Aug 31: Western Sydney University has marked an important milestone in its two-decade-long engagement with India, welcoming the Premier of New South Wales, The Hon Chris Minns, ahead of the opening of the University’s new Greater Noida campus in 2027.
As part of the event, the University announced a suite of scholarships supporting women’s advancement, business, data, innovation and sustainability, alongside the establishment of the JalSetu Centre of Excellence in Water Security, Digital Innovation and Community Resilience.
To be hosted at the University’s upcoming Greater Noida campus, JalSetu – a name meaning “water bridge” in Hindi – will bring together research, government, industry and local communities to address water security challenges across Uttar Pradesh. The University also plans to deliver a Master’s program in Sustainable Water Management in 2027, subject to University Grants Commission approval.
The Premier was joined by The Hon Daniel Mookhey, Treasurer of New South Wales, and Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, as the University strengthens its contributions to Australia–India ties through education, research, innovation and industry partnership.
Premier of New South Wales, The Hon Chris Minns, said,
“Western Sydney is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Indian communities in Australia, so it makes sense that Western Sydney University is building its future here in India.”
“This new campus is another bridge between NSW and India – giving students here the chance to get a world-class Western Sydney University education and creating new opportunities for students, researchers and businesses in both countries.”
“There are already incredibly strong connections between the people of India and NSW. Projects like this mean those connections are only going to get stronger.”
Treasurer of New South Wales, The Hon Daniel Mookhey, said,
“Today’s visit showcased two of NSW’s great strengths, our world-class education institutions and our vibrant multicultural communities, both of which help drive our relationship with India.”
Western Sydney University, Vice-Chancellor and President, Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, said,
“Western Sydney University’s commitment to India goes beyond education. We want to ensure that young people have access to opportunities that enable them to contribute to India’s future. That’s why we will be introducing dedicated scholarships supporting areas including water sustainability, women’s advancement, business, data and innovation. We’re also pleased to be working with local partners to advance water research, agtech initiatives, digital innovation and community engagement to address challenges that matter directly to Uttar Pradesh.”
The event also included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque and ceremonial tree planting, recognising the growing partnership between New South Wales and India in education, innovation and sustainability.
JalSetu will advance groundwater sustainability, river health, sustainable irrigation and urban water management across Uttar Pradesh.
The University’s Master’s program in Sustainable Water Management will build on its collaboration in water security through the Australia India Water Centre, a 33-organisation network across Australia and India led by Western Sydney University. The program will connect students with researchers, policymakers, governments, banks and industry leaders, linking classroom learning with applied research and real-world water challenges across Uttar Pradesh, with JalSetu providing a platform for local impact.
Alongside the Master’s program, Western Sydney University will also offer future focused programs in business, data, applied finance and fintech, aligned with emerging industries and the broader Global Capability Centre ecosystem. Students will have access to live industry projects, global immersion opportunities to the University’s Sydney and other TNE campuses along with a world class innovation and technology ecosystem in Australia.