In a historic development set to redefine the landscape of higher education in India, the Government of Maharashtra has announced the establishment of the country’s first International Education City in Navi Mumbai. The initiative, titled “Mumbai Rising – Creating an International Education City”, marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to elevate its global educational standing.
As part of this groundbreaking venture, Letters of Intent (LOIs) are being granted to five globally acclaimed foreign universities to set up their campuses in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. This landmark decision is the result of visionary planning inspired by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the effective execution led by Union Minister of Education Shri Dharmendra Pradhan.
The LOI Granting Ceremony, held on June 14, 2025, at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai, witnessed the presence of key dignitaries. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan graced the occasion as Chief Guest, while Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Eknath Shinde and Shri Ajit Pawar lent their esteemed presence. Also attending was Shri Chandrakant Patil, Minister of Higher and Technical Education, Maharashtra.
The five international institutions awarded LOIs include:
- University of Western Australia (Australia)
- University of York (United Kingdom)
- University of Aberdeen (United Kingdom)
- Illinois Institute of Technology (USA)
- Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) (Italy)
These universities are internationally recognised for their excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. Their upcoming campuses in Navi Mumbai will bring world-class graduate and postgraduate programs to Indian soil, aligned with global academic standards.
The International Education City is being spearheaded by CIDCO (City and Industrial Development Corporation), which is overseeing the development of a futuristic academic infrastructure within a 5-kilometre radius of the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport. This strategic location ensures seamless global connectivity, making it an attractive destination for international faculty and students alike.
The initiative promises numerous benefits:
- Indian students will gain access to global curricula without needing to travel abroad.
- The campuses will promote multicultural academic exchange and collaborative research.
- The project will enhance India’s stature in global higher education rankings and curtail the outbound migration of Indian students.
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The Education City is envisioned as a multi-university hub, with five more foreign institutions expected to join in the near future. This transformative step positions Maharashtra as a trailblazer in integrating global academic excellence within the Indian education ecosystem.
