Deakin University's GIFT City Campus in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is India's first international branch campus — the first foreign university to physically open and begin teaching in India. It enrolled its first cohort in January 2024 and is currently accepting applications for the July 2026 intake. The campus operates under the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations 2023 and is approved by India's Ministry of Education.
Deakin University is ranked #207 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026 and is rated #1 in Australia for international student satisfaction. Its GIFT City programs are accredited by the Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) — meaning the academic standards, curriculum and assessment are identical to those at Deakin's campuses in Australia.
The degree you receive from Deakin GIFT City is a Deakin University degree — not an Indian degree. It is awarded by Deakin University Australia and carries the same academic standing globally as a degree earned at Deakin's Melbourne or Geelong campuses.
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Campus name | Deakin University GIFT City Campus |
| Location | GIFT Aspire-3, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat — 382355 |
| Status | Operational — India's first international branch campus. First cohort enrolled January 2024 |
| QS World Ranking 2026 | #207 globally. Top 200 for Business and Management and Computer Science |
| Programs offered | Master of Business Analytics and Master of Cyber Security (Professional) |
| Duration | 18 months full-time continuous study (equivalent to 2 years full-time study load) |
| Total fee (2026 intake) | AUD 39,600 (approx. INR 27.24 lakh) for the full program |
| Intake | July 2026 (Trimester 2 only) |
| Degree awarded by | Deakin University Australia — same qualification as the Australian campus |
| Accreditation | TEQSA (Australia) + ACS (Australian Computer Society) for both programs |
| Approved by | Ministry of Education, India + UGC Regulations 2023 |
Conversion Note: 1 AUD = INR 68.80 (as of May 11, 2026).
Check Deakin University Gandhinagar courses, fees and admission details on Collegedunia.
- Deakin University India Campus: What It Is and Why It Matters
- Where Is the Deakin India Campus Located
- Courses Offered at Deakin University GIFT City Campus
- Deakin India Campus Fees 2026: The Complete Breakdown
- Admission Requirements for Deakin GIFT City Campus 2026
- Scholarships at Deakin GIFT City Campus: What Is Actually Available
- Deakin India Campus vs Studying at Deakin Australia: Key Differences
- Career Outcomes and Industry Partners at Deakin GIFT City
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is the Deakin India Campus Located?
The Deakin University GIFT City Campus is located in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat — India's first operational greenfield smart city and its first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). GIFT City is a designated Special Economic Zone under the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) regulations.
The campus is situated at GIFT Aspire-3, within the 15.5 sq km smart central business district. It is surrounded by global and domestic financial and technology enterprises — including HSBC, Bank of America, India INX and Wadhwani AI — which are also Deakin's industry partners for student placements and projects.
| Connectivity | Details |
|---|---|
| From Ahmedabad Airport | 30-minute drive |
| From Ahmedabad Railway Station | 45-minute drive |
| Metro connectivity | GIFT City has its own metro station connecting to Ahmedabad |
| Bus connectivity | Frequent GSRTC buses serve the area |
| Parking | Ample car and scooter parking, including EV charging, is available |
| Education hub proximity | The campus is 4 km from a vibrant education hub with all student services and amenities |
The campus features modern technical infrastructure, including high-tech analytics classrooms, a library, collaborative study spaces and social areas. Academic staff from Deakin's Australian campuses visit frequently, ensuring students receive an international academic perspective as part of their regular coursework.
Courses Offered at Deakin University GIFT City Campus
Deakin University GIFT City Campus currently offers two postgraduate programs — both designed specifically for the Indian market and both accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). These are not available to students at Deakin's Australian campuses or as online programs. They are exclusively delivered at GIFT City.
