Empowering Indian Talent: Global Universities at GIFT City Offer Affordable, High-Quality Education

Surrey's Strategic Move to GIFT City: A Milestone for Indian Higher Education

GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) is playing a pivotal role in transforming the educational landscape of India. By attracting leading international universities and educational institutions, GIFT City is offering Indian students the opportunity to access world-class education and research prospects, thereby eliminating the need for international travel to pursue such opportunities.

The University of Surrey recently announced plans to establish an International Branch Campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, in partnership with GUS Global Services (GGS). The announcement was made in Goa by Professor GQ Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, and Dr Sharad Mehra, Regional CEO – Asia and Australia of GUS. Dr. Mehra highlighted that this partnership would provide Indian students with an affordable opportunity to access high-quality education in India.

This ongoing partnership is a blessing for Indian students, as they can have access to university facilities abroad in their home country. Furthermore, the prominence of the university in teaching, research, and innovation highlights the transformative impact on India's higher education. The planning of the new campus, awaiting the approval of Gujarat’s International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA), aligns with the Government of India’s vision to make GIFT City a leading hub for international education. Aaron Ettinger, CEO of Global University Systems (GUS), described the partnership with the University in GIFT City as a significant milestone. He expressed pride in helping India's brightest talent access a global educational experience. Etingen highlighted Surrey’s strong global rankings and its proven educational model, which prepares students for top international employers. He also noted GUS’s extensive experience educating 140,000 students annually and operating universities in the UK, India, Germany, and Canada.

The collaboration between the University of Surrey and GGS combines Surrey’s expertise in business, finance, computer science, and cybersecurity with GGS India’s strengths in higher education operations and market entry. Working with the British High Commission and the British Council, the project strengthens UK-India educational and economic ties, supporting India’s ambition to become a global knowledge superpower. Professor GQ Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of Surrey, expressed pride in the University’s campus at GIFT City, highlighting it as a model of British educational excellence. He noted the synergy between India’s global financial sector and Surrey’s strengths in business, finance, and computer science, offering students a world-class education in a dynamic international hub. He added that the collaboration would support the skills and growth agendas of both the UK and India.

To ensure seamless execution, the University will oversee teaching and academic quality, while GGS will manage ancillary services, including operations and strategic advisory support. This ensures a robust academic environment maintaining the highest global education standards in India. Dr. Sharad Mehra stated that the initiative would provide Indian students with high academic standards and global learning experiences, enabling transformative education within India. He highlighted its alignment with India’s higher education goals, boosting global competitiveness and supporting the NEP 2020’s internationalisation objectives.

The University of Surrey’s establishment in GIFT City is a significant milestone in India’s higher education evolution. Following the QS India Summit, delegations from Surrey and GGS visited GIFT City on January 31 to advance the project. The initiative aims to develop a globally competitive talent pool, strengthening India’s position in international education. With a strong commitment to academic excellence and global integration, it was stated that this university’s presence in India is expected to redefine the future of higher education. The initiative is aimed at empowering students with world-class learning experiences and preparing them for success in an interconnected world.

Editor's Note

The establishment of GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City) as an educational hub represents a monumental shift for India, promising to redefine the educational landscape for generations to come. This collaboration is mutually beneficial: the University of Surrey offers Indian students unparalleled access to world-class education and research within their home country while expanding its global footprint to reach a new and diverse population. Beyond academic benefits, the initiative provides economic advantages. By retaining top talent within India, the country can harness the potential of its brightest minds to drive growth and innovation. The partnership between India’s strong financial sector and institutions like Surrey and GGS creates a unique opportunity for both economic and intellectual progress. The transformative potential of such projects is undeniable, serving as a beacon of possibility and encouraging other regions and institutions to raise their standards and contribute to the global knowledge economy.

According to Skoobuzz, the University of Surrey’s campus in GIFT City will foster a new era of education and economic growth, offering world-class learning and positioning India as a global leader in higher education.