Sydney to Surabaya: Western Sydney University opens first campus in Indonesia

Western Sydney University Indonesia (WSUI) is the first international university to establish an undergraduate campus in Surabaya, Indonesia. In September 2024, it welcomed its first 27 Indonesian and international undergraduates. The first programs were in information and communication technology (ICT), computer and data science, and applied finance.

Professor Amir Mahmood, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Provost, is already focused on the future and has big plans for the campus. The university is ambitiously looking to grow student enrolments. It hopes, in time, campus numbers will reach 2,500.

‘The university is committed to a long-term future in Surabaya,’ says Professor Mahmood. ‘We want to grow and invest in the region’s vibrant culture, economy and society.’

An education program that meets local needs

The university’s growth aspirations will be buoyed by approvals to offer new courses in 2025 at both postgraduate and undergraduate level. WSUI’s expanded offering will include Masters in ICT, data engineering, and business administration. Students can also enrol in new undergraduate programs in cybersecurity and business analytics.

As the teaching program expands, the university will continue to make sure it meets industry priorities and local needs, explains Professor Mahmood.

‘We need to ensure we are supporting Indonesia’s transformational agenda, producing graduates who are employment-ready and future-proof.’

Providing equitable access to international education

Western Sydney University maintained its leading global impact ranking in 2024. Establishing a stand-alone campus in Surabaya reflects its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Western Sydney University’s transnational education model offers more equitable access to an internationally recognised education. It removes some of the financial, social and cultural barriers that make it hard for students to travel to Australia.

The university provides several scholarship schemes to increase access and support talent and workforce development in Indonesia:

• The Industry Scholarships focus on upskilling and reskilling the Indonesian workforce through collaboration with industry partners.
• The Vice-Chancellor International Scholarships provide multi-year financial support for high-achieving undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• Merit & Admission Scholarships offer financial assistance, covering between 20% and 50% of tuition fees, to support outstanding students.

In 2024, the university awarded 6 scholarships to increase access and support gender-equity, particularly in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Western Sydney University’s “One University” approach ensures that students receive a consistent educational experience across all campuses. This model also gives WSU students opportunities to complete part of their studies at another campus, in Australia or an international campus.

The grand opening of Western Sydney University Indonesia, the first international university to establish an undergraduate campus in Surabaya.

Building a local innovation and research ecosystem

WSUI’s new campus in Surabaya will also focus on helping build local research capacity and engaging with local universities, industry and business.

The university can participate in a ‘fantastic ecosystem of research and collaboration with the other world-class universities in the region’, explains Professor Mahmood. Joint academic and research projects are tackling issues such as climate change, financial literacy, digital transformation, cybersecurity and female empowerment.

The campus will also house WSU’s signature Launch Pad business incubator. This will work with high schools in the region and offer opportunities to collaborate with industry in technology and innovation.

‘The Launch Pad model has done wonders in the Western Sydney region,’ says Professor Mahmood. ‘It’s exciting to bring that same startup ecosystem and entrepreneurial mindset to schools, universities and businesses in East Java.’

Austrade supports expansion

Setting up the local university was a complex project that involved 150 people in 15 working groups. There were so many moving parts, explains Professor Mahmood. The team needed to navigate multiple building, legal and government requirements. Added to that were the educational and curriculum requirements, as well as managing stakeholder expectations.

Ministry of Higher Education approvals were secured in less than a year, a very short time for a project of this size.

‘We could not have done it without Austrade’s foresight, insight and guidance,’ says Professor Mahmood.

Austrade provided continued support, insights and market-relevant advice, as well as supporting introductions to key government officials, business and political leaders. Having local support through the Australian Consulate-General in Surabaya was, and continues to be, invaluable.

Austrade’s backing helped bolster the university’s reputation and offered reassurance to authorities, says Professor Mahmood.

‘Education is a promise, and that must be credible. Austrade and the connection to Brand Australia helped reassure Indonesian authorities of our credibility,’ he says.

Planning for the long term

The university is planning for the September 2025 intake to grow to around 100.

Long-term plans for the campus include:

• an institute for sustainability development
• a financial training lab to build community financial literacy
• a range of short executive training programs
• research colloquia
• a PhD program.

Collaboration opportunities for Australian businesses

Indonesia is a huge country, open to entrepreneurial, innovative and creative ideas. It holds many opportunities for Australian business and education institutions.

‘The key to succeeding in Indonesia is to build social capital. You need a deep understanding of local culture and to commit to building strong and transformational relationships,’ adds Professor Mahmood.

‘WSUI’s Surabaya campus offers opportunities for Australian businesses to create those connections,’ he adds. ‘They can come, work with students and take advantage of WSUI’s strengthening network.’