Master of Business Analytics (Deakin Code: M761A)
The Master of Business Analytics is designed for professionals who want to combine technical data skills with business decision-making capability. The course was developed in consultation with industry partners including IBM, Microsoft, Deloitte, Ernst and Young and PwC.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18 months full-time continuous study (16 credit points — equivalent to 2 years full-time load) |
| Total fee (2026) | AUD 39,600 (approx. INR 27.24 lakh) |
| Intake | July 2026 |
| Accreditation | Australian Computer Society (ACS) — Professional member eligibility on completion. Deakin Business School holds AACSB and EQUIS accreditations |
| AQF Level | Level 9 (Master's degree — same as Australian campus) |
The 16-credit-point program includes 11 core units, 1 course elective and 4 open electives. Core units cover:
- Foundation Skills in Data Analysis
- Business Intelligence and Database
- Descriptive Analytics and Visualisation
- Predictive Analytics
- Enterprise Data Management
- Decision Modelling for Business Analytics
- Machine Learning in Business
- Advanced Artificial Intelligence for Business
- Cyber Security Strategies
- Decision Analytics in Practice (Capstone)
Career outcomes include: Business Intelligence Analyst, Business Data Scientist, Analytics Project Manager, Market Research Analyst and Statistician.
Who should apply: Engineers and IT professionals, business and commerce graduates, marketing and HR professionals, analysts and consultants and founders or entrepreneurs looking to build data-driven decision-making skills.
Master of Cyber Security (Professional) (Deakin Code: S735A)
The Master of Cyber Security (Professional) covers both the technical and organisational dimensions of cyber security. It is structured around four parts: Fundamental Cyber Security studies, Mastery Cyber Security studies, Course Electives and Professional Studies.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18 months full-time continuous study (16 credit points) |
| Total fee (2026) | AUD 39,600 (approx. INR 27.24 lakh) |
| Intake | July 2026 |
| Accreditation | Australian Computer Society (ACS) — specialist cybersecurity accreditation. Recognised internationally through the Seoul Accord |
| AQF Level | Level 9 (Master's degree) |
The Professional Studies component offers three pathways: a Team Project, a Professional Placement or a Research Project. Students interested in pursuing a PhD after this degree are encouraged to take the Research Project pathway.
Career outcomes include: Cyber Security Specialist, Security Analyst, Penetration Tester, Security Architect, SOC Analyst, Information Security Auditor and Security Consultant. Jobs in database and systems administration and ICT security are projected to grow by 24.7% by November 2034 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2024).
Compare Deakin University campuses and find the right one for you on Collegedunia.
Deakin India Campus Fees 2026
The total tuition fee for both programs at Deakin University GIFT City Campus for the 2026 intake is AUD 39,600 (INR 27.24 lakh) for the full 18-month program. This is confirmed on the official Deakin course pages at deakin.edu.au. The fee rate is AUD 2,475 per credit point. The full program is 16 credit points.
| Fee Component | Amount (AUD) | Amount (INR approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total tuition fee (full 18-month program) | AUD 39,600 | INR 27,24,480 | Confirmed for 2026 intake. Same for both programs |
| Fee per credit point | AUD 2,475 | INR 1,70,280 | 16 credit points total for full program |
| Estimated annual fee equivalent (Year 1) | AUD 19,800 | INR 13,62,240 | 8 credit points per year at standard load |
| After 25% Merit Scholarship | AUD 29,700 | INR 20,43,360 | Merit Scholarship reduces total fee by AUD 9,900 |
| After 20% Accelerator Bursary | AUD 31,680 | INR 21,79,584 | Accelerator Bursary reduces total fee by AUD 7,920. Cannot hold both scholarship and bursary |
All fees are in Australian dollars (AUD) and are exclusive of accommodation and living costs. The fee is non-inclusive of any Indian taxes or levies that may apply under GIFT City IFSC regulations — confirm the current tax treatment directly with Deakin GIFT City admissions before applying.
Compared to studying the same program at Deakin's Australian campus, the GIFT City fee represents approximately a 40 to 50 percent saving on tuition alone. The equivalent Master of Business Analytics at Deakin Australia costs approximately AUD 36,000 to AUD 40,000 per year — meaning the full 2-year Australian program costs AUD 72,000 to AUD 80,000 versus AUD 39,600 for the 18-month India program.
Check the full fee structure for Deakin University, Gandhinagar on Collegedunia.
