The central government has received formal requests from Bhutan and Morocco to establish offshore campuses of Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). These proposals follow the successful launch of two international IIT branches in Tanzania and the United Arab Emirates. The expansion underscores a strategic effort to globalize India’s technical education and extend its academic footprint worldwide.
Currently, two IIT offshore campuses are operational. IIT Madras-Zanzibar, located in Tanzania, began functioning in November 2023 . Its operations commenced from a temporary campus, marking a significant step for Indian higher education abroad. Professor Preeti Aghalyam was appointed Director-in-Charge, becoming the first woman to lead an IIT. The Zanzibar campus offers diverse programs in data science and artificial intelligence, designed to provide high-quality technical education in the East African region.
Following this, IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi officially inaugurated its campus on September 2, 2024 , in the UAE. This state-of-the-art facility is situated in Khalifa City. The establishment of IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi resulted from a formal agreement signed with the UAE government. It focuses on providing advanced courses in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Sustainability, Energy, and Smart Materials, offering both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees tailored for regional industry needs.
Beyond these existing campuses, a third offshore IIT campus is proposed for Western Africa. The Federal Government Academy in Suleja will host this upcoming institution. This development aims to further extend India’s educational outreach and technical expertise across the African continent, directly addressing regional demands for specialized engineering and technology programs and fostering local talent.
The requests from Bhutan and Morocco are part of a broader trend of international interest. Government officials confirm multiple countries have expressed interest in hosting IIT campuses. This global demand highlights the international recognition of IITs’ rigorous academic standards and advanced technical curricula, indicating a strong desire for Indian educational models.
To facilitate these international expansions, the central government formed a 17-member committee. This committee, tasked with streamlining the process of opening IIT campuses in foreign locations, submitted its comprehensive recommendations in 2022 . Dr. K Radhakrishnan, Chairperson of the IIT Council Standing Committee, headed this expert panel. The committee’s framework addresses academic structure, faculty recruitment, and operational logistics, ensuring new institutions meet IIT standards. This strategic expansion aims to offer high-quality technical education to students from diverse nations, fostering global talent development.
Overview of IIT Offshore Campuses
| Campus Name | Location | Status | Operational Date / Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIT Madras-Zanzibar | Tanzania | Operational | November 2023 ; First woman IIT Director (Prof. Preeti Aghalyam) |
| IIT Delhi-Abu Dhabi | UAE | Operational | September 2, 2024 ; Located in Khalifa City |
| Western Africa Campus | Federal Government Academy, Suleja | Proposed | Third offshore campus under development |
| Bhutan Campus | Bhutan | Requested | Proposal received; under review |
| Morocco Campus | Morocco | Requested | Proposal received; under review |
The establishment of international IIT campuses offers students from various nations access to world-class technical education. This strategy strengthens India’s educational diplomacy and promotes global collaboration in science and technology. The ongoing expansion demonstrates a commitment to making advanced technical knowledge more accessible worldwide, building bridges through academic excellence.