Illinois Tech Mumbai Receives UGC Letter of Approval, Becoming the First U.S. University to Offer U.S. Degrees in India
MUMBAI : Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), one of the United States’ leading technology-focused research universities, has received the Letter of Approval (LoA) from the University Grants Commission (UGC), marking a significant milestone in enabling the University to commence academic operations for its inaugural intake at the Mumbai campus.
The approval allows Illinois Tech Mumbai to formally begin student enrolment for programmes commencing in September 2026. As India accelerates its digital transformation, strengthens its position as a global innovation hub, and attracts increasing investment from multinational companies, the demand for graduates equipped with advanced technical capabilities, global perspectives, and industry-ready skills continues to grow. Illinois Tech Mumbai has been established to address this need by bringing its distinctive approach to technology-led education, interdisciplinary learning, experiential learning, and strong industry collaboration to students in India.
Mallik Sundharam, Vice President, Illinois Institute of Technology, said: “Illinois Tech Mumbai marks a transformative milestone in global higher education. As India emerges as one of the world’s leading innovation and technology hubs, students increasingly seek an education that combines global standards with India’s dynamic innovation ecosystem. By bringing an American, technology-focused education to India, we are enabling students to earn a globally recognized U.S. degree while benefiting from interdisciplinary learning, experiential education, and close collaboration with industry. Our graduates will be equipped with the technical expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and global perspective to lead innovation, contribute to India’s economic growth, and succeed with multinational organizations and emerging technology companies around the world.”
Through its Mumbai campus, inspired by Illinois Tech’s renowned Bauhaus legacy, the university will offer undergraduate programmes in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business, and Engineering, alongside postgraduate programmes designed to meet the needs of an innovation-driven economy. Combining academic rigor with experiential learning, the curriculum emphasizes project-based learning, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong industry engagement. Housed in flexible, technology-enabled learning spaces that foster creativity and innovation, the campus will equip students with the technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and leadership skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global workforce.
The establishment of Illinois Tech Mumbai reflects the University’s founding mission of serving learners from all walks of life and its enduring commitment to meeting learners where they are by expanding access to globally recognized U.S. education and supporting India’s growing technology and innovation ecosystem.
