeteria provides regular meals. This all-inclusive approach helps students and their families budget effectively for the academic year. Hostel facilities typically include 24/7 security with CCTV surveillance, laundry services, library and study spaces, gymnasium facilities, on-site ambulance services, and partnerships with local hospitals for healthcare needs. These comprehensive facilities ensure students can focus on their academic pursuits while maintaining their health and well-being. The off-campus accommodation model allows students to experience independent living while remaining connected to the campus community. Both regular shuttle services and convenient public transportation options connect accommodation facilities to the campus.
As you can tell, the university offers a uniquely attractive choice for students planning to pursue postgraduate degrees in science and technology. If this academic and career track aligns with your future goals, please get in touch with us to take the discussion to the next level. Admissions are currently open, and we will even arrange for you to visit the campus and get a guided campus tour.