India is on the cusp of an educational revolution! During PM Narendra Modi’s visit to London in July 2025, he announced that five prestigious UK universities—Southampton, Liverpool, York, Aberdeen, and Bristol—are set to open campuses in India, marking a historic milestone in India-UK education partnerships. This move, fueled by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA) worth $34 billion annually, aims to bring world-class education to Indian students at home. As PM Modi stated, “Today marks a historic day in our relations,” with these campuses writing a new chapter in global learning.
- Five UK universities to establish campuses in India, led by Southampton in Gurugram.
- Aligns with NEP 2020 to make India a global education hub.
- Backed by a $34 billion Free Trade Agreement signed on July 24, 2025.
Southampton Leads the Charge in Gurugram
Key Points:
- University of Southampton opens India’s first foreign campus in Gurugram’s International Tech Park, August 2025.
- Offers four BSc programs (Computer Science, Economics, Accounting & Finance, Business Management) and two MSc programs (Finance, International Management).
- Over 800 applications received, with 200 students admitted for the first intake.
The University of Southampton, a top 100 global university and Russell Group member, has set the stage by launching India’s first foreign university campus in Gurugram under the UGC Regulations 2023. Starting in August 2025, its 80,000 sq.ft. facility mirrors UK standards, offering identical degrees in business, computing, and management. With partnerships like Deloitte and Investec, students gain access to real-world training and internships. The campus has already attracted 800 applications from India, Nepal, Myanmar, and the UAE, admitting 200 students for its inaugural cohort, with plans to scale to 5,500 by 2035.
Liverpool’s Bengaluru Campus: A Tech Hub Haven
Key Points:
- University of Liverpool, a Russell Group institution, to open in Bengaluru by August 2026.
- Programs include Business Management, Accounting & Finance, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Game Design (a unique offering).
- Collaborations with NIMHANS, IISc, and Hindustan Unilever strengthen research and industry ties.
Bengaluru, India’s tech capital, will welcome the University of Liverpool in 2026, the second Russell Group university to establish a campus in India. Approved by the UGC, this campus will offer innovative programs like Game Design, alongside STEM and business courses, catering to India’s booming tech and gaming industries. With a 20-year history of partnerships with NIMHANS and IISc, Liverpool’s campus will foster research-intensive learning and industry collaborations with giants like Hindustan Unilever. The campus aims to enroll students from August 2026, creating a hub for global and local innovation.
York, Aberdeen, and Bristol Eye Mumbai
Key Points:
- University of York, Aberdeen, and Bristol in talks to establish campuses in Mumbai by 2026–2027.
- Focus on STEM, business, economics, AI, cybersecurity, and creative industries.
- Part of Maharashtra’s International Education City near Navi Mumbai International Airport.
Mumbai, India’s financial powerhouse, is set to host campuses from the University of York, Aberdeen, and Bristol, with approvals pending for 2026–2027. These institutions will offer programs in AI, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and creative industries, aligning with India’s growing demand for specialized skills. The campuses will be part of Maharashtra’s visionary International Education City in Navi Mumbai, a 5-km hub led by CIDCO to deliver world-class education. This initiative ensures students access globally recognized degrees without the high costs of studying abroad.
NEP 2020: The Catalyst for Global Education
Key Points:
- NEP 2020 enables top 500 global universities to set up autonomous campuses in India.
- UGC Regulations 2023 allow foreign universities to set their own admission and fee structures.
- Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami hails UK as the first to seize this opportunity.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is the backbone of this transformation, allowing top 500 global universities to establish fully autonomous campuses in India. The UGC Regulations 2023 grant these institutions freedom to design admissions, curricula, and fees, while ensuring oversight for quality. Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami noted, “The UK is the first country to seize this opportunity,” with these campuses strengthening India’s position as a global education hub. This aligns with the India-UK Roadmap 2030, fostering innovation and research collaboration.
Affordable Excellence with Global Standards
Key Points:
- Fees significantly lower than UK campuses (e.g., Southampton’s £12,000/year in India vs. £24,000 in the UK).
- Scholarships for academic excellence and disadvantaged students.
- Students can spend up to one year at UK or Malaysia campuses for global exposure.
These UK campuses offer world-class degrees at a fraction of the cost of studying abroad. For instance, Southampton’s BSc in Business Management costs £12,000 annually in Gurugram, compared to £24,000 in the UK, saving students on tuition, visas, and travel. Scholarships target meritorious and disadvantaged students, ensuring inclusivity. Students also gain global exposure through exchange programs, spending up to a year at UK or Malaysia campuses, blending international experience with affordability.
Industry Ties and Job Opportunities
Key Points:
- Partnerships with Deloitte, Investec, AstraZeneca, and Dream11 ensure internships and placements.
- Focus on high-demand fields like STEM, business, and game design.
- Research collaborations with Indian institutions like IISc and NIMHANS.
These campuses aren’t just about academics—they’re job creators! Southampton’s ties with Deloitte and Investec, and Liverpool’s with Hindustan Unilever, promise robust internship and placement opportunities. Programs in AI, cybersecurity, and game design align with industry needs, preparing students for India’s booming tech and creative sectors. Research collaborations with top Indian institutes like IISc and NIMHANS will drive innovation, addressing global and local challenges.
Challenges and Public Sentiment
Key Points:
- Concerns over high fees and accessibility for middle-class students.
- UK unions criticize expansion amid financial cuts and job losses at home.
- X posts highlight irony of PM Modi’s anti-colonial stance vs. UK campus approvals.
While the initiative has sparked excitement, challenges remain. X posts express concerns about high fees (e.g., ₹10-12 lakh/year) potentially excluding middle-class students, with calls for more scholarships and transparency. UK unions, like the UCU, have labeled the expansion “scandalous” amid £7 million investment costs and job cuts at home, raising ethical questions. Some X users noted the irony of PM Modi’s push against a “colonial mindset” while welcoming UK universities, reflecting mixed public sentiment.
A New Era for Indian Education
Key Points:
- Campuses to enroll thousands of students over the next decade.
- Strengthens India-UK Roadmap 2030 and global education ties.
- Positions India to rival Nalanda and Pushpagiri as a knowledge hub.
The arrival of Southampton, Liverpool, York, Aberdeen, and Bristol marks a turning point for Indian education. With 15 foreign universities expected to set up by 2026, as per Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, India is on track to become a global knowledge destination, reviving the legacy of Nalanda. These campuses offer affordable, high-quality education, industry connections, and global exposure, empowering students to lead in a competitive world. As India and the UK deepen their partnership, this is a bold step toward a Viksit Bharat by 2047
