UK Universities to Open New Campuses in India

GG News Bureau
London/New Delhi, 9th Oct: The UK’s world-leading higher education sector is set to expand significantly in India, generating an estimated £50 million boost to the UK economy while strengthening bilateral ties.

As part of his two-day trade mission to Mumbai, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that Lancaster University and the University of Surrey have received approval to open new campuses in India. This move aims to meet the growing demand for higher education in India, where 70 million university places will be required by 2035, up from the current 40 million.

“UK universities are admired globally for teaching excellence, high-quality research, and innovation. More Indian students will soon benefit from a world-class British education while creating economic returns and supporting jobs at home,” Starmer said.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson highlighted that opening campuses in India will provide opportunities for young people while delivering financial benefits to UK universities. She added that the expansion reflects Britain’s ambition to build long-term global partnerships in education, research, and innovation.

The University of Southampton inaugurated its first international campus in Delhi earlier this year, while Lancaster University will open a branch in Bengaluru and Surrey will establish a campus at GIFT City. Other universities, including York, Aberdeen, Bristol, Liverpool, Queen’s Belfast, and Coventry, plan to follow suit in 2026.

Professor Andrew Atherton of Southampton emphasized the UK government’s support for international collaboration, while Lancaster’s Professor Simon Guy said the Bengaluru campus will foster industry and academic partnerships. Surrey’s Professor Stephen Jarvis described the initiative as a “powerful skills and research accelerator” strengthening UK-India economic and educational relations.

The expansion is expected to enhance the UK’s soft power by enabling Indian students to access UK-quality education at home, fostering lifelong positive views of the UK. It also lays the foundation for collaborative research and technology development in areas such as AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, and quantum computing.

British Council research shows that students who study through UK education partnerships retain favorable perceptions of the UK for decades. Joint campuses, dual degrees, and research collaborations will deepen ties, nurture global talent, and support the next generation of leaders in both nations.