Illinois Tech Mumbai Campus Approved by UGC
The Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), a Chicago-based technology university, will begin operations at its Mumbai campus in September 2026. It is the first US university to receive approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish an independent degree-granting campus in India, marking a significant milestone in India's higher education landscape.
Degrees Offered and Academic Standards
The Mumbai campus will offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in high-demand fields including computer science, engineering, and business. According to Elizabeth Hudson, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Illinois Tech, every course at the Mumbai campus will follow the same learning outcomes and assessment standards as the Chicago campus. "Faculty recruitment is led by our Deans and Academic Heads, bringing together Illinois Tech faculty, internationally experienced academics and eminent Indian scholars," she said.
Faculty Composition and Quality Assurance
Hudson stated that three to four faculty members are currently seconded from Chicago, and the university expects around 30–35% of its faculty to come from the United States. All faculty undergo extensive onboarding and professional development. A Vice Provost based in Mumbai will oversee academic quality and collaboration between the two campuses.
Impact on India's Global Education Hub Status
Despite the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, India still lags in attracting international students. Hudson said international branch campuses can play a role in improving India's status as a global education hub. "Not only Indian students, but overseas students, along with members of the Indian diaspora, are becoming interested in such programmes. In due time, foreign universities could become a part of the process of globalizing the education industry," she noted. She added that Illinois Tech has received significant interest from students in the Middle East, particularly from the UAE, Oman, and Qatar.
AI Education and Interdisciplinary Approach
India ranks 13th globally in AI-economy readiness according to a QS report, with the US topping the chart. Hudson emphasized that the future lies not just in teaching students to build AI systems, but in preparing them to lead in an AI-transformed world. "That means combining technical expertise with communication, ethics, public policy, leadership and problem-solving so graduates understand both how AI works and how it should be applied responsibly," she said. Illinois Tech brings experience in AI degree programs and interdisciplinary education that incorporates technical skills with ethics, policy, and leadership.
Return on Investment for Students
With the cost of international education under increasing scrutiny, Hudson advised students and families to look beyond upfront costs and consider long-term impact. "Students at Illinois Tech Mumbai will become part of the university’s global community, with access to international faculty, alumni and industry networks. They will also benefit from the same academically rigorous, experiential and research and industry-aligned education that defines Illinois Tech in Chicago," she said. Students will gain practical experience through experiential learning, local and global industry partnerships, capstone projects, and internships.