Admission Requirements for Deakin GIFT City Campus 2026
Applications for the July 2026 intake are open now. Spaces are limited. Both programs have specific academic and English language requirements. The Master of Business Analytics has an additional competitive selection process involving a standardised test or undergraduate WAM pathway plus an interview.
| Requirement | Master of Business Analytics | Master of Cyber Security (Professional) |
|---|---|---|
| Academic qualification | Bachelor's degree in any discipline | Bachelor's degree in a related IT field OR Bachelor's in any discipline with 2+ years of relevant IT work experience |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or equivalent | IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or equivalent |
| Selection process | Standardised test (70th percentile) OR WAM pathway + interview | Academic merit + possible interview |
| Application platform | StudyLink Connect (student-deakin.studylink.com) | StudyLink Connect (student-deakin.studylink.com) |
Master of Business Analytics: Two Admission Pathways
Entry to the Master of Business Analytics is highly competitive. Applicants are selected through one of two pathways:
Pathway 1 — Standardised Test: Complete one of the following tests with an average score at or above the 70th percentile:
| Accepted Test | Minimum Score Required |
|---|---|
| CAT (Common Admission Test) | 70th percentile |
| GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) | 70th percentile |
| GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering) | 70th percentile |
| GRE (Graduate Records Examinations) | 70th percentile |
| CMAT (Common Management Admission Test) | 70th percentile |
| XAT (Xavier Aptitude Test) | 70th percentile |
| NMAT (Narsee Monjee Aptitude Test) | 70th percentile |
| SNAP (Symbiosis National Aptitude Test) | 70th percentile |
Pathway 2 — Undergraduate WAM (no aptitude test required): If you have not taken a standardised test, you may qualify based on your undergraduate Weighted Average Marks (WAM):
- Section 1: 60% or higher
- Section 2: 62% or higher
- Section 3: 70% or higher
Shortlisted applicants from either pathway are invited for an interview. The admissions team contacts shortlisted applicants directly regarding interview arrangements.
Note: Students who have completed a Bachelor's degree at the time of APS verification (for those who previously studied in Germany) or who have prior learning may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which can reduce the number of credit points required and shorten the program duration to 1 year full-time.
Read the complete guide to foreign universities in India — fees, courses and admission requirements.
Scholarships at Deakin GIFT City Campus
Deakin University offers two financial support options for students at the GIFT City Campus for the July 2026 intake: the 25% Merit Scholarship and the 20% Accelerator Bursary. Students can only hold one of these at a time — they are mutually exclusive.
| Scholarship / Bursary | Value | Saving on Total Fee (AUD) | Saving on Total Fee (INR approx.) | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25% Merit Scholarship | 25% reduction on total tuition | AUD 9,900 | INR 6,81,120 | Exceptional academic performance in previous studies. Selection based on academic excellence, leadership potential, extracurricular achievements, recognised certifications and interview performance |
| 20% Accelerator Bursary | 20% reduction on total tuition | AUD 7,920 | INR 5,44,896 | All new commencing students starting in July 2026. Automatically available unless you hold the Merit Scholarship or another Deakin scholarship |
Note: Deakin also has a long-standing research partnership with IIT Madras through the Deakin-IIT Madras Research Academy, which grants 30 scholarships for joint research programs. This is separate from the GIFT City campus scholarships and applies to research-level programs only.
Deakin India Campus vs Studying at Deakin Australia: Key Differences
The most important decision a prospective student must make is whether to study at Deakin GIFT City or at Deakin's Australian campus. The degree is the same. The academic standards are the same. But several critical factors differ — and they matter enormously depending on your goals.
