Australia’s Victoria University expands global education access with new India campus

Victoria University from Australia has taken a major step in expanding global education access in India with the foundation of its new Gurugram campus. The foundation-laying ceremony was held on Dec 4.

Scheduled to open in mid-2026, the campus will be India’s first international institution to implement the VU Block Model, a system where students focus on one subject at a time for four weeks in small, workshop-style classes.

Victoria University is among the first Australian universities to secure a license under the National Education Policy to operate in India.

The university says the Gurugram campus will allow Indian students to experience global-standard higher education without having to travel abroad.

The initial offerings will include undergraduate and postgraduate programs in business, information technology and research.

The campus design mirrors VU’s City Tower Campus in Melbourne, which was built to support block-based teaching.

Under the Block Model, each subject is studied over a four-week period, with classes conducted in small, interactive settings to promote greater teacher-student engagement.

The university reports that this approach improves focus and reduces academic overload.

The model has already delivered strong outcomes in Australia, with a 94% pass rate across undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

It has been particularly beneficial for students who are the first in their families to attend university and for those facing challenging circumstances.

The method has also been applied in parts of Malaysia and Sri Lanka.

The Gurugram ceremony was attended by officials from both countries, including Australian Federal Assistant Minister for Citizenship, Customs and Multicultural Affairs Julian Hill, VU Chancellor Steve Bracks, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker.

Julian Hill said, “Victoria University is a leader in teaching, learning and the student experience, including its unique VU Block Model – and now its new campus in Gurgaon, India will connect Indian students with these innovations.”

Steve Bracks highlighted the campus’s role in widening access to global education.

“Bringing our VU Block Model to India offers students a proven pathway to success, one that is inclusive, industry-connected and designed for the future,” he said, noting that many Indian students cannot afford to study overseas despite strong academic performance.

With construction underway, the Gurugram campus represents a significant milestone for international universities entering India under the NEP, providing students an opportunity to pursue global-quality education without the financial challenges of studying abroad.