Introduction

Deakin University, a globally recognized institution based in Australia, has expanded its global footprint in India with the establishment of its International Branch Campus (IBC) at GIFT City, Gujarat. Deakin comes in Top 200 QS World University Rankings. This initiative marks a significant milestone, as Deakin becomes the first foreign university to set up an IBC in GIFT City, India, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020's vision to internationalize higher education.

About Deakin University

Established in 1974, Deakin University has grown to become one of Australia's leading tertiary education providers, known for its innovative approach to education and research. The university offers a diverse range of programs across various disciplines, emphasizing practical learning and industry engagement.

Deakin's Presence in India

Deakin's relationship with India spans over 30 years, with collaborations in research, education, and community initiatives. The establishment of the IBC at GIFT City is a testament to Deakin's commitment to strengthening educational ties between Australia and India.

Candidates willing to get admission to various courses must apply online on the official website of Deakin University GIFT City Campus, India. Currently, the university provides Master of Business Analytics and Master of Cyber Security (Professional) programmes to students at GIFT City Campus. Master of Business Analytics and Master of Cyber Security (Professional) students are placed in top companies. Below mentioned are some of the courses offered by Deakin University, GIFT City Campus, and their respective eligibility and fee structures:

Programs Offered at GIFT City Campus

The GIFT City campus offers specialized postgraduate programs designed to meet the evolving needs of industries and students alike. They include:

• Master of Business Analytics: This program is designed to equip students with cutting-edge analytical skills and business intelligence expertise, preparing them to navigate complex data-driven environments. With a strong focus on industry applications, students will gain hands-on experience in data analysis, predictive modeling, and decision-making strategies relevant to global business landscapes. Delivered at Deakin University’s GIFT City campus, the program integrates emerging technologies and real-world case studies, ensuring graduates are ready to drive data-driven innovation across industries.

• Master of Cyber Security (Professional) : Designed to meet the rising demand for cybersecurity experts, this program equips students with advanced skills to protect digital infrastructures, detect vulnerabilities, and mitigate cyber threats. The program blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications, including ethical hacking, risk management, and secure software development. With a strong industry focus, students gain hands-on experience through real-world case studies and emerging cybersecurity technologies, preparing them for leadership roles in the ever-evolving digital security landscape.

Admission Requirements & Eligibility

•Admission for both programs is highly competitive. Deakin University GIFT City offers a limited intake for 50 students for each program.
•Online and Distance Degrees are accepted if they fall under the below-mentioned category: 
-Central University Degree 
-Deemed Universities (These must fulfil the UGC Regulations 2016).
•The course-specific requirements are as under:  

Master of Business Analytics: 
•Eligibility is based on a valid bachelor's degree or other qualification at a higher AQF level in any discipline  
•Additional Requirements: Valid Aptitude Test Scores of CAT,NMAT,SNAP,GMAT,CMAT,XAT,GRE,GATE    

Master of Cyber Security (Professional): 
•Bachelor’s degree in a related discipline OR 
•Bachelor's degree in any discipline and two years of relevant work experience 

​Deakin University places a strong emphasis on enhancing graduate employability, offering comprehensive support through its career services and industry partnerships. The university's dedicated career service, DeakinTALENT, has been recognized as Australia's most popular university career service by the graduate recruitment industry. ​

The Deakin GIFT City Meritorious Scholarship 2025 is a prestigious scholarship offered to deserving students for enrollment in the Master of Business Analytics and Master of Cyber Security (Professional) programs at Deakin University's GIFT City campus in India. This scholarship aims to support meritorious students, fostering academic excellence and innovation.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for this scholarship, students must meet the following criteria:

Academic Merit:

• 80% and above in Standard 10 (Class 10)

• 80% and above in Standard 12 (Class 12)

• 80% and above in Undergraduate Studies (3.2/4 or 8.5/10 GPA/CGPA)

Extracurricular Activities and Social Leadership:

• Demonstrated leadership and involvement in extracurricular and co-curricular activities, which can be substantiated with certifications.

Aptitude Exam Scores (only for Master of Business Analytics program):

• Must score above the 85th percentile in the aptitude exam.

Documents Required:

• Statement of Purpose: Explaining why you should be awarded the scholarship.

• Letter of Recommendation: To support your application.

Scholarship Details:

• The scholarship will be awarded to 8 students in total, 4 students for each program (Master of Business Analytics and Master of Cyber Security).

• The scholarship offers a 25% tuition fee waiver for the entire duration of the course (2 years).

Selection Process:

The selection will be based on:

1. Academic merit

2. Extracurricular and leadership achievements

3. Aptitude exam performance (for the Master of Business Analytics program)

4. An interview process involving a panel from Deakin University, industry experts, and academia.

Key Timelines:

• 1st March 2025: Announcement of Scholarship

• 31st March 2025: Last Date to Apply with all documentation

• 10th April 2025: Shortlisting of candidates (virtual/in-person interviews)

• 18th April 2025: Final round of interviews to select the scholarship recipients (in-person interviews)

How to Apply:

• Students need to submit their applications with all the required documents by 31st March 2025. After submitting, candidates will be shortlisted and invited for virtual or in-person interviews, and finally, a final round of interviews will be held to select the recipients.

This scholarship presents an excellent opportunity for students who have demonstrated strong academic performance, leadership, and involvement in co-curricular activities to pursue higher education at Deakin University while receiving financial support.

The campus is designed to provide a world-class learning environment, featuring modern classrooms, advanced laboratories, and collaborative spaces that foster innovation and research. Students studying at Deakin GIFT City Campus get the exact same degree for the courses as the one in Australia. To add, the method of teaching, delivery and pedagogical evaluation is also the same.