Top UK Universities to Establish Campuses in India Under New UGC Guidelines

In a significant stride toward strengthening India-UK educational ties, five leading UK universities are preparing to establish campuses across various Indian cities, marking a transformative moment in international higher education. The University of Southampton has already made history by launching its campus in Gurugram—becoming the first to do so under the University Grants Commission (UGC) 2023 regulations. The announcement was made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to London, where he engaged with prominent UK education and diplomatic leaders. Emphasizing the deepening collaboration, PM Modi stated: “Six universities from the UK are setting up campuses in India. Just last week, the University of Southampton opened its first campus in Gurugram.” This development aligns closely with India’s vision to emerge as a global education destination, as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which allows top-ranked foreign institutions to establish independent campuses within the country.

University of Southampton Sets a Precedent in Gurugram

Ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and a distinguished member of the prestigious Russell Group, the University of Southampton has officially launched its Indian campus at the International Tech Park in Gurugram. This landmark move marks it as the first international university to establish a full-fledged branch campus under the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new regulatory framework.

To start, the Gurugram campus will offer two MSc and four BSc programs, all designed to mirror the academic quality and curriculum of its UK counterpart. Students enrolled in these programs will also have the chance to spend up to a year studying at the University’s campuses in either the UK or Malaysia—offering a truly global learning experience.

University of Liverpool, Bengaluru Campus

Building on Southampton’s pioneering move, the University of Liverpool has received approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish its own campus in Bengaluru. With plans to welcome its first batch of students in the 2026–27 academic year, Liverpool will become the second Russell Group university to launch a branch campus in India—further strengthening academic ties between the two nations.

Other UK University Campuses to open in Mumbai

Talks are underway for the University of York, University of Aberdeen, and University of Bristol to open their respective campuses in Mumbai, with a focus on programs in STEM and Management Disciplines.

Strengthening India–UK Ties through Education

Speaking at a dedicated education summit in London, Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami highlighted the UK as the first nation to actively leverage India’s evolving higher education reforms. He praised the transformative influence of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) updated framework, which now empowers top-ranked international universities to set up fully autonomous campuses within India.

The growing presence of prestigious UK institutions on Indian soil is set to revolutionize access to global-quality education. For Indian students, this means the opportunity to earn world-class degrees without the financial and logistical challenges of studying abroad—all while maintaining the same academic standards as their overseas counterparts.

Beyond affordable tuition, these campuses promise industry-aligned programs, practical training, and strong job placement support. The University of Southampton, for instance, has already formed valuable partnerships with major firms like Deloitte and Investec, ensuring students gain real-world experience through internships and professional exposure.

With these international campuses taking root, India is redefining its educational landscape and positioning itself as a global leader in transnational education. This wave of collaboration signals a future where top-tier education becomes more inclusive, accessible, and career-focused.

To explore how these developments can shape your academic path, students are encouraged to connect with Pacific Educational Consultant for expert guidance and personalized support.