In a move to boost international education within the state, the Maharashtra government on Friday signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs3,000 crore with two globally recognised universities—University of York (UK) and University of Western Australia (UWA)—to establish campuses in Navi Mumbai's upcoming EduCity.
Each institution has pledged Rs1,500 crore for the project, which is being facilitated by the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO). The MoUs were formalised in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at the WAVES 2025 summit held in Mumbai. The EduCity project, according to the state government, is expected to transform the educational landscape of Maharashtra by offering world-class education within Indian borders.
“This is a historic step towards making Maharashtra a global education hub. Students dreaming of studying abroad will soon have access to top-tier international degrees right here in Navi Mumbai,” said Chief Minister Fadnavis, while underlining the state's commitment to implementing the National Education Policy.
The MoUs were signed by CIDCO Chairman and Managing Director Vijay Singhal, UWA Vice-Chancellor Dr Diane Smith-Gander, and University of York Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery. According to officials, the new campuses will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes aligned with global standards and are expected to attract both Indian and international students.
The government has promised full administrative and infrastructural support to the universities, with the EduCity project seen as a game-changer for higher education and international academic collaboration in India. The initiative is also anticipated to reduce the financial burden on Indian families sending children abroad and to retain talent within the country.
