We are about to witness an historic shift in India’s education landscape. The Prime Secretary Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer have announced that nine of the most prestigious British universities will open campuses throughout India and will be the largest overseas expansion of a university in India’s history. This innovative initiative is in perfect alignment with the Indian National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, and is a major moment in the India-UK collaboration on education.
The University of Southampton has already opened its campus in Gurugram with 140 students in the program in September 2025. It is laying the stage for what academics call “a new era in the higher educational system.” Students can now access top-of-the-line British education without ever leaving Indian shores, which makes quality higher education more affordable and accessible more than it has ever been.
Nine UK universities to set up campuses in India
The announcement is made at the moment when India is facing a huge demand-supply gap in education. There are currently 40 million students studying at Indian universities, however the country will require 70 million education spaces in 2035. Nine UK campus universities will aid in bridging this gap, while preserving the international standards of education.
The initiative is governed by Regulations of the UGC (Setting Up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations for 2023. As per these regulations only those universities that are ranked in the top 500 in QS rankings are able to create campuses in India and ensure that you receive the best education available from internationally renowned institutions.
Nine UK Universities Campus In India Overview
| Category | Details |
| Announcement Title | Nine UK Universities to Set Up Campuses in India |
| Announced By | PM Narendra Modi & UK PM Keir Starmer |
| Policy Alignment | National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 |
| Regulatory Framework | UGC (Setting Up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign HEIs in India) Regulations, 2023 |
| Objective | Overcome India’s educational demand-supply gap Provide world-class and affordable education |
| Future Focus Areas | Artificial Intelligence, Finance, Cybersecurity, and Research Collaboration |
| Key Partnership Add-ons | Industry Guild & Supply Chain Observatory (satellite at ISM Dhanbad) |
| Website | https://www.gov.uk/ |
Economic Benefits and Strategic Partnerships
You’ll be glad to know that this development will provide significant economic benefits for both nations. The UK government estimates that this project will bring in PS 50 Million towards the British economy, while also creating many opportunities to learn to Indian students.
In the course of the announcement, Prime Minister Modi stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations, noting the fact that “the biggest and the most powerful group from the education sector to date has been together with the Prime Minister Starmer”. This partnership extends beyond education, since both leaders have also opted to create an Industry Guild and Supply Chain Observatory to cooperate on vital minerals, and its satellite campus located at ISM Dhanbad.
Specialized Programs and Focus Areas
The universities will provide a variety of programs that are tailored to India’s increasing demands. For instance, the University of Surrey, for example, will initially focus on finance, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity courses as it begins its first semester at GIFT City in 2026-27. The specialized programs are in line with India’s digital transformation plans and the rising need for tech-savvy professionals.
You’ll be able to access collaboration opportunities in research with UK as well as Indian institutions, which encourages the development of new ideas and promoting partnerships between industry and academia. The collaboration is designed to accelerate the development of skills and build a stronger educational environment.
Complete List of UK Universities Setting Up Indian Campuses
| University | Location in India | Status |
| University of Southampton | Gurugram | In operation (September 2025) |
| University of Liverpool | Bangalore | Approved, soon to open |
| University of York | Mumbai | Approved, and opening to follow soon |
| University of Aberdeen | Mumbai | Approved, soon to open |
| University of Bristol | Mumbai | The summer of 2026 is about to begin. |
| Lancaster University | Bangalore | Recently, the approval was granted. |
| University of Surrey | GIFT City, Gujarat | Opening 2026-27 |
| Queen’s University Belfast | GIFT City, Gujarat | Approved |
| Coventry University | GIFT City, Gujarat | Approved |
Regulatory Framework and Quality Assurance
The setting up of these campuses is governed by strict guidelines for regulation. Universities that establish in GIFT City operate under International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) regulations starting in 2022. Those located elsewhere adhere to UGC regulations.
This regulatory framework will ensure that you get a quality education that is in line with international standards, while also being tailored to Indian demands. In addition, the University Grants Commission has issued Letters of Intent (LoIs) to a variety of universities, demonstrating the methodological approach to expanding.
Future Prospects and Expansion Plans
The announcement puts it in the UK as the nation with the biggest higher education footprint in India. Keir Starmer expressed his happiness by saying, “I am delighted that more Indian students can benefit from high-quality British educational opportunities in coming years, improving the relationship between the two countries, while injecting millions of dollars back into our economy, and creating the creation of jobs in India”.
This success story of Southampton University’s Gurugram campus which received its first 140 undergraduates in the month of September, 2025 acts as an example for other institutions. This initial success shows the potential and demand for British universities in India.
The announcement of historic nine UK universities opening campuses in India is a moment of transformation in higher-education. You can now gain access to top-quality British education, without the logistical and financial burdens of going abroad to study. The University of Southampton already operational and more expected in the near future, this program will transform India’s education landscape, close the gap between supply and demand and improve relations between the UK and India for the foreseeable future. The focus on the newest areas like artificial intelligence cyber-security, finance, and more will ensure you’re prepared to compete in the job market of tomorrow as you contribute to India’s expanding economic and technological ecosystem.
FAQ’s
Q1: What date will UK university campuses begin accepting students?
It is the University of Southampton is already in operation since the beginning of September 2025. In addition, the University of Bristol will begin admissions in the summer of 2026, and it is expected that the University of Surrey will start in 2026 and into the year 2027. Other universities are also expected to begin opening campuses gradually in the coming years.
Q2: Which UK universities are setting up campuses in India?
Nine prestigious universities — including the University of Southampton, University of Liverpool, University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Bristol, Lancaster University, University of Surrey, Queen’s University Belfast, and Coventry University — will establish campuses across Indian cities like Gurugram, Mumbai, Bangalore, and GIFT City (Gujarat).
Q3: What is fee to study on these UK campus universities in India when compared with going to the UK?
A: Although exact fee structures aren’t yet announced for all schools, a degree in this Indian campuses is likely to be considerably less expensive than a course in the UK in that you’ll cut down on the cost of international flights, lodging and living costs while getting the UK degree.