India Welcomes New International Campuses as Global Education Footprint Grows

The establishment of foreign universities in the country as a result of the NEP 2020 foreign university policy has resulted in a seismic shift within India's higher education system. Lancaster University and the University of Surrey from the UK, as well as the University of Western Australia (UWA) from Australia, received formal approval to establish campuses in India under the newly stated provisions defined by the India Foreign University Approvals 2025. These approvals demonstrate the momentum being gained for international education at home in India. Lancaster University has chosen Bangalore for its campus, a well-known city with a buzz related to technology and enterprise. Lancaster University specialises in management education and mainly cooperates with the Indian industry and research institutions to create new opportunities for students and businesses. This is part of broader UK universities-India soft power efforts and deepening the UK-India education partnership.

On the other hand, the University of Surrey plans to establish its campus in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) and will focus on technical and skills-based education. The institution regards higher education as one of the major engines to fuel research, innovation, and economic ties between the UK and India. Its presence in GIFT City is anticipated to support the global expansion of India's STEM education and contribute to mainstream public access education, India. The 2025 QS World University Rankings rank the University of Western Australia as the 77th, and it is preparing to open two campuses in Mumbai and Chennai. The Chennai campus would focus on STEM disciplines, positioning UWA as one of the best STEM-focused Indian campuses. The university’s expansion is backed by the Western Australian government and aided through Australia’s India Economic Strategy, bolstering Australia-India higher education connections.

UWA's leadership has recognised India's demographic dividend, noting that the combination of a young population and a vibrant start-up ecosystem in India provides the fertile ground for international university-industry partnerships. It aims to assist India in creating innovation hubs through research, teaching, and partnering with local institutions. This is the second wave of foreign university approvals given under the University Grants Commission (UGC) foreign universities framework. In July, Western Sydney University, Victoria University, and La Trobe University received permission to set up campuses in India. Deakin University and the University of Wollongong have already opened their branches in GIFT City, developing the vast network of Indian campuses of UK and Australian universities.

The expansion, according to the UK government, will enable Indian students to access UK-quality education while in their home country and help bolster the UK’s global presence. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, during a visit to Mumbai, termed the bilateral relationship as "special" and reaffirmed commitments to deepening educational cooperation with India. The same sentiment was echoed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reinforcing the shared vision under India's higher education policy. The increasing presence of branch campuses for global universities in India is transforming the education landscape. This provides Indian students with enhanced access to international standards, caters to NEP 2020 international education objectives, and strengthens collaboration with the Indian industry and research. The impact of international branch campuses on Indian education is expected to be revolutionary, promoting innovation, skill development, and an exchange between global academic circles.

Editor's Note

The increasing inflow of foreign universities into India constitutes a significant watershed moment in the history of India's higher education sector. Institutions from the UK and Australia, with permissions under NEP 2020, are now opening campuses all over India, from GIFT City to Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chennai. This is not merely a policy milestone; it is a strategic initiative that makes international education available on the doorstep. The opening up to let global universities establish Indian campuses is an unmistakable intent: opening up access, improving academic standards, and enabling greater international cooperation between countries. UK universities are particularly taking advantage of the chance to advance their soft power and form long-term alliances with Indian industry and research. Australia's participation, particularly through STEM-oriented campuses, indicates a determination to support India's innovation and skills push. Most striking is the mutual advantage. Indian students benefit from world-class education without the cost and logistical burden of going abroad. Foreign universities, meanwhile, connect with India's enormous pool of talented young people and vibrant start-up environment. This vision of international education at home is not just sensible, it is visionary. With more campuses opening, the challenge will be to provide quality, relevance, and meaningful interaction with local communities. But if done effectively, this program could revolutionise India's place in global education and provide a new standard for cross-border academic co-operation.

FAQs

1. Which UK universities have been approved to open campuses in India?

Nine UK universities have received approval to establish campuses in India. These include the University of Southampton, University of Liverpool, University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Bristol, Lancaster University, University of Surrey, Coventry University, and Queen’s University Belfast.

2. How is the University of Western Australia expanding its presence in India? 

The University of Western Australia is opening two campuses—one in Mumbai and another in Chennai. This expansion is designed to strengthen academic and industry ties, with a focus on research, innovation, and collaboration.

3. What are the benefits of foreign universities setting up campuses in India? 

Foreign campuses allow Indian students to access international-quality education without leaving the country. They also promote academic exchange, support local research, and contribute to skill development and economic growth.

4. How does India’s NEP 2020 support international campuses?

NEP 2020 encourages global collaboration in education by allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in India. It aims to raise academic standards, promote multidisciplinary learning, and make international education more accessible.

5. When will the University of Lancaster and Surrey campuses open in India? 

Lancaster University is expected to open its campus in Bengaluru, and the University of Surrey will launch its campus in GIFT City. Both are anticipated to begin operations in 2026.

6. What courses will UWA offer at its Chennai and Mumbai campuses?

UWA’s Chennai campus will focus on STEM disciplines, while the Mumbai campus will offer a broader range of programmes aligned with innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry needs.

7. How will branch campuses affect Indian students’ access to global education? 

Branch campuses will make global education more affordable and accessible for Indian students. They reduce the need for overseas travel and offer recognised qualifications within India’s own academic environment.

8. How are UK universities contributing to India’s innovation and industry growth?

UK universities are partnering with Indian businesses and research institutions to support innovation, skill development, and economic collaboration. Their presence helps bridge academic learning with real-world applications.

9. What is the role of Australian universities in India under the India Economic Strategy?

Australian universities are expanding in India as part of a broader strategy to deepen bilateral ties. Their campuses support STEM education, research partnerships, and workforce development in line with India’s national priorities.

10. How many foreign universities have established campuses in India so far?

As of now, several foreign universities have either launched or received approval to open campuses in India. These include nine from the UK and multiple from Australia, such as Deakin University, University of Wollongong, Western Sydney University, Victoria University, La Trobe University, and the University of Western Australia.