Foreign Universities Setting Up Campuses in India

In a transformative move poised to reshape India’s academic landscape, a dozen foreign universities are setting up campuses in India, signaling a bold shift in international higher education. With five institutions each from Australia and the United Kingdom and others from Italy and the United States, this marks one of the most significant educational developments in recent years.

So far, seven foreign universities have received their Letter of Intent (LoI) from the Indian government, while four more have had their applications formally approved. The University of New South Wales, a prominent Australian institution, is next in line and is expected to receive its LoI shortly. The university is planning to launch a state-of-the-art campus in Bangalore, further boosting the city’s reputation as India’s educational and innovation hub.

Foreign Universities: Who’s Coming and Where

The University of Southampton made history as the first to receive its LoI back in August 2023. The British university will establish its India presence in Gurugram, a rapidly growing academic and corporate hub.

Joining it is the University of Liverpool, set to open its campus in Bangalore, with LoI approval granted in May this year. From Western Australia University to University of York, several institutions were given clearance on June 14, solidifying India’s appeal as a global education destination.

Here’s a snapshot of the universities and their upcoming Indian campuses:

• University of Southampton (UK) – Gurugram

• University of Liverpool (UK) – Bangalore

• Western Australian University (Australia) – Mumbai & Chennai

• University of York (UK) – Mumbai

• University of Aberdeen (UK) – Mumbai

• Illinois Institute of Technology (USA) – Location TBD

• IED Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy) – Mumbai

Additionally, five universities have received government clearance:

• Victoria University (Australia) – Gurugram

• Western Sydney University (Australia) – Greater Noida

• La Trobe University (Australia) – Bangalore

• University of New South Wales (Australia) – Bangalore (LoI expected soon)

• University of Bristol (UK) – Mumbai

Interestingly, all these institutions are focusing on metro cities like Mumbai, Bangalore, and Gurugram, avoiding the eastern and north-eastern regions, which are still waiting to be tapped as educational hubs.

Foreign Universities: A Pressure Valve for Indian Universities

With India’s premier institutions like the IITs under extreme pressure due to intense competition, foreign universities setting up campuses in India could act as a much-needed pressure valve. Thousands of students who narrowly miss admission into top Indian institutions are turning to international campuses — even in Tanzania and Dubai.

This growing demand for global-quality education domestically has created a strong case for these overseas institutions to invest directly in India. The shift is expected to reduce the need for students to go abroad, especially if tuition fees are kept reasonable. Even if fees are comparable to foreign campuses, the lower cost of living in India will likely tip the scale for many families.

Beyond Education: A Lifestyle Shift

For many students, studying abroad has traditionally been about more than academics — it’s also about lifestyle, exposure, and global networks. By bringing international campuses to Indian soil, students might now enjoy global standards of education without leaving home. While some may still choose to travel abroad for cultural experiences, this move opens up a world of options for others who seek international credentials but want to stay rooted in India.

India Goes Global Too: IIM-Ahmedabad Expands to Dubai

While foreign universities are coming into India, premier Indian institutions are expanding abroad. In a landmark move, the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIM-A) is set to inaugurate its first international campus in Dubai on September 25. The campus will be located in the International Academic City, joining other prestigious names like London Business School, Manchester Business School, and EM Normandie Business School.

This global step by IIM-A is expected to position Indian management education on the world stage and set a precedent for more Indian institutions to explore international footprints.

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