Deakin's GIFT City campus adds Applied AI masters for July 2027 intake
By TUF News Desk · Published 28 October 2026 · 3 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
Students who want an Australian AI degree without leaving India have a new option to weigh. Deakin University marked the launch of its Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence (Professional) at its GIFT City campus with an industry roundtable in Bengaluru on October 28, 2026.
The programme is the third postgraduate course at the campus. It joins the Master of Business Analytics and the Master of Cyber Security (Professional), which the campus already runs. The inaugural intake starts in July 2027, and applications are open.
What the programme covers
The course covers machine learning, deep learning, AI engineering, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, speech processing, reinforcement learning and human-aligned AI. Students also take up team-based projects, professional practice and research work alongside the technical papers.
Two details matter for anyone comparing options. The programme is recognised at Australian Qualifications Framework Level 9, and it is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society. Deakin says it follows the same academic and admissions framework as the equivalent programme in Australia.
The Bengaluru launch
The Bengaluru event was a roundtable titled “Human Edge in the AI World: Building the Next Gen Tech Leaders in India”. Professor Nick Birbilis, Deakin’s Executive Dean for Science, Engineering and Built Environment, moderated the discussion. Gaven Standon, a partner at PwC and president of the Indo-Australian Chamber of Commerce, addressed the gathering, and Sakshi Raheja, a regional account director at LinkedIn, shared industry views.
The discussion kept returning to one point: employers now expect AI skills plus judgement. Technical ability alone did not come across as enough. Speakers talked about adaptability, critical thinking and the ability to apply AI tools to real business problems, and about universities and employers working together through applied learning, industry projects and mentoring.
Why GIFT City matters
Deakin’s campus at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City in Gandhinagar was the first international university branch campus in India. Its first cohort began in July 2024. Deakin says it is ranked 218th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and that its India courses follow the same academic standards as its Australian courses.
For Indian students, the practical draw is straightforward. They can study for an Australian degree in Gujarat, without paying for overseas living costs or dealing with a student visa. Students comparing this route with Indian universities can read our guide to choosing a university in India before deciding.
What to check before applying
The launch reports do not spell out the Applied AI programme’s fee, eligibility rules or scholarship details. Applicants should check those on the official Deakin GIFT City campus page before filing a form, since the other two programmes at the campus carry their own fee and scholarship terms. Our guide to scholarships for Indian university students is also worth a read for anyone working out how to fund a postgraduate degree.
Frequently asked questions
When does Deakin’s Applied AI programme at GIFT City start?
The inaugural intake starts in July 2027, and applications are already open on the university’s official GIFT City page.
What does the Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence (Professional) cover?
Machine learning, deep learning, AI engineering, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, speech processing, reinforcement learning and human-aligned AI, with team projects and professional practice alongside the technical papers.
Where is Deakin’s India campus?
At GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It was the first international university branch campus in India, and its first cohort started in July 2024.
Is the GIFT City degree the same as Deakin’s Australian degree?
Deakin says the programme follows the same academic and admissions framework as its equivalent programme in Australia, and is recognised at Australian Qualifications Framework Level 9.
Frequently asked questions
When does Deakin's Applied AI programme at GIFT City start?
The inaugural intake starts in July 2027, and applications are already open on the university's official GIFT City page.
What does the Master of Applied Artificial Intelligence (Professional) cover?
Machine learning, deep learning, AI engineering, natural language processing, computer vision, robotics, speech processing, reinforcement learning and human-aligned AI, with team projects and professional practice alongside the technical papers.
Where is Deakin's India campus?
At GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. It was the first international university branch campus in India, and its first cohort started in July 2024.
Is the GIFT City degree the same as Deakin's Australian degree?
Deakin says the programme follows the same academic and admissions framework as its equivalent programme in Australia, and is recognised at Australian Qualifications Framework Level 9.
Sources: Business Standard, The Tribune, The Hindu BusinessLine