India is poised for a transformative shift in its higher education landscape as fifteen foreign universities prepare to establish campuses across the country in the upcoming academic year. This initiative, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to enhance global exposure for Indian students, particularly in STEMB (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Business) fields, and reduce the necessity for studying abroad.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has granted Letters of Intent (LoIs) to five prestigious institutions: the University of Liverpool (UK), Illinois Institute of Technology (USA), Victoria University (Australia), Western Sydney University (Australia), and Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy). These approvals mark a significant step in India’s strategy to internationalize its higher education sector and attract global academic talent and resources. The Economic TimesThe Times of India+1The Economic Times+1
The University of Liverpool is set to open its first overseas campus in Bengaluru, Karnataka, with admissions expected to commence in the 2026-27 academic year. This development makes it the second Russell Group institution to establish a campus in India, following the University of Southampton’s campus in Gurugram. Financial Times+2The Times of India+2The Guardian+2
Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) is poised to become the first American university to establish a campus in India, reflecting the growing interest among U.S. educational institutions in expanding their global footprint in the country. The Economic Times
Western Sydney University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to establish a campus in Greater Noida. The university plans to set up a Centre of Excellence focusing on smart farming, water security, and the treatment of agri-based commodities, leveraging the region’s growing export potential. The Indian ExpressETGovernment.com
These developments are part of a broader push to internationalize education in India, offering students access to diverse academic opportunities and fostering an international academic environment on Indian campuses. The expansion is expected to provide Indian students with broader educational opportunities, reduce the need to travel abroad for quality education, and enhance the domestic higher education landscape. The Economic Times+1The Times of India+1The Times of India+1The Economic Times+1
The NEP 2020 envisions a comprehensive transformation of India’s education system, aiming to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio in higher education to 50% by 2035. It also proposes the establishment of Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities (MERUs) to promote research collaborations and student exchanges between Indian and global institutions. India TV NewsWikipedia+1India TV News+1
As India continues to evolve as a global education hub, the establishment of these foreign university campuses signifies a significant milestone in the country’s educational reform strategy, offering students access to globally recognized academic programs within the country.
