Foreign Universities in India: Expanding Global Education Horizons

Context

1. During UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to India (October 2025), the announcement that nine UK universities will open campuses in India marked a major step toward internationalising higher education.
2. This aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisions allowing top global universities to operate in India, enhancing access to world-class education and research collaboration.

Background

1. The NEP 2020 recommended that the world’s top 100 universities be permitted to set up campuses in India.
2. In 2023, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued formal regulations enabling foreign higher education institutions (FHEIs) to establish campuses.
3. Before these regulations, only a few foreign universities were allowed to operate within GIFT City, Gujarat.
4. As of 2025, 17 universities have received approval to open campuses in major Indian cities such as Mumbai, NCR, Chennai, and Bengaluru.

Which Universities Are Coming to India?

1. Under UGC norms, foreign universities ranked within the top 500 globally are eligible to apply.
2. Examples include:
   2026. University of Bristol (Rank 51): Mumbai campus by 2026.
   2027. University of Southampton (Rank 87): Gurgaon campus operational in 2025.
3. Apart from UK universities, six institutions from Australia and one from the US (Illinois Tech, Mumbai) have announced plans.

What Will These Universities Offer?

1. Courses offered:
   1. Undergraduate (3 years) and Master’s (1 year)
   2. Focus areas: Business management, Computer science, AI, Accounting, Finance.
2. UGC mandates that:
   1. Curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment must match the home campus.
   2. Faculty can include both Indian and international educators.
3. Fees are expected to be 40-50% lower than studying at the overseas campus (e.g., ₹13-23 lakh per year at Southampton, Gurgaon).

Why Are Universities Interested in India?

1. Domestic Push: UGC reforms and NEP provisions have made India a favourable market.
2. External Factors:
   1. UK universities are facing financial stress due to tuition freezes and declining international enrolments.
   2. Cost-cutting and course closures have pushed them to seek new revenue streams abroad.
3. India offers a large, growing student base, strong economic potential, and an opportunity to expand academic influence in the Global South.

What Does It Mean for Indian Students?

1. Students can access global-quality education locally, reducing cost and dependency on foreign visas.
2. Possible student-exchange opportunities may allow semesters abroad.
3. However:
   1. Studying at Indian campuses does not guarantee post-study work visas in the foreign countries.
   2. Visa eligibility generally requires physical study abroad for at least one year.
4. Despite this, these campuses can familiarize students with international pedagogy and networks.

Global and Domestic Context

1. According to the Cross-Border Education Research Team (2023), the US leads globally with 84 branch campuses.
2. The entry of multiple UK and Australian universities signals India’s rise as a regional education hub.
3. This could support the “Study in India” initiative, aiming to attract both Indian and foreign students.

Challenges and Way Forward

Impact on India’s Education Ecosystem

1. Boosts competition and quality among Indian universities.
2. Encourages curricular innovation and skill-oriented education.
3. Could make India a global higher education hub, reducing outbound student migration.
4. Strengthens knowledge diplomacy and soft power ties, especially with the UK and Australia.

Conclusion

The arrival of foreign universities represents a transformative moment for India’s higher education sector. While it promises greater access, innovation, and global exposure, ensuring equity, quality control, and national interest remains crucial. A well-regulated framework can make India not only an exporter of students but a destination for global learning.