As India’s higher education landscape becomes increasingly globalised, international universities are exploring new ways to establish a presence in one of the world’s largest student markets. Recent regulatory changes have opened the door for foreign institutions to set up campuses in the country, creating new opportunities for students seeking internationally recognised degrees without leaving India.Against this backdrop, the entry of overseas universities is expected to expand academic choices across disciplines such as technology, engineering, business, and research-led education. These developments reflect a broader shift towards greater international collaboration and increased access to global educational pathways within India.In line with this trend, Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), a technology-focused research university based in Chicago, has received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish an independent degree-granting campus in India. The institution has announced that admissions for its Mumbai campus will open for the fall 2026 intake.Located in Mumbai’s Godrej Business District, Illinois Tech Mumbai will deliver the same curriculum as the Chicago campus, with degrees awarded directly by Illinois Tech in Chicago. All programmes are U.S.-accredited and maintain academic parity with the home campus. In this interaction, Shyamal Gupta, chief operating officer, Illinois Tech Mumbai, talks about the university’s first intake, its industry-focused learning model, and why Mumbai is the ideal location for a global tech university.
Q: How many programmes will Illinois Tech Mumbai launch in August 2026? A: Illinois Tech Mumbai will launch eight future-focused programmes across technology and business disciplines,four undergraduate and four graduate programmes. The undergraduate offerings include Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business and Information Technology, and Business Administration. Graduate programmes include Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and the M.B.A. These programmes are designed for students who want careers in high-growth fields such as AI, advanced computing, data science, technology management, and digital business. All programmes will follow the same academic standards, curriculum, and pedagogy as those at Illinois Tech’s Chicago campus. As the only American tech-focused university in Mumbai, Illinois Tech brings together rigorous academics with strong industry relevance. The programmes have been developed in alignment with workforce needs in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and the broader global economy. Illinois Tech is ranked #1 in Illinois and #22 in the U.S. for graduate salaries (Wall Street Journal/College Pulse 20261), reflecting its strong focus on career outcomes and employability. Q: Can you tell us more about the Elevate initiative and how students learn beyond the classroom? A: At Illinois Tech Mumbai, learning goes far beyond lectures and classrooms. Through the one-of-a-kind Elevate initiative, students gain guaranteed access to real-world experiences including internships, research opportunities, competitions, study-away programmes, career-focused short courses, and industry projects. The goal is to help students build both technical expertise and professional skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, creativity, adaptability, and analytical thinking. Students graduate with a robust CV of experiences that make them competitive in the job market. Students will also benefit from Illinois Tech’s long-running Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) Programme, where interdisciplinary teams work together to solve real-world challenges. This hands-on approach helps students be career-ready from day one. Elevate also provides academic and career mentorship, helping students shape pathways aligned with their interests and long-term goals.Q: What will the faculty model look like at the Mumbai campus? A: Illinois Tech Mumbai will follow a global faculty model that reflects the standards of one of the leading U.S. research universities. Students will learn from a mix of faculty from the Chicago campus, internationally recruited academics, and highly qualified India-based faculty with strong research and industry credentials. The university is focused on recruiting faculty with doctoral qualifications, strong publication records, industry engagement, and a passion for teaching. Importantly, students in Mumbai will receive the same academic quality and learning experience as students studying at the Chicago campus. All programmes are U.S.-accredited and aligned with Illinois Tech’s high global academic standards.Q: What is the intake and fee structure for fall 2026? How will admissions work without entrance exams? A: Each undergraduate and graduate programme will initially have an intake of 30 students. Undergraduate tuition is ₹16 lakhs per year, while graduate programmes are priced at ₹15 lakhs per year. Illinois Tech Mumbai is designed to offer students a globally recognised U.S. education at a significantly lower cost than studying abroad full-time. Students also benefit from beginning their education in India while still having access to global mobility opportunities later in their degree programmes. Illinois Tech Mumbai offers robust scholarship support across merit, need-based, and special/achievement categories to make education accessible.Scholarship types
- Merit Scholarships: 10-20% tuition coverage based on academics, leadership, extracurriculars, and community service—open to diverse, high-achieving students.
- Need-Based Scholarships: For first-generation and diverse learners; includes Shiv Nadar Foundation partnership for meritorious rural Indian students pursuing undergrad.
- Special/Achievement Scholarships: For standout achievements in leadership, innovation, service, athletics, or arts (subject to verification/trials).
Early applicants get priority for funds, aligning with our mission to remove financial barriers and foster inclusive excellence.Admissions will follow a holistic evaluation model similar to admissions at the Chicago campus. Rather than relying only on entrance exams, the university will consider academic performance, coursework rigor, personal statements, extracurricular involvement, and overall potential. The aim is to identify students who are curious, motivated, hands-on learners, and not just strong test takers. Q: Students will have opportunities to study in Chicago as well. How will that work?A: Students at Illinois Tech Mumbai can continue part of their education at the Chicago campus through multiple global mobility pathways. Undergraduate students may pursue 2+2 or 3+1 pathways, while graduate students may choose a 1+1 option. Students may also spend one or two semesters in Chicago through study-away opportunities. This gives students the flexibility to combine the advantages of studying in India with international academic exposure in the United States. For students who complete part of their degree in Chicago, there may also be eligibility for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows international graduates of U.S. universities to gain work experience in the United States. This pathway reflects Illinois Tech’s distinctive approach: students build on a strong academic foundation in India and then expand it through a practical, real-world Illinois Tech education that prepares them for global impact.Q: Who is the ideal student for Illinois Tech Mumbai? What career opportunities can graduates expect? A: Illinois Tech Mumbai is designed for ambitious students who want a globally recognized degree and strong career outcomes while remaining connected to India’s growing innovation economy. The ideal student is someone interested in technology, business, AI, computing, entrepreneurship, or solving real-world problems. Many students may have considered studying abroad but are looking for a more flexible and accessible pathway. Graduates will be prepared for careers across AI, data science, software engineering, consulting, business strategy, product development, and technology-led industries. Students who opt to continue their studies on the Chicago campus will receive essential global experience that prepares them for leadership positions with both domestic and international employers. Students will also become part of Illinois Tech’s global alumni network of more than 80,000 graduates worldwide, including over 10,000 alumni from India. Notable Indian alumni include Rohit Prasad, the lead scientist behind Amazon Alexa, and Jamshyd N. Godrej, chairman of Godrej & Boyce2.Q: What makes Mumbai the right city for Illinois Tech’s first campus in India? A: Mumbai is India’s financial capital and a major centre for business, commerce, and entertainment. For a technology-focused university, it offers unmatched access to industry, startups, multinational companies, and innovation-led sectors. The campus is located in the Godrej Business District in Vikhroli, placing students close to major employers and networking opportunities while offering a modern and well-connected campus environment. The campus has been designed as a future-ready learning space inspired by Illinois Tech’s iconic Chicago campus. Beyond academics, students will also have access to sports facilities, recreational spaces, student clubs, wellness infrastructure, and a vibrant campus community. Illinois Tech Mumbai combines the strengths of a globally respected U.S. university with the energy and opportunity of Mumbai, giving students access to world-class education, industry exposure, and global career pathways, right here in India. Admissions for fall 2026 are now open.Reference/s:
- https://www.iit.edu/about/rankings-and-recognition/numbers
- https://www.iit.edu/mumbai/about
Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of Eruditus by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.
