Boost to Indian Education: International Campuses of Renowned UK Universities in GIFT City

GIFT City Welcomes Global Academic Giants: Queen's University Belfast and Coventry University

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is an emerging global financial and technology hub located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India. It offers single-window clearances, plug-and-play infrastructure, and smart city facilities, aiming to serve both India and the world. Recently, two prestigious universities from the United Kingdom, Queen's University Belfast and Coventry University, have announced plans to establish international campuses in GIFT City. This follows the earlier establishment of similar operations by Australian universities in the region.

Queen's University Belfast, recently approved by the International Financial Services Authority (IFSCA), becomes the third foreign institution to establish a campus in GIFT City. With nearly 200 years of history, the university ranks among the top 200 globally for impact and sustainability and is a member of the prestigious Russell Group. Initially, the campus will accommodate 800 postgraduate students, with plans for future expansion into research facilities and undergraduate programs. Currently, over 1,000 Indian students are enrolled at Queen's University.

Coventry University, founded in 1843, has also applied to establish a campus in GIFT City. With existing campuses in Egypt, Poland, Morocco, and Kazakhstan, Coventry launched its India Hub in Delhi to address global challenges such as climate change and economic development. The GIFT City campus will further strengthen its ties with India.

In October 2022, the IFSCA introduced regulations to support foreign universities in GIFT City, offering favourable conditions for fund repatriation and exemption from local infrastructure requirements. Universities can offer specialized courses in fields such as financial management, fintech, and STEM. Two Australian universities, Deakin University and the University of Wollongong, have already set up campuses. Deakin welcomed 45 students earlier this year for a postgraduate course in business analytics and cybercrime, while Wollongong launched master’s programs in financial technology.

Foreign universities registered in GIFT City receive a five-year operational term, renewable for an additional five years. To qualify, institutions must rank in the top 500 of the QS World University rankings or be recognized as reputable in their home countries. The establishment of UK university campuses in GIFT City highlights India's growing appeal as an academic hub. By leveraging strategic regulatory frameworks and partnerships, GIFT City offers a platform for renowned global institutions to provide high-quality education and promote research, thus enhancing the region's academic standards and reinforcing India’s position in global education and innovation.

Editor's Note:

The establishment of international campuses by Queen's University Belfast and Coventry University in GIFT City provides Indian students with access to top-tier global education and research opportunities, fostering a culture of academic excellence and innovation. The presence of these prestigious universities will elevate India’s position on the global stage, offering Indian students the chance to build international networks that will enhance their career prospects.

Skoobuzz believes that GIFT City is emerging as a growing educational hub that will transform the Indian educational landscape, making it more competitive and internationally recognized.