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Deakin University celebrates first batch of Indian graduates
The inaugural batch of students earned their global degrees without leaving India.
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Anushka Pathak - Thu, 26, Mar 2026
- 17:36 EDT
- 18
Deakin University GIFT City Campus inaugural graduates / Courtesy: Deakin University
Australia-based Deakin University held the first graduation ceremony at its GIFT City campus in Gujarat, marking the graduation of its inaugural cohort of students.
The outgoing class is the first one in India to earn a globally recognized Australian degree without studying abroad.
The ceremony, conducted at the GIFT City campus in Gandhinagar, replicated Australian academic traditions, including regalia, protocols, and institutional customs, while incorporating an Indian setting.
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Bhupendrabhai Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, attended as guest of honor along with Phillip Green, Australian High Commissioner to India, and senior officials from both countries.
Addressing the graduates, Patel said, “All of you graduating today will be pioneers in building a developed India. You are the first batch of graduates from the GIFT City Campus of Deakin University. Your achievements will inspire many students in the future. The knowledge, skills, and global exposure you have gained here will empower you to contribute to building a developed India by 2047, with a spirit of "Nation First."
The graduating cohort completed programs designed around industry integration, applied learning, and engagement with global industry professionals. Students participated in masterclasses and mentoring, with several securing placements in organizations including the National Australia Bank, Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, and India International Exchange.
Green said, “Congratulations to Deakin University as its first batch of Deakin GIFT City students graduates. This event is not merely an event for awarding degrees but also an opportunity to present India's transformation into a global knowledge center before the world.”
He added, “Australia was the first country to have a campus of a foreign university like Deakin here in India and to have a graduation so soon is demonstrative of Australia's promise to Prime Minister Modi's educational goals for India.”
Iain Martin, vice-chancellor, Deakin University, said the milestone reflects collaboration between India and Australia in higher education. “This is a momentous occasion in the Deakin–India partnership. This group represents the very best of what's possible when two countries collaborate and are committed to excellence and the delivery of world-class education. I am confident that having completed their globally recognized degrees, these graduates are prepared to meet India's economic, industry, and workforce needs.”
The graduation reflects developments under the National Education Policy 2020, which promotes the internationalization of higher education in India. It enables students to access foreign university degrees without relocating abroad.
Ravneet Pawha, vice president (global engagement) and CEO (South Asia), Deakin University, said the development reflects policy implementation. “Today marks more than student achievement; it marks policy delivered in practice. When India reimagined its education ecosystem under NEP 2020, it signaled a new openness to high-quality global institutions."
"This graduation demonstrates that vision in action: international standards embedded in India, responsible institutional investment, and students accessing world-class education without leaving home. It reflects two nations advancing from dialogue to an enduring partnership in education, skills, and knowledge creation,” she added.
Deakin University established its GIFT City campus in Gandhinagar as the first international university branch in India. The campus, which began operations in July 2024, currently offers postgraduate programs in business analytics and cybersecurity.
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