University of Southampton to Open Campus in India: NEP 2020 Vision Realized

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th August. In a development aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Ministry of Education has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the University of Southampton (UoS), UK, to establish its first campus in India. This initiative marks a major step toward enhancing the global education landscape and offers Indian students an opportunity to gain international exposure while studying in India.

The Letter of Intent was presented at a ceremony in New Delhi, titled “Internationalization of Education under NEP 2020: Setting up of Foreign University in India.” The event was graced by Union Minister for External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar and featured distinguished guests, including Shri Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education; Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary; Ms. Christina Scott, Deputy High Commissioner, UK in India; Mr. Andrew Atherton, Vice-President, International, UoS; and other notable academicians and officials.

Dr. Jaishankar expressed enthusiasm about the establishment of the University of Southampton campus, emphasizing its role in elevating educational standards and enhancing India-UK educational cooperation. He highlighted this initiative as part of the broader India-UK Road Map 2030, which includes the MoU on Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications and the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI).

Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan praised the move as a step towards “internationalization at home” and a testament to India’s commitment to global educational excellence. He emphasized the importance of creating a vibrant ecosystem for research and global collaboration, underscoring that the establishment of foreign university campuses in India is integral to producing globally-aware citizens.

Shri K. Sanjay Murthy highlighted ongoing reform initiatives under NEP 2020, aimed at promoting inclusive, high-quality education and expanding global educational opportunities. He noted the reforms include enabling joint and dual degree programs and streamlining the entry of foreign students to Indian institutions.

Professor Andrew Atherton stated that the University of Southampton’s campus in Delhi will offer a range of programs across business, computing, law, engineering, art, and biosciences. The university has outlined a 10-year plan, with the initial three years offering programs in Computer Science, Business Management, Accounting, Finance, Economics, and International Management, among others.

The NEP 2020 emphasizes achieving global standards in higher education and promoting India as a premier study destination. The new UoS campus is expected to enhance India’s educational appeal and strengthen India-UK ties, setting the stage for future international academic collaborations.