Published on October 9, 2025
Delhi, India
On October 9, 2025, during UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s trade mission to Mumbai, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Starmer unveiled plans for nine leading UK universities to establish full-fledged campuses across India. This initiative, highlighted at the CEO Summit, aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aims to enhance bilateral ties through accessible global education, joint research, and industry collaborations.
- Key Highlights:
- Represents the largest UK education delegation to India, fostering innovation in skills, critical minerals, and sustainable development.
- Includes handover of Letters of Intent (LoI) by India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) to several universities.
- Complements broader agreements like the Annual Ministerial Strategic Education Dialogue and Programme of Cultural Co-operation signed in May 2025.
Statements from Leaders
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the milestone, stating: “The largest and most influential delegation from the education sector so far has come with Prime Minister Starmer. It is a matter of great joy that now nine universities from the UK are going to open campuses in India. The Gurugram campus of Southampton [University] was recently inaugurated, and the first group of students has also taken admission.” Starmer highlighted the economic and educational synergies, noting the expansion as a boost for UK growth and Indian talent development.
- Strategic Focus:
- Joint efforts on youth exchanges, cultural programs, and academia-industry partnerships.
- Establishment of an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory for critical minerals, with a satellite at ISM Dhanbad.
The Nine UK Universities: Locations, Timelines, and Programs
This expansion democratizes access to UK degrees, offering shorter courses, credit transfers, and industry-aligned curricula without overseas relocation costs. Below is a detailed breakdown based on the latest approvals and announcements.
- University of Southampton (Gurugram, Haryana):
- Status: Already operational; inaugural cohort of Indian students welcomed in 2025.
- Focus: Engineering, business, and innovation programs.
- Timeline: Classes underway.
- University of Liverpool (Bangalore, Karnataka):
- Status: LoI handed over by UGC.
- Focus: Data science, entrepreneurship, and tech-driven courses.
- Timeline: Expected launch in 2026.
- University of York (Mumbai, Maharashtra):
- Status: LoI handed over by UGC.
- Focus: Humanities, social sciences, and global policy.
- Timeline: Preparations for 2026 intake.
- University of Aberdeen (Mumbai, Maharashtra):
- Status: LoI handed over by UGC.
- Focus: Energy, law, and sustainable development.
- Timeline: Slated for 2026.
- University of Bristol (Mumbai, Maharashtra):
- Status: LoI handed over by UGC; Enterprise Campus approved.
- Focus: Business, ventures, and ethical leadership.
- Timeline: Student admissions starting summer 2026.
- Queens University of Belfast (GIFT City, Gujarat):
- Status: Authorised by regulators.
- Focus: Interdisciplinary programs in finance and tech.
- Timeline: 2026-27 rollout.
- Coventry University (GIFT City, Gujarat):
- Status: Authorised by regulators.
- Focus: Vocational and applied sciences.
- Timeline: Aiming for 2026 operations.
- Lancaster University (Bengaluru, Karnataka):
- Status: LoI handed over during Starmer’s visit.
- Focus: Environmental studies, management, and health sciences.
- Timeline: Campus establishment in progress for 2026.
- University of Surrey (GIFT City, Gujarat):
- Status: In-principle approval accorded during the visit.
- Focus: Artificial intelligence, finance, and cyber security.
- Timeline: Opening in 2026-27.
Broader Implications and Benefits
This move is poised to inject £50 million into the UK economy while upskilling India’s workforce, creating over 50,000 jobs, and promoting research in emerging fields like AI and green energy. It reduces barriers for Indian students, offering scholarships, flexible pathways, and seamless global mobility.
- For Students:
- Affordable access to UK credentials with lower costs (no visa or relocation expenses).
- Tailored programs for India’s job market, including three-year degrees and internships.
- For Institutions and Economy:
- Enhanced UK-India research collaborations and startup ecosystems.
- Positions India as a hub for international branch campuses, with over 50 foreign universities interested.
- Challenges Ahead:
- Ensuring quality equivalence and regulatory compliance.
- Scaling infrastructure in host cities like Mumbai and GIFT City.
Next Steps for Aspiring Students
Monitor UGC portals for admission updates starting early 2026. Explore scholarships via university websites and prepare for entrance exams aligned with NEP standards. This partnership heralds a future where global education is truly borderless.