| Factor | Deakin GIFT City (India) | Deakin Australia (Melbourne/Geelong) |
|---|---|---|
| Total tuition fee | AUD 39,600 (INR 27.24 lakh) for 18 months | AUD 36,000 – 48,000 per year (INR 24.77 – 33.02 lakh/year) |
| Total cost including living | Approx. INR 35 – 45 lakh for full program (India living costs) | Approx. INR 80 – 1,10 lakh for 2-year program (Australia living costs) |
| Degree awarded | Deakin University degree — same qualification | Deakin University degree — same qualification |
| Academic standards | TEQSA-accredited — identical to the Australian campus | TEQSA accredited |
| Australian student visa | Not required — you study in India | Required — Student Visa Subclass 500 |
| Post-study work rights in Australia | Not available — you studied in India | Available — Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). Indian nationals get 3 years for Master's under AI-ECTA |
| Part-time work while studying | Not applicable in the same way — Indian labour market rules apply | 48 hours/fortnight at AUD 24.95/hour minimum wage |
| International immersion | Limited — you are in India. Visiting Australian faculty and optional immersion programs at Australian campuses available | Full — you live and study in Australia |
| Program variety | 2 programs only (Business Analytics and Cyber Security) | Full range of Deakin programs across all disciplines |
| Family proximity | Yes — you remain in India | No, you are abroad |
The post-study work visa point is the most critical difference. A degree from Deakin GIFT City does not entitle you to apply for Australia's Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485). If your goal is to work in Australia after graduation, you must study at Deakin's Australian campus. The India campus degree is valid globally, but it does not unlock Australian work rights.
Explore Deakin University Australia — courses, fees and admissions on Collegedunia.
Career Outcomes and Industry Partners at Deakin GIFT City
Deakin GIFT City's location within India's premier financial and technology hub is its most distinctive career advantage. The campus is surrounded by the organisations that are also its industry partners — giving students direct access to internship opportunities, industry projects and on-campus interview opportunities within GIFT City itself.
Confirmed industry partners at Deakin GIFT City as of
Confirmed industry partners at Deakin GIFT City as of 2026, sourced from the official Deakin GIFT City campus page (deakin.edu.au/gift-city-campus-india):
| Industry Partner | Sector | Relevance to Programs |
|---|---|---|
| HSBC Bank | Banking and Financial Services | Business Analytics — data-driven banking operations and financial analytics |
| National Australia Bank (NAB) | Banking | Business Analytics — a Deakin GIFT City student (Khushi Saraf) received a job offer from NAB on completing the Master of Business Analytics |
| Bank of America | Banking and Financial Services | Business Analytics and Cyber Security — financial data and security operations |
| KPMG | Professional Services and Consulting | Business Analytics — data consulting and advisory roles |
| Ernst and Young (EY) | Professional Services and Consulting | Business Analytics and Cyber Security — risk advisory and technology consulting |
| Aditya Birla Group | Conglomerate — Financial Services, Manufacturing, Telecom | Business Analytics — enterprise data and analytics roles |
| India INX | International Stock Exchange (GIFT City) | Business Analytics — financial markets data and analytics |
| Wadhwani AI Global | Artificial Intelligence and Social Impact | Business Analytics and Cyber Security — AI applications and data science |
| BHP | Mining and Resources | Business Analytics — operational data and analytics in the resources sector |
Career support services at Deakin GIFT City include personalised career guidance and mentoring, placement support, on-campus interview opportunities and access to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessment for career planning. These are confirmed on the official Deakin GIFT City campus page.
Read about Deakin University MBA placements on Collegedunia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. What is the Deakin University India campus, and where is it located?
Ans. The Deakin University India campus is located at GIFT Aspire-3, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), Gandhinagar, Gujarat — 382355. It is India's first international branch campus and the first foreign university to begin teaching in India. It enrolled its first cohort in January 2024. The campus is 30 minutes from Ahmedabad Airport and has its own metro station connecting to Ahmedabad. It is approved by India's Ministry of Education and operates under UGC Regulations 2023. Deakin University is ranked #207 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026.
Ques. What courses are offered at Deakin University GIFT City Campus?
Ans. Deakin University GIFT City Campus currently offers two postgraduate programs: the Master of Business Analytics (Deakin code M761A) and the Master of Cyber Security Professional (Deakin code S735A). Both are 18 months full-time (equivalent to 2 years full-time study load) and are available only at the GIFT City campus — they are not available at Deakin's Australian campuses or online. Both are accredited by the Australian Computer Society (ACS) and the Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). The next intake is July 2026.
