The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras recently made history by opening its first global campus in Zanzibar. This significant event marks the first time an IIT campus has been established abroad, signifying a milestone in the international expansion of Indian education. The Zanzibar campus, inaugurated by Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, represents the first offshore campus among all the IITs in India. IIT-Madras Director V Kamakoti, who virtually attended the inauguration, emphasized the historic nature of this achievement, underlining the institution's commitment to global engagement.

The establishment of an IIT campus abroad is part of a broader trend in the internationalization of Indian education. IIT-Madras is actively engaging with international institutes through joint degree programs, faculty and student exchange, and collaborative research initiatives. The addition of a campus overseas is expected to bring diverse cultural perspectives and experiences to the IIT system.

The Zanzibar campus has already commenced its first semester with approximately 50 students, half of whom are from India. The remaining students hail from Zanzibar, mainland Tanzania, and Nepal, ensuring a multicultural environment at the campus. Importantly, nearly 40% of the students admitted to the campus are women, highlighting the institute's commitment to gender diversity and inclusivity.

The Zanzibar campus offers two full-time academic programs initially: a four-year Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, and a two-year Master of Technology in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. These programs reflect the growing significance of data science and artificial intelligence in the global job market.

The journey towards establishing the Zanzibar campus began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Indian government and the Tanzanian government. This collaborative effort led to IIT-Madras being chosen as the institution to set up the first IIT campus overseas, symbolizing India's commitment to sharing its expertise and educational opportunities with other nations.

To enroll students at the Zanzibar campus, IIT-Madras conducted an entrance exam and personal interviews. This rigorous selection process ensures that students admitted to the campus meet the institute's academic standards and requirements.

In terms of financial aspects, the fees for the bachelor's course at the Zanzibar campus are set at $12,000 per year, while the master's course costs $4,000 per year. These fees are designed to be affordable, making quality education accessible to a broader range of students.

In addition to students, the faculty plays a crucial role in the success of the campus. The teaching staff at the Zanzibar campus either comes from IIT-Madras or has been recruited from India, ensuring a high standard of education and continuity with the parent institution. This faculty provides students with a world-class learning experience.

Another notable achievement is that the Zanzibar campus is the first IIT campus to be led by a woman director-in-charge, Preeti Aghalayam. This development is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and inclusivity in the leadership of Indian educational institutions.