Mumbai emerges as South Asian education hub with Illinois Tech entry

Plans for Illinois Tech campus to be set up in Godrej Business District, Vikhroli, in 2026. Pic/By Special Arrangement

In a reversal of the traditional "study abroad" dream, international students are now eyeing India as a higher education destination. Illinois Institute of Technology has announced its Mumbai campus at Godrej Business District, becoming the first US university to establish a base in the city and attracting enquiries from students across India, the Middle East, Africa, and Southeast Asia.

What's happening

>> First US university campus in Mumbai
>> Located at Godrej Business District
>> Over 1000 enquiries in two months
>> Interest from India, diaspora, Middle East, Africa, Southeast Asia

"The Mumbai campus is envisioned as a South Asian hub with a multicultural student cohort from the first year," said Raj Echambadi, President of Illinois Tech

Courses on offer
>> 4 undergraduate
>> 4 postgraduate

Fields
>> Computer Science
>> Data Science
>> Business
>> Artificial Intelligence

Degrees and standards

Degrees awarded: US-accredited

Accreditation body: Higher Learning Commission

>> Curriculum mirrors Chicago campus
>> No extra Indian approvals needed

Can India become a study destination?

Karan Gupta, consultant
"India offers credible academics, English-medium education and lower costs, which makes it attractive. The challenge is delivery; smoother visas, housing and clearer career pathways are needed."

Dhaval Mehta, consultant
"These campuses can build a stronger ecosystem with global students and the Indian diaspora, but infrastructure and space constraints will determine success."

Joyce Issac, consultant
"India has a cost advantage and strong academic base, but facilities, labs and student experience must match global campuses."