Ques. What is the total fee for Deakin University GIFT City Campus in 2026?
Ans. The total tuition fee for both programs at Deakin University GIFT City Campus for the 2026 intake is AUD 39,600 (approximately INR 27.24 lakh at 1 AUD = INR 68.80). The fee rate is AUD 2,475 per credit point and the full program is 16 credit points. This is confirmed on the official Deakin course pages at deakin.edu.au. With the 20% Accelerator Bursary (available to all new July 2026 students), the effective fee reduces to AUD 31,680 (approx. INR 21.80 lakh). With the 25% Merit Scholarship, the fee reduces to AUD 29,700 (approx. INR 20.43 lakh). Students cannot hold both the scholarship and the bursary simultaneously.
Ques. Is the Deakin GIFT City degree the same as the Australian degree?
Ans. Yes. The degree awarded by Deakin University GIFT City Campus is a Deakin University degree — the same qualification as that awarded at Deakin's Australian campuses. It is recognised at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 9 and is accredited by TEQSA. Deakin University confirms on its official website that students "graduate with the same Deakin University qualification and academic standards as Australia." The degree is valid globally. However, studying at the India campus does not entitle you to an Australian student visa or post-study work rights in Australia — those are only available to students who physically study in Australia.
Ques. What are the admission requirements for Deakin GIFT City Campus?
Ans. Both programs require a Bachelor's degree and an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 (or equivalent). The Master of Business Analytics has an additional competitive selection process: applicants must either score at the 70th percentile or above in CAT, GMAT, GATE, GRE, CMAT, XAT, NMAT or SNAP — or qualify through the undergraduate WAM pathway (60% to 70% depending on section). Shortlisted applicants from both pathways are invited for an interview. The Master of Cyber Security requires a Bachelor's in a related IT field or a Bachelor's in any discipline with at least 2 years of relevant IT work experience. Applications are submitted through StudyLink Connect at student-deakin.studylink.com.
Ques. Does studying at Deakin GIFT City give you Australian work rights?
Ans. No. Studying at Deakin University GIFT City Campus in India does not entitle you to an Australian student visa or post-study work rights in Australia. The Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) — which gives Indian Master's graduates 3 years of post-study work rights in Australia under the AI-ECTA agreement — is only available to students who physically study at an Australian campus. If your goal is to work in Australia after graduation, you must study at Deakin's Australian campus. The GIFT City degree is valid globally and is recognised in India and internationally — but it does not unlock Australian immigration pathways.
Ques. What scholarships are available at Deakin GIFT City Campus?
Ans. Deakin GIFT City offers two financial support options for the July 2026 intake: the 25% Merit Scholarship and the 20% Accelerator Bursary. The 25% Merit Scholarship reduces the total fee from AUD 39,600 to AUD 29,700 (approx. INR 20.43 lakh) and is awarded based on academic excellence, leadership potential, extracurricular achievements, recognised certifications and interview performance. The 20% Accelerator Bursary reduces the total fee to AUD 31,680 (approx. INR 21.80 lakh) and is available to all new students commencing in July 2026. Students can only hold one of these at a time. Contact giftcity@deakin.edu.au for scholarship application details.
Ques. Is Deakin GIFT City worth it compared to studying at an Indian university?
Ans. Deakin GIFT City offers a globally accredited Australian degree at approximately 40 to 50 percent of the cost of studying the same program in Australia — but at a significantly higher cost than most Indian postgraduate programs. The total fee of AUD 39,600 (approx. INR 27.24 lakh) for 18 months is higher than most Indian MBA or MTech programs. The key differentiator is the degree: it is a Deakin University Australia degree, accredited by TEQSA and ACS, with the same academic standing as the Australian campus. The GIFT City location provides direct access to global financial and technology employers. The campus is new — official placement data is not yet publicly available. Evaluate based on curriculum quality, accreditation and career goals rather than unverified placement claims.
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