The Education Magazine
9th May 2025
Big news for Indian students dreaming of an American degree without the need to pack their bags for Chicago! The globally respected Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is all set to plant its flag in Mumbai, with the establishment of the Illinois Tech Mumbai Campus, becoming the very first U.S. university to get the official nod from India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) to operate as an independent, degree-awarding campus right here in India.
This isn’t just another collaboration; it’s a game-changer. The announcement, which buzzed through academic circles this week, means Illinois Tech will roll out its renowned programs at the Illinois Tech Mumbai Campus starting Fall 2026, offering a slice of its Chicago-style education with a distinct Mumbai flavour.
Bringing World-Class Education Home
For years, Illinois Tech has seen a stream of bright minds from India head to its U.S. campus. Raj Echambadi, the President of Illinois Tech, put it plainly, “Our new Illinois Tech Mumbai Campus represents a profound opportunity to continue that noble mission in service of the millions of talented young people across India.” He spoke of empowering them to become “global leaders ready to make a difference.” They’ve noticed the talent and ambition here – Echambadi mentioned a whopping 73% jump in graduate students from India over the last five years.
So, what can students expect?
Think top-tier programs in hot fields like computer science, various engineering disciplines, data science, and business offered at the Illinois Tech Mumbai Campus. But it’s not just about classroom lectures. Illinois Tech is bringing its signature “Elevate” program to Mumbai. This isn’t just a fancy name; it’s a promise of real-world experience – internships, deep-dive research projects, and a chance to tackle industry challenges head-on. The idea is to ensure graduates aren’t just book-smart, but truly ready for the demands of a global career.
“We are meeting learners where they are—so we can serve employers where they are,” said Mallik Sundharam, Illinois Tech’s Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, highlighting the practical approach. He stressed that this move makes globally recognized degrees “highly accessible, affordable, and locally contextualized.”
A Boost for India’s Educational Vision
The teaching talent for the Illinois Tech Mumbai Campus will be a mix too – international faculty, professors flying in from the Chicago campus, and other experts with global cred. This means students get world-class teaching and a U.S.-accredited degree, all while staying closer to home.
This landmark decision is a big win for India’s National Education Policy 2020, which dreams of making the country a global education hub. Somnath Ghosh, the Consul General of India in Chicago, sees it as a way to “empower India’s youth, catalyze innovation, and establish a vibrant knowledge corridor” between the two nations. Even Maharashtra’s Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, has welcomed the news, seeing it as a plus for both students and future employers in the region.
Setting a Precedent for Global Collaboration
While a couple of Australian universities are setting up shop in Gujarat’s GIFT City, they operate under a different set of rules. Illinois Tech is breaking new ground by being the first U.S. institution to come in under the UGC’s main regulations for foreign universities with its Illinois Tech Mumbai Campus, aiming to serve the broader Indian student community. It’s a bold step, two years in the making, and one that could well inspire other leading global universities to look at India with fresh eyes. For aspiring Indian students, it means more choice, world-class opportunities, and a chance to shine on the global stage, starting right here in Mumbai.
