University of Bristol to Launch First Overseas Campus in Mumbai by 2026

In a landmark decision that underscores India’s growing appeal as a global education hub, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved the United Kingdom’s University of Bristol to establish a campus in Mumbai. The new campus, scheduled to open in the summer of 2026, will be the University’s first international outpost and is set to play a vital role in the transformation of global higher education collaboration.

The announcement was made during the celebrations of the fifth anniversary of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in New Delhi. Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, accepted the official Letter of Intent from Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education and Acting Chairman of the UGC.

Why Mumbai?

According to the University’s official statement, Mumbai was chosen due to its strong global reputation in the fields of technology, innovation, and the arts. The decision aligns with Bristol’s mission to engage with dynamic, culturally rich urban environments. The campus will be located near central Mumbai, offering students and faculty a strategic and vibrant learning environment.

The University of Bristol currently ranks 51st in the QS World University Rankings 2026, making it one of the highest-ranked global institutions to enter the Indian education space.

What Will Be Offered?

Initially, the Mumbai campus will focus on globally relevant and high-demand academic programs. The subjects set to be introduced include:

• Data Science
• Economics
• Finance and Investment
• Immersive Arts
• Financial Technology (FinTech)

There are also plans to expand into areas such as:

• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
• Business and Management

These offerings aim to equip students with skills that are aligned with both global industry trends and India’s growing digital and economic landscape. Furthermore, the University is considering the introduction of scholarship programs to increase accessibility and attract top talent.

A Strategic Milestone for Bristol

“This marks a pivotal transformation in our 150-year history,” said Professor Welch. “Developing an in-country base has long been part of our international strategy and supports our ambition to be a top 50 global university. We are proud to build a powerful, globally inclusive future in partnership with India.”

The Mumbai campus will not only expand the University of Bristol’s global footprint but also create opportunities for deeper research collaboration, industry engagement, and student-faculty exchange programs between the UK and India.

India’s Global Education Push

The University of Bristol is not alone in its venture. India has seen a surge of interest from foreign institutions following the introduction of the UGC's Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India Regulations in 2023.

More than 50 foreign universities have reportedly applied for approval to set up campuses in India, according to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Alongside Bristol, several prominent international institutions are expected to establish Indian campuses soon. These include:

• University of York (UK)
• University of Western Australia (UWA)
• University of Aberdeen (UK)
• Illinois Institute of Technology (USA)
• IED Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy)

These universities bring a wide range of expertise, from design and engineering to finance and liberal arts, helping to diversify India’s higher education ecosystem.

Expansion of Australian Universities in India

The NEP 2020 anniversary also witnessed a significant step forward in India-Australia academic ties. Three top Australian universities were granted Letters of Intent to set up campuses in India:

• Western Sydney University (WSU) – Campus in Greater Noida
• Victoria University – Campus in Noida
• La Trobe University – Campus in Bengaluru

These developments signal a growing trend: India is fast becoming a preferred destination for international universities seeking to expand their presence in Asia.

NEP 2020 and a New Era of Global Collaboration

The approval of foreign universities like the University of Bristol to establish Indian campuses is part of a broader vision outlined in the NEP 2020. The policy aims to internationalize India’s higher education sector, make world-class education accessible within the country, and reduce the outflow of Indian students seeking foreign degrees.

By facilitating international institutions to set up in India, the government seeks to create a globally competitive education environment that blends international pedagogy with Indian context and culture.

Looking Ahead

The University of Bristol’s Mumbai campus is a significant development for students, educators, and policymakers alike. It offers Indian students access to globally recognized degrees and curriculum without leaving the country. For the University of Bristol, it opens new doors to innovation, partnership, and cultural exchange in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.

As India continues to attract prestigious global institutions, the education sector stands on the cusp of a transformative era. With the groundwork laid by the NEP 2020 and regulatory support from UGC, initiatives like Bristol’s Mumbai campus are poised to reshape the higher education landscape in India—and beyond.