Illinois Tech Expands Global Reach: First U.S. University to Launch a Degree-Granting Campus in Mumbai, India!

On May 7, 2025, the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) made headlines by becoming the first American university permitted to open a degree-granting campus in India. The India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) has now approved their plans for a new campus in Mumbai, set to welcome students in the fall of 2026.

This Mumbai campus will focus on in-demand fields like computer science, engineering, and business. This expansion is a significant milestone, following over two years of planning and building on Illinois Tech’s legacy of fostering global leaders in technology.

“Our aim is to connect American industries with a broader talent pool,” shared Illinois Tech President Raj Echambadi. “This is an investment in the future of American competitiveness, making high-quality education more accessible.”

Over the last five years, U.S. foreign direct investment (FDI) in India surged from $4.1 billion to over $10.5 billion. This growth indicates a growing demand for skilled professionals as American companies expand their operations in India. “In response to this demand, our new Mumbai campus will offer affordable, accessible U.S.-accredited degrees,” noted Mallik Sundharam, the university’s vice president for enrollment management.

The campus will feature the same hands-on learning experience that Illinois Tech is known for in Chicago, including internships and research opportunities. Courses will be taught by faculty recruited globally, many of whom come from Illinois Tech’s Chicago campus.

Historically, Illinois Tech has had deep ties with India since establishing a presence there in 1998. Innovative education methods, such as broadcasting classes on television, have been part of its mission to make education accessible. Today, it continues to serve a global community of learners.

According to recent studies, Illinois Tech graduates are in high demand, ranking #1 in Illinois and #20 nationwide for high earnings. This far-reaching impact is expected to grow with the new campus. By drawing from a diverse student body, Illinois Tech hopes to cultivate leaders who can operate across cultures and industries.

Innovation and Collaboration

“This initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy 2020, which aims to elevate the country as a global education hub,” explained Shri Somnath Ghosh, Consul General of India in Chicago. “By opening doors for international institutions, we’re empowering students and fostering a knowledge-driven society.”

This new campus isn’t just about education; it represents a merging of cultures and ideas, enhancing innovation in both nations. It will also offer joint study programs, allowing students to gain international exposure and collaborate on projects.

With this adventurous leap into higher education in India, Illinois Tech is setting a precedent for universities worldwide. “The future leaders will emerge from diverse backgrounds and have to collaborate across borders,” said President Echambadi.

This initiative promises to democratize access to learning, ensuring that aspiring engineers, scientists, and entrepreneurs can prosper from any corner of the globe. As Mr. Jamshyd Godrej, a notable alumnus, stated, “Illinois Tech prepared me for meaningful change, and I’m excited to see its impact grow in India.”

The move to Mumbai represents not just a new campus but a reimagining of how global education can be shaped for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

For more information about Illinois Tech, visit iit.edu.

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