A file photo of Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan handing over Letter of Approval granted by University Grants Commission to University of New South Wales to operate their campus in Bengaluru.
The University of New South Wales (UNSW), which is all set to open its campus in Bengaluru in August 2026, will host a cohort of 30 students each for three UG and one PG programme.Speaking exclusively to The Hindu, Sarah Maddison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Education and Student Experience, UNSW, explained, “At present, we are offering Bachelor of Business, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Bachelor of Data Science & Decisions and Masters in Cyber Security. For the inaugural August 2026 intake, each programme will admit approximately 30 students. The small initial cohort size is designed to provide a more personalised learning experience, with closer interaction with faculty, peers and enhanced industry engagement.”AdmissionsWhile there is no entrance exam for admission of students, they will be admitted purely on the academic merits and English language skills.Prof. Maddison said, “Admissions for the inaugural intake at the UNSW Bengaluru are currently open and will remain open until late July 2026. Prospective students can apply online for their preferred programme through the UNSW Bengaluru website. Admissions are purely based on academic merit and English language skills. As all our programmes are designed and delivered in English, students are required to know the language.”The website has complete details and minimum marks requirement prescribed for students coming from various boards including CBSE, CISCE, Indian State Board (Karnataka), International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) among others.English proficiencyFor the English language requirements, students have to furnish proof of their English proficiency depending on their English speaking background.As per the details on the website of the UNSW, if English is not the first language of student, they need to provide proof of language skills by meeting one or more criteria prescribed.These criteria state that the student should be a citizen of a English-speaking country or should have stayed for ten years in English-speaking countries or qualify English language tests. These tests include IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Cambridge C1 and C2. Besides, the UNSW also accepts students who have achieved a minimum of CBSE C1 in English Core or ISC 70% in English.Curriculum relevant to IndiaEmphasising how the university plans to keep the curriculum relevant to Indian context, Prof. Maddison said, “The curriculum has been developed by the UNSW Sydney. Students at the UNSW Bengaluru will receive the same curriculum, learning outcomes and academic standards as those studying at the UNSW Sydney. While the core curriculum is aligned with the UNSW’s global academic framework, it has been designed to be relevant to the Indian context where appropriate. This includes the use of locally relevant case studies, industry examples, projects and engagement with Indian industry partners, enabling students to apply their learning in both the global and the Indian business and technology landscape.”When asked about hiring faculty to teach students, she said, “The UNSW Bengaluru will recruit and hire academic and professional staff with the same criteria and process prescribed at the UNSW Sydney. The faculty will be a blend of experienced academics and industry professionals from India and international backgrounds. This is not a First In, Frist Out model, but a local campus with local staff, delivering a UNSW curriculum.” Published - July 04, 2026 06:59 pm IST
