Nine UK Universities to Establish Campuses in India: PM Modi Announces at CEO Summit
In a landmark announcement at the CEO Summit in Mumbai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer revealed that nine British universities will set up campuses in India. This initiative marks a significant step in strengthening educational ties between India and the UK, aligning closely with the goals of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
University of Southampton Leads the Way
Leading the initiative, the University of Southampton has already inaugurated its Gurugram campus, which has started admitting its first cohort of students. PM Modi emphasized the significance of this development, stating:
"The largest and most influential delegation from the education sector so far has come with Prime Minister Starmer. 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."
The Southampton campus represents the first operational UK university campus in India, setting the benchmark for other institutions looking to expand their global footprint.
Expansion Across Major Indian Cities
Five UK universities are currently planning to establish campuses in key Indian cities, providing Indian students with the opportunity to pursue world-class education without leaving the country. These campuses will offer high-quality programs while fostering joint research efforts, academia-industry partnerships, and innovation-driven skill development.
The universities and their respective campuses are:
- University of Southampton – Gurugram (already operational)
- University of Liverpool – Bangalore
- University of York – Mumbai
- University of Aberdeen – Mumbai
- University of Bristol – Mumbai
The University of Bristol has already received University Grants Commission (UGC) approval to open its Enterprise Campus in Mumbai, expected to commence admissions by summer 2026.
University of Surrey to Launch GIFT City Campus
Among the top 300 universities globally, the University of Surrey will establish its India campus in Gujarat’s GIFT (Gujarat International Finance Tec) City during 2026-27. Initially, the campus will focus on programs in artificial intelligence, finance, and cybersecurity, according to Vice Chancellor Gaoqing Max Lu.
This initiative highlights India’s ambition to become a hub for advanced technology education and to attract global talent and research collaborations.
Aligning with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
The entry of UK universities into India is consistent with the objectives of NEP 2020, which aims to expand higher education opportunities, promote global collaborations, and enhance skill-based learning. By hosting international campuses, India can now provide students with access to global curricula, world-class faculty, and cutting-edge research facilities within the country.
These campuses are expected to bridge the gap between Indian and global education standards, offering students exposure to international teaching methodologies, collaborative research, and innovative industry partnerships.
Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory
In addition to the university campuses, PM Modi and PM Starmer announced the establishment of an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory for cooperation on critical minerals. The satellite campus for this initiative will be at ISM Dhanbad, further reinforcing India’s focus on industrial research and skill development.
The observatory will provide a platform for research, data sharing, and collaboration between Indian and UK institutions and industry partners. This move will enhance supply chain resilience, promote sustainable practices, and integrate academic research with practical applications in strategic sectors.
Benefits for Indian Students
The launch of UK university campuses in India presents multiple benefits for Indian students:
- Access to Global Education: Students can pursue internationally recognized degrees without leaving India.
- Cost-effective Opportunities: Reduced expenses related to travel, accommodation, and living abroad.
- Research and Innovation Exposure: Collaborative projects with UK institutions and industry partners.
- Skill Development: Programs tailored to emerging sectors such as AI, finance, cybersecurity, and critical minerals.
- Enhanced Employability: Curriculum designed in line with global industry standards, preparing students for both Indian and international job markets.
These campuses will also create new employment opportunities for faculty, researchers, and administrative professionals, fostering an ecosystem of education-driven economic growth.
Strategic Implications
The initiative strengthens India-UK educational relations, promotes knowledge exchange, and encourages global investment in Indian higher education. By establishing a presence in India, UK universities can expand their global influence, while Indian students gain access to top-tier education at home.
The move also signals a paradigm shift in India’s higher education landscape, where international collaborations, innovation hubs, and industry-linked programs become integral to student development and national growth.
Looking Ahead
The rollout of these campuses is expected to transform India into a global education hub, attracting both domestic and international students. As campuses become operational, students can look forward to state-of-the-art learning environments, international faculty, and industry-linked projects.
Moreover, the Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory at ISM Dhanbad will create additional opportunities for research, innovation, and skill-building in strategic sectors, complementing the academic offerings of UK university campuses.
India’s higher education sector is set for a global leap, combining NEP 2020’s vision with practical international collaboration, ensuring that students are future-ready and globally competitive.
Conclusion
The establishment of nine UK university campuses in India is a historic step that promises to redefine higher education in the country. By providing students access to global standards of teaching, research, and industry collaboration, India is strengthening its position as a global education hub.
With campuses in Gurugram, Bangalore, Mumbai, and Gujarat’s GIFT City, Indian students will now benefit from international exposure without leaving their home country, while fostering research and innovation partnerships between India and the UK.
The initiative, coupled with the Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory, highlights India’s commitment to quality education, skill development, and industrial growth, in alignment with the vision of NEP 2020.
