From Southampton To Bristol University, List Of Foreign University Campuses In India

Foreign universities are setting up campuses across India, giving students access to global degrees at home. (AI Generated Image)

India is slowly becoming a global education hub, with several well-known foreign universities planning to open campuses across the country. These moves are expected to give Indian students access to global education without leaving home and reduce the cost of studying abroad.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has been approving proposals from international institutions as part of new rules that allow foreign universities to operate in India.

Here is a look at some major universities that have already launched or are preparing to start classes soon.

Southampton Begins Operations In Gurugram

The University of Southampton from the UK had received approval from the UGC to open its campus in Gurugram. The university offers courses in business, management, computing, law, engineering, art and design, biosciences and life sciences. Classes began in July this year.

The Indian campus follows the same academic standards as the UK campus. “The programmes offered in the branch campus of the University of Southampton in India will have the same academic and quality standards,” the university said in a press release. Ranked among the world’s top universities, Southampton is known for its strong focus on education and research.

Queen’s University Belfast and Lancaster Expand

Queen’s University Belfast will open a campus at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. Founded in 1845, the university will offer postgraduate courses such as MSc Construction and Project Management, MSc Business Analytics, MSc Financial Analytics and MSc Finance. Classes are expected to start in January 2026.

Lancaster University has also received approval to open a campus in Bengaluru. According to The PIE Network, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Guy said, “By opening a branch campus in the city of Bengaluru… Lancaster University aims to partner with Indian businesses, industry and local Universities to collaboratively spark growth.”

More UK Universities Enter India

The University of Surrey and Coventry University will both open campuses at GIFT City, Gandhinagar. Surrey plans to focus on courses in AI, data science, cyber security, business and finance. Coventry will start with two courses, with more to be added later, and students are expected to join by 2026.

The University of Bristol has been approved to open a campus in Mumbai in 2026, calling it a historic step for the institution. The University of York and the University of Aberdeen will also set up campuses in Mumbai, offering programmes in areas like computer science, AI, business and economics.

Meanwhile, the University of Liverpool is planning a campus in Bengaluru. Its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Tim Jones, reportedly said the university looks forward to offering students “an exceptional learning experience” while building a strong research culture in India.