In a significant step towards internationalizing education as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University of Southampton (UoS) has received a Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Ministry of Education, India, to establish its first campus in the country. This marks the first time a foreign university has been issued an LoI under the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations for setting up Indian campuses of foreign institutions.
The Letter of Intent was presented at a special event in New Delhi titled “Internationalization of Education under NEP 2020: Setting up of Foreign University in India.” The ceremony was graced by Union Minister for External Affairs, Dr. S. Jaishankar, and attended by prominent figures including Shri Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education; Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary; Ms. Christina Scott, Deputy High Commissioner of the UK in India; Mr. Andrew Atherton, Vice-President, International, University of Southampton; and other distinguished guests.
Dr. S. Jaishankar expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, highlighting that it aligns with India’s vision to elevate its educational standards and strengthen India-UK educational ties. He noted that this initiative will enhance the interactional footprint of India in the global education sector and contribute to a more globally aware and capable workforce.
Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan lauded the move as a crucial advancement towards achieving “internationalization at home” as envisioned by NEP 2020. He emphasized India’s commitment to fulfilling its global educational responsibilities and building a future marked by innovation and progress. Pradhan also noted that such international collaborations would not only expand educational opportunities but also create a dynamic ecosystem for research and global engagement.
Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, in his address, outlined various reforms and initiatives, such as UGC regulations enabling joint and dual degree programs and streamlining foreign student admissions through the “Study in India” portal. These reforms aim to enhance the quality of education and provide lifelong learning opportunities for students.
Professor Andrew Atherton from the University of Southampton detailed the scope of the new campus, which will offer courses in business and management, computing, law, engineering, art and design, and life sciences. The first year will feature BSc programs in Computer Science, Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Economics, as well as MSc programs in International Management and Finance. Subsequent years will introduce additional programs in Software Engineering, Creative Computing, and Law.
The establishment of the University of Southampton campus in India represents a milestone in India’s quest to become a leading global education hub. It is expected to significantly enhance the country’s appeal as a destination for international students while fostering robust educational collaborations between India and the UK.
