By Soniya:
India’s higher education sector is witnessing a major transformation as five leading foreign universities have received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish branch campuses in the country. The initiative is part of the UGC Regulations, 2023, which aim to internationalize higher education and provide world-class academic opportunities within India.
The approved universities include the University of Southampton, University of Liverpool, University of Bristol, University of York (all from the United Kingdom), and the University of New South Wales from Australia. These institutions have received Letters of Approval from the UGC to offer degree programmes through physical campuses in India.
The University of Southampton has already begun academic operations at its Gurugram campus during the 2025–26 academic session. Meanwhile, the University of Bristol and the University of York are establishing campuses in Mumbai, offering courses in finance, business management, economics, data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and creative industries. The University of New South Wales is setting up its campus in Bengaluru and is expected to start operations from August 2026.
The move aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the internationalization of higher education and increased global collaboration. According to the Higher Education Department, foreign university programmes in India could cost significantly less than studying abroad, making quality international education more accessible to Indian students.
The development marks a significant milestone in India’s efforts to become a global education hub while providing students access to internationally recognized degrees without leaving the country.
Key Facts :
- UGC notified Foreign Higher Educational Institutions Regulations on 8 November 2023.
- 5 foreign universities have received Letters of Approval as of June 2026.
- First operational foreign campus: University of Southampton, Gurugram.
- NEP 2020 promotes internationalization of higher education.
- GIFT City already hosts campuses of Deakin University, University of Wollongong, and Queen’s University Belfast.
