The University of Western Australia (UWA), a top 100 globally ranked institution and member of the Group of Eight, is launching its first international campuses in Mumbai and Chennai. To lead this bold venture, UWA is seeking an exceptional academic leader to serve as the inaugural Pro Vice-Chancellor and President, UWA India.
This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of transnational education in South Asia. As the most senior representative of UWA in India, the PVC India will be responsible for the strategic development, operational leadership, and academic excellence of the new campuses. Reporting to the UWA India Board and the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience), the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in establishing UWA India as a self-governing, globally respected institution that meets the highest standards of both Indian and Australian regulatory frameworks.
The role demands a leader with a distinguished academic record, a deep understanding of the global higher education landscape, and a proven ability to lead complex, multi-campus operations. The PVC India will be instrumental in building strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academic institutions, while fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion, and excellence across teaching, research, and student experience.
This position offers the chance to make a lasting impact on education and research in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. It requires a leader with vision, resilience, and cultural fluency: someone with commercial acumen, who can navigate complexity, inspire teams, and champion UWA’s mission to deliver world-class education and transformative student experiences.
Initially based between Australia and India during the establishment phase, the role will transition to a full-time presence in India once the campuses are operational. This reflects the transnational nature of the role and the importance of strategic leadership across both contexts.
If you are ready to lead a once-in-a-generation opportunity to redefine global education, we invite you to express your interest in this landmark role.
Perrett Laver will conduct an executive search process for this role. The Search Committee will meet to decide upon a final shortlist for the post in mid-December, following which, formal interviews with UWA will take place early to mid-January. If you require any reasonable adjustments to assist you in the selection process, please advise us of these so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
For further information and to apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfill the role description and personal specification quoting reference 8159. The deadline for applications is 9am AWST on Monday 8th December.
For a conversation in confidence please contact Claudia Roth Claudia.Roth@perrettlaver.com
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