IIFT to Establish First Offshore Campus in Dubai, Gets Government Approval

New Delhi, May 16 — The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), under the Ministry of Commerce, has received the green light to establish its first offshore campus in Dubai, marking a strategic expansion of India's educational influence in the Gulf region.

According to an official statement released Friday, IIFT has secured approvals from the Ministry of Education and no-objection certificates from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, and the University Grants Commission (UGC).

Strengthening India’s Educational Presence Globally​

The new Dubai campus aims to cater to the educational needs of the Indian diaspora and global learners, reinforcing India's footprint in international education. The move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 objectives, which encourage the globalisation of Indian higher education.


Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal commented, "This truly reflects the spirit of the National Education Policy 2020, marking a new chapter in the internationalisation of Indian education and its growing role in shaping thought leadership globally."

Operational Safeguards and Compliance​

Before commencing operations, IIFT will seek additional permissions from the UAE authorities. The Ministry of Education has set strict conditions to ensure the expansion does not impact existing operations in India.


The ministry’s directive, dated May 15, clearly states:

• No diversion of faculty or academic infrastructure from IIFT’s current campuses in New Delhi or its other constituent units.
• No redirection of financial resources from revenue generated by the domestic campuses to the new Dubai facility.

About IIFT​

Established in 1963, IIFT functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce. It focuses on skill development in India's external trade sector and provides professional education in modern management techniques, with a special emphasis on international business.

Its academic portfolio includes:

• A two-year MBA in International Business is offered at the New Delhi and Kolkata campuses
• A PhD (Management) Programme at both Delhi and Kolkata

In addition to its primary campuses in Delhi and Kolkata, IIFT also operates in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

With the Dubai campus on the horizon, IIFT is set to further its mission of cultivating global business leaders and enhancing India's stature in the global education sector.