Redefining Global Education: University of Aberdeen Establishes First Scottish Campus in India

Scottish Excellence Meets Indian Innovation: Aberdeen’s Landmark Campus Expansion

India is rapidly establishing itself as a global centre for higher education, attracting prestigious international universities to set up branch campuses within its borders. In a significant development, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has granted initial approval to five foreign universities, including the University of Aberdeen, the  University of York, the University of Western Australia, Illinois Institute of Technology, and IED Istituto Europeo di Design, to establish campuses in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.

Among these institutions, the University of Aberdeen stands out as the first of the UK’s ancient universities and the first Scottish university to receive such authorisation in India. Its proposed Mumbai campus, expected to launch in September 2026, marks a major step in Aberdeen’s global expansion strategy. Following extensive discussions between the University, the UGC, and its Transnational Education partners, Aberdeen was formally granted a Letter of Intent during a special ceremony hosted by the Indian Government on 14 June. The proposal will now proceed to its final approval stage, with the University’s governing body, the Court, scheduled to review it next month.

This initiative highlights Aberdeen’s growing commitment to India and its broader aim of delivering quality education, fostering research, and strengthening ties with Indian institutions. The upcoming Mumbai campus builds upon Aberdeen’s existing collaborations with more than 200 Indian universities and research centres, including prestigious institutions such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Manipal Academy, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and Delhi University. As such, the proposed campus is envisioned as a hub for academic excellence and global problem-solving.

In alignment with India’s National Education Policy 2020, the University of Aberdeen intends to initially offer academic programmes in Computing and Data Science, Business Management, Economics, Artificial Intelligence, and an MBA. Future expansion is expected to include Mathematics, International Business Management, Information Systems, Public Health, Film Studies, and Psychology, which are strategic areas of focus shared by India and Aberdeen. Additionally, a second phase of development is planned, which will involve establishing a research and innovation office to deepen academic collaboration and strengthen industry partnerships in Artificial Intelligence, Energy, and Life Sciences.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, Vice-Principal for Global Engagement at the University of Aberdeen, emphasised India’s young population and fast-growing knowledge economy as central to the University’s international strategy, which prioritises student recruitment, academic programmes, research collaboration, and alumni engagement. He further highlighted the campus’s potential to empower students, strengthen research partnerships, and support India’s innovation ecosystem through exchanges, industry-led initiatives, and collaborative efforts to address global challenges.

The project not only reinforces Aberdeen’s role as a global leader in higher education but also strengthens historic ties between India and the UK through academic collaboration. The University aims to work closely with Indian partners to realise this shared vision. Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director for India at the British Council, described Aberdeen’s initiative as a major milestone in advancing India–UK educational partnerships, noting that it aligns with both countries’ commitment to internationalising higher education, research, and innovation, as outlined in India’s National Education Policy 2020. As the first Scottish university to receive approval for a branch campus in India, Aberdeen’s initiative is more than an institutional milestone, it serves as a powerful example of how education can bridge nations, foster cultural exchange, and create global opportunities for students and academics, reinforcing the vision of inclusive and collaborative international higher education.

Editor’s Note

The University of Aberdeen’s entry into India represents more than just institutional expansion; it signals a transformative shift in the country’s higher education landscape. While India has made great strides in academic excellence, certain gaps remain in interdisciplinary learning, industry-linked research, and global academic exposure. Aberdeen’s campus will introduce critical-thinking-focused education, bridging the divide between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. Its emphasis on artificial intelligence, data science, and business management, combined with robust research collaborations, will foster an innovation-driven learning ecosystem, equipping students with international expertise that has often been missing in India’s traditional curriculum. Furthermore, the university’s integration with global academic networks will expose Indian students to new pedagogical approaches, problem-solving methodologies, and cross-cultural research opportunities. Its presence will push Indian institutions to reconsider their rigid, exam-centric structures in favour of dynamic, skill-oriented education. By aligning its curriculum with India’s National Education Policy 2020, Aberdeen is supporting academic inclusivity and strengthening India’s position as a hub for international education. 

According to Skoobuzz, the opening of this Scottish campus in Mumbai could set a precedent, encouraging more leading foreign universities to establish a presence, ultimately enriching the quality and diversity of higher education in India.