In a landmark step for international education, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer jointly announced that nine UK universities are opening campuses in India, further strengthening academic collaboration between the two nations. This major development aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aiming to bring world-class education closer to Indian students through UK universities campuses in India.
PM Modi shared the news during the CEO Summit in Mumbai, highlighting that this is the “largest and most influential” education delegation from the UK so far. “It is a matter of great joy that now nine universities from the UK are going to open campuses in India. The Gurugram campus of Southampton University was recently inaugurated, and the first group of students has also taken admission,” said PM Modi, while addressing the summit.
List of UK Universities Opening Campuses in India
- University of Southampton – Gurugram (campus already operational)
- University of Liverpool – Bangalore
- University of York – Mumbai
- University of Aberdeen – Mumbai
- University of Bristol – Mumbai
- University of Surrey – Gujarat (GIFT City, opening in 2026–27)
The UK universities campuses in India initiative will not only create new academic opportunities but also enhance research collaboration and industry-academia partnerships. It aims to promote innovation, skill development, and job creation, ensuring that Indian students get access to globally recognized programs without having to move abroad.
Vice-Chancellor Gaoqing Max Lu from the University of Surrey confirmed that their India campus will initially offer programs in artificial intelligence, finance, and cybersecurity, beginning in 2026–27.
The University of Bristol’s new Enterprise Campus in Mumbai has also received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and is set to begin student admissions by 2026.
This announcement marks a historic milestone in educational diplomacy, reflecting the growing collaboration between India and the UK. It brings the best of global learning opportunities right to Indian soil through the UK universities campuses in India initiative.
FAQs
Q1: Which are the UK universities opening campuses in India?
A: The UK universities campuses in India include the University of Southampton, Liverpool, York, Aberdeen, Bristol, and Surrey.
Q2: When will these UK universities campuses in India start operations?
A: The University of Southampton’s Gurugram campus is already operational, while others like Bristol and Surrey will open by 2026–27.
Q3: How will UK universities campuses in India benefit students?
A: They will offer globally recognized programs, joint research opportunities, and industry collaborations, all within India.
Q4: What is the goal of establishing UK universities campuses in India?
A: The initiative aims to strengthen educational ties, promote innovation, and support India’s NEP 2020 vision.
