Nine British campuses to open across India

The UK is set to become the leading foreign higher education presence in India with the approval of nine new British university campuses, announced during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Mumbai on Thursday. Following the recent launch of the University of Southampton campus in Gurugram, the University of Lancaster and University of Surrey are the latest to receive approval. Other universities joining the initiative include the University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Bristol, University of Liverpool, Queen’s University Belfast, and the University of Coventry, with campuses expected to open from next year.

Downing Street stated that these new campuses will strengthen the UK’s global educational reputation and are projected to add £50 million to the British economy. “More Indian students will soon access a world-class British education, strengthening ties between our nations while supporting jobs at home,” said Starmer. UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson highlighted that these initiatives will deliver benefits for both Indian students and British universities.

The universities plan to collaborate with Indian businesses, industry, and local institutions. The University of Lancaster will open a campus in Bengaluru, focusing on growth through partnerships, while the University of Surrey’s GIFT City campus in Gujarat aims to combine UK higher education with India’s talent. The University of York campus in Mumbai will prioritize research and collaborations in sustainability, technology, and creative industries.

Starmer’s visit also highlighted Imperial College London’s tie-up with Science Gallery Bengaluru and medtech collaborations between UCL, IIT Delhi, and AIIMS. With 40 million students currently enrolled in Indian universities and an estimated demand of 70 million by 2035, the UK aims to tap into this growing market, boosting an estimated £32 billion in international education exports.