Mumbai to host Illinois Tech’s first India campus in 2026

Illinois Institute of Technology will establish its first degree-granting campus in India, with operations set to begin in Mumbai in fall 2026.

The institution has received approval from India’s higher education regulator, becoming the first US university to offer full degree programs in the country under the new framework.

The campus will be located at the Godrej Business District and will admit its inaugural cohort in 2026.

Programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels will include computer science, artificial intelligence, data science, and business.

The academic structure will follow the model used at the university’s Chicago campus, with adaptations to reflect India’s industry landscape.

University officials said the expansion builds on longstanding academic ties with India and a focus on aligning education with workforce needs.

Mumbai was selected for its proximity to major companies housed within the Godrej Business District, enabling industry interaction and applied learning opportunities.

The site also reflects the university’s historical connection with Jamshyd N. Godrej, an alumnus and chairman of Godrej and Boyce.

President Raj Echambadi said the initiative builds on decades of engagement with Indian students and alumni, many of whom hold leadership roles in global technology and business sectors.

He said the Mumbai campus is intended to extend access to globally benchmarked education within India.

The announcement followed a formal event at the site, where Illinois Tech and Godrej and Boyce signed a memorandum of understanding to support academic collaboration.

The Mumbai facility will span about 90,000 square feet and include classrooms, laboratories, research centers, and a library, along with student support and collaborative workspaces.

Faculty from the university’s international network, including Chicago, will contribute to teaching and research in partnership with Indian organizations.

The university said students will be encouraged to participate in internships, industry mentoring, and applied research as part of their programs.

Illinois Tech maintains an alumni base of more than 10,000 graduates in India and previously offered distance education programs in the country.

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open, with further details on admissions and faculty appointments to be released later.