Illinois Tech Makes History with First US University Campus in India
Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) is set to open its first degree-granting campus in India. The Mumbai location marks a historic move, as no other US university has previously secured approval to operate independently in the country. Classes will begin in Fall 2026, with the campus expected to launch within the next three months.
The new campus will be situated in Vikhroli, a Mumbai suburb, inside the Godrej business district. Spanning roughly 90,000 square feet, it will initially welcome around 250 students, with space for up to 1,200 in the future. Undergraduate courses will cost approximately INR 16 lakh (£13,000), while postgraduate programs will be priced at INR 20 lakh (£16,000).
Students will have the chance to study AI, computer science, and business, all with strong ties to industry. The university has partnered with major firms like Godrej, Tata, Reliance, Chase, and Steelcase for work-and-learn initiatives. A key feature of the campus will be the Illinois Tech Elevate program, a four-year plan aimed at preparing graduates for employment.
The Mumbai campus will also offer exchange opportunities. Students there can spend a semester or a full year at Illinois Tech's Chicago campus without extra fees. This initiative follows approval from India's University Grants Commission (UGC), making Illinois Tech the first US institution granted such rights in the country.
The campus will combine academic training with direct industry exposure. Its opening in Vikhroli strengthens ties between US higher education and India's growing tech sector. Enrolment for the first intake will begin soon, with classes starting in 2026.
