Job Description

Job Details
The University of Western Australia (UWA), a top 100 globally ranked institution and member of the Group of Eight, is establishing its first international campuses in Mumbai and Chennai. To drive academic excellence across this bold venture, UWA is seeking an outstanding academic leader to serve as the inaugural Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor (Education) for UWA India.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the academic foundation of UWA's transnational education presence in South Asia. Reporting to the Pro Vice-Chancellor and President, UWA India, the Associate PVC (Education) will provide strategic oversight and operational leadership across all academic functions, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, UWA-accredited programs that meet Australian and Indian regulatory standards.
The successful candidate will lead curriculum, academic governance, and faculty capability development, embedding a culture of innovation, integrity, and student-centred learning. You will champion teaching excellence, foster applied research, and ensure robust quality assurance processes that drive outstanding student outcomes. Working closely with UWA Perth, you will maintain global consistency while adapting to the Indian higher education context.
This role demands a leader with a doctoral qualification, a distinguished academic track record, and significant experience in academic leadership within higher education, ideally including international or transnational contexts. You will bring deep knowledge of curriculum design, regulatory compliance (TEQSA, UGC, NEP), and a proven ability to lead diverse academic teams in a multi-campus environment. Cultural fluency, resilience, and a commitment to innovation are essential.
Initially based between Australia and India during the establishment phase, the role will transition to a full-time presence in India once campuses are operational. This reflects the transnational nature of the position and its strategic importance.
If you are ready to play a pivotal role in building UWA's academic reputation in one of the world's most dynamic regions, 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 late - February, following which, formal interviews with UWA will take place from early-mid March. 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.
The role will be based in Chennai, India, with regular travel to Mumbai and Perth campus.
For further information and to apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfill the role description and personal specification to quoting reference 8191. The deadline for applications is 9am AWST on Monday January 19th, 2026.
For a conversation in confidence please contact Claudia Roth .
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