Higher Education Revolution: University of Liverpool Secures UGC Approval for Bengaluru Campus

Bengaluru to Host India’s First Foreign University Campus as Liverpool Expands

India's higher education sector has taken a significant leap forward with the University Grants Commission (UGC) formally approving the University of Liverpool’s plan to establish the country’s first foreign university campus in Bengaluru. The announcement was made on 26 May during an event attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This decision marks an important milestone in expanding global academic opportunities within India, further solidifying Bengaluru’s reputation as a growing hub for international education.

The University of Liverpool, a prestigious member of the UK’s Russell Group, is set to welcome its first batch of undergraduate and postgraduate students at its Bengaluru campus in August 2026. At the launch event, Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones outlined the university’s vision, emphasising the vast opportunities available to Indian students. Furthermore, he highlighted how this move aligns with Liverpool’s broader global expansion plans. Notably, the university cited its strong international track record, referring to its successful China campus, XJTLU, which has been operational for nearly 20 years and currently serves around 27,000 students.

Moreover, the University of Liverpool acknowledged its growing research collaborations with Indian institutions and its reputation as one of the leading recruiters of Indian postgraduates among Russell Group universities. Given the recent policy changes in India, the university identified an ideal opportunity for expansion. Consequently, it selected Bengaluru as its preferred location due to its strong institutional partnerships and thriving academic ecosystem.

As part of its Vision 2031 strategy to become a top 100 global university by its 150th anniversary, the University of Liverpool views international partnerships as a crucial element in achieving its goals. Officials specifically highlighted India’s dynamic economy and favourable demographics as key factors that make the country an ideal destination for academic engagement and deeper collaborations. Additionally, Bengaluru was chosen for the university’s first Indian campus owing to its established ties with prominent institutions like IISc, NIMHANS, and industry giants such as Unilever. The city’s thriving tech-driven environment and abundant young talent further influenced the decision. In line with this, the university intends to leverage its strengths in science, engineering, life sciences, and medicine to address regional challenges through industry-linked education and research.

To formalise its commitment, the University of Liverpool has signed a Letter of Intent to establish its Bengaluru campus, which is expected to open in August 2026, with classes commencing in September. The campus aims to accommodate 10,000 students within a decade. Initially, courses will be offered in computer science, data and AI, business, finance, biomedical sciences, and game design. While these programmes will largely reflect Liverpool’s offerings, they will be tailored to suit Indian industry needs. Crucially, the Bengaluru campus will adhere to the same academic standards maintained in the UK, with slight adaptations to align with the local context. Faculty recruitment will follow a hybrid model, combining Liverpool-based staff with locally hired professors who meet the university’s high academic requirements. To ensure quality, the university plans to implement a robust faculty training programme, led by a Provost responsible for overseeing recruitment and academic standards.

Furthermore, the University of Liverpool intends to enhance student mobility by offering dual-degree and exchange options, enabling students to complete part of their coursework in Liverpool. This model is inspired by the successful framework implemented at its China campus. The institution also aims to facilitate transfers within its global network, fostering an international learning environment. Although most students will be from India, efforts will be made to attract diverse global talent. A Provost will lead initiatives to create an inclusive and supportive campus culture, drawing on the university’s extensive experience in maintaining diversity.

Indian students enrolled at the Bengaluru campus will receive the same degree as their counterparts in Liverpool, but at a lower cost. Additionally, the campus will provide industry-oriented education, strong research collaborations, and internship opportunities, ensuring students benefit from real-world engagement. As the Bengaluru campus will be integrated within Liverpool’s broader research ecosystem, it will serve as a focal point for joint projects. While fees will be adjusted to reflect the local economic conditions, specific details will be announced in due course.

Strengthening its presence in India, the University of Liverpool reaffirmed its commitment to expanding research collaborations by building on its partnerships with IISc, NIMHANS, AIIMS, and companies like Unilever. Given India’s emphasis on employability, the university plans to leverage its global expertise to develop internship and placement programmes, supported by MoUs with multiple organisations. Looking ahead, the university aims to enrol 5,000 students at its Bengaluru campus by 2030, gradually increasing to 10,000 by 2036. The campus will offer diverse academic programmes, foster industry and institutional collaborations, and create a globally connected research-driven environment. State-of-the-art facilities, including modern academic buildings, research centres, student residences, and essential amenities, will mirror those of the Liverpool campus. Further details regarding infrastructure plans will be shared soon.

Recognising affordability as a major concern, the University of Liverpool confirmed that scholarships will be made available to Indian students. Specific details regarding these financial aid options will be announced well in advance of the admissions cycle to help students make informed decisions. With Bengaluru’s dynamic ecosystem and the University of Liverpool’s commitment to academic excellence, this new campus is poised to become a transformative centre for higher education in India.

Editor’s Note

The approval of the University of Liverpool’s campus in Bengaluru is undeniably a landmark moment for India's higher education system. This development signals a significant shift in how global academic institutions view India, not just as a talent pool, but as a destination for world-class education. The expansion of foreign university campuses in India promises increased access to international degrees for Indian students. However, its overall positive impact is debatable. While potentially raising academic standards, concerns exist regarding affordability and accessibility. The presence of foreign institutions also poses a challenge to domestic universities. It remains to be seen whether students will prioritise the perceived prestige of foreign campuses, potentially weakening Indian institutions, or if this development will instead encourage healthy competition and innovation within the Indian higher education system. The University of Liverpool's new Bengaluru campus, leveraging its Russell Group status and global strategy, aligns with India's focus on research and globalisation. While Bengaluru is a logical location given its tech focus, the venture's ability to foster genuine knowledge exchange rather than just replicating Western models is uncertain. Scholarships offer promise, but their scale will determine accessibility beyond a select few. 

As per Skoobuz, the long-term success and impact of the Liverpool campus hinge on its integration into India's academic ecosystem and its commitment to accessibility, diversity, and innovation.