For partners 
Indian Institutes of Technology continue to actively enter the global education market. The next step in this direction will be the collaboration between IIT Bombay and SUNY Old Westbury: the parties plan to launch educational programs in the United States.
Unlike traditional exchange programs, the new project stipulates IIT Bombay independently providing education at an American university. This will allow students to obtain an education under the Indian institute's programs without traveling to India. Instead of building its own campus, IIT Bombay decided to partner with an already operating university: according to the institute's director, this format makes it possible to avoid the lengthy process of purchasing land and obtaining the necessary permits, while focusing on developing educational programs.
SUNY Old Westbury became the project's partner, and classes will be held on its campus. The launch is planned for 2027. It will begin with short-term certification courses — focused primarily on artificial intelligence, sustainable development, and clean technologies. Later, the partners plan to open full bachelor's, master's, and research degree programs in the natural sciences and engineering. Students from various countries, including the United States and India, will be able to enroll, and notably, admission will not be tied to the Indian JEE Advanced exam — the admission rules are still being developed.
The project involves more than just launching new educational programs. From the very first stage, IIT Bombay and SUNY Old Westbury will develop faculty and researcher exchanges, organize joint research projects, conferences, and symposiums. In addition, the Indian institute plans to open research laboratories on the American campus.
For now, the agreement is at the Letter of Intent stage. Details related to tuition costs, admission procedures, program structure, and the possibility of credit transfer will be announced later.
The launch of programs in the United States is part of a broader internationalization strategy for Indian higher education. In recent years, the country's leading universities have been increasingly establishing overseas campuses and developing international partnerships. Previously, IIT Madras opened a campus in Zanzibar, and IIT Delhi — in Abu Dhabi. The new IIT Bombay project continues this course, expanding opportunities for international education and academic collaboration.
