UK institutions like York and Southampton expand to India, focusing on high-demand programs, as the country opens its doors to foreign universities.
UK universities are expanding into India, with the University of York finalizing its new campus in Mumbai. The campus will admit around 270 students for the 2026-27 academic year, with plans to increase enrollment to 3,000-4,000 students annually in subsequent years, according to Lindsay Oades, provost of the University of York in Mumbai.
Nine UK universities, including Aberdeen, Bristol, Liverpool, Queen's University Belfast, and Coventry, announced plans to set up campuses in India following visits last year. The University of Southampton has already opened its campus in Delhi, focusing primarily on business, management, and engineering programs.
Background on Indian Education Policy
India's National Education Policy in 2020 allowed foreign universities to operate in the country, with rules notified in 2023 to facilitate their establishment. This move addresses the gap in high-quality education, as India has 40 million university students and needs 70 million places by 2035.
Aritra Ghosal of OneStep Global noted that about 11 million students complete Grade 12 annually in India, with only 200,000 admitted to top-tier institutions. Fees at York's Indian campus will be around 50% of UK rates, targeting students who can afford programs above £10,000 per year.
Students at these campuses can opt for hybrid learning between Indian and UK sites, potentially attracting those deterred by immigration rules. However, success depends on maintaining academic standards, cost discipline, and industry partnerships.
Challenges include regulatory complexities and infrastructure needs, with estimates requiring nearly 30,000 acres of land and $100 billion in investments. Many universities are partnering with local firms to navigate these issues, adopting asset-light strategies initially.
Enrollment is expected to start small and grow over five to seven years based on alumni outcomes and employer acceptance. Last year, international campuses contributed $1.34 billion to British universities' $43 billion in exports.
