International Universities Opening Campuses in India: What You Need to Know

International higher education is undergoing a fundamental transformation. Indian students, with 892,989 studying abroad in 2023, are reassessing study abroad options as traditional destinations face growing uncertainty. While overall Indian student outbound numbers dropped by 15 per cent in early 2024, this decline is likely to continue due to ongoing safety concerns, geopolitical instability, and rising costs. 

In the US, campus protests and tightening visa policies have raised concerns. Criticism of Harvard University has added to the uncertainty. In Canada, a worsening housing crisis is affecting perceptions. Australia’s cap on international enrolments, alongside a sharp rise in student visa fees from AU$710 to AU$2,000 in July 2025, now makes this visa the most expensive among major English-speaking destinations. The UK’s proposal to reduce post-study work rights from 24 to 18 months is another factor shaping decisions. 

Rising tuition and living expenses have a similar impact. The EduFund–White Bridge Education White Paper highlights affordability as a growing priority. In response, leading international universities are launching campuses in India. 

This blog explores why and what this means for Indian students seeking a world-class higher education. 

Table of contents

Why are global universities coming to India

India’s higher education landscape is at a pivotal moment. In 2021-22, 4.33 crore (43.3 million) students were pursuing higher education in India. This number increased by 13.8 per cent in 2024-25, exacerbating the challenge of capacity constraints. According to a report by India’s Ministry of Education, the country has just over 1,213 universities (as of 2024) and 58,643 higher education institutions (as of 2022-23), creating a massive gap in demand and supply. 

This gap led the Government of India to introduce the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for a shift from content-heavy learning to skill-based, multidisciplinary education that prepares students for the future of work. It also explicitly encourages internationalisation and the entry of foreign institutions into the Indian market. 

India simultaneously witnessed the rise of new-age private universities that reflected the NEP’s vision of multidisciplinary, skills-focused learning. Institutions such as Ashoka University, Plaksha University, FLAME University, and O.P. Jindal Global University have redefined liberal arts and STEM education by integrating research, entrepreneurship, and global exposure into their curricula. 

Ashoka, for instance, has 2,800 students from 287 Indian cities in India and 21 countries. It is also home to one of India’s largest multidisciplinary faculties in the humanities and social sciences. O.P. Jindal Global University has grown to over 15,000 students across its 12 schools and was ranked the No. 1 private university in India by QS World University Rankings 2023. Over the years, institutions have demonstrated both the appetite and viability for globally benchmarked education within India. The arrival of leading international universities is therefore a natural next step, aligned with the NEP 2020’s call for internationalisation and increased access to world-class education on Indian soil.

In 2022, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced that international institutions would be allowed to establish independent campuses in India. The policy was formalised in 2023 with a draft regulation that enables selected institutions ranked in the global top 500 to operate with full academic and administrative autonomy. These universities can set their own admission criteria, fee structures and curricula, and are not required to follow India’s reservation system. 

This shift could not have come at a better time. For global institutions, India offers an ideal expansion strategy, an English-speaking, youth-heavy population, rising disposable incomes and a growing demand for globally relevant education. India is now the world’s fastest-growing economy, making it a strategic market for long-term investment in education.

We are already seeing this global footprint strategy come to life at the school level. Harrow School, initially established in London in 1572, has expanded across Asia and recently opened a campus in Bengaluru, India. Other international schools include Wellington College International in Pune, Shrewsbury International School India, and the Singapore International School, with several others in development.  

Global universities that have announced campuses in India

The concept of international universities in India is not a new one. However, institutions that entered the country earlier were required to partner with an Indian organisation, often limiting their academic autonomy and scope. However, according to the 2023 University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines, select foreign universities can now establish independent campuses in India without requiring an Indian partner. This shift marks a significant departure from previous models, signalling a new era of higher education in India that gives international universities complete operational control. While a few international universities already operate campuses in India, several others are set to enter the country. Although all names have yet to be revealed, the momentum is growing. Here’s a look at institutions that already have a presence in India, as well as those preparing to launch soon: 

1) Deakin University

Country of origin: Australia
Status: Operational since July 2024
India location: GIFT City, Gujarat

Deakin University has a proud history of engagement with India, dating back to 1994 when it became the first foreign university to establish operations in the country. In the past, it has partnered with various Indian academic and research organisations. However, its GIFT City campus marks a significant milestone as its first international branch campus in India, offering postgraduate programmes in Business Analytics and Cyber Security.

2) University of Wollongong (UOW)

Country of origin: Australia
Status: Operational since November 2024
India location: GIFT City, Gujarat

The University of Wollongong‘s campus in GIFT City represents a strategic expansion of its global presence, mirroring its operations in Dubai, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. As the second Australian university to operate in GIFT City, UOW India offers postgraduate programmes, including the Master of Financial Technology and the Master of Computing (Data Analytics). The campus aims to provide Indian students with world-class education and industry-aligned skills, all without the need to travel abroad, thereby connecting them to a global network of expertise in areas critical to the evolving fintech sector.

3) Queen’s University Belfast

Country of origin: The UK
Status: Received UGC’s formal Letter of Intent 
India location: GIFT City, Gujarat

Queen’s University will initially offer a portfolio of five postgraduate programmes, tailored to address the evolving needs of the Indian economy. It also has plans to expand into additional courses and research opportunities in the future. The establishment is a strategic step to extend Queen’s world-class education to Indian students without them needing to travel overseas.

4) Coventry University

Country of origin: The UK
Status: Received UGC’s formal Letter of Intent 
India location: GIFT City, Gujarat

Coventry University’s upcoming GIFT City campus is part of a planned £1 billion global investment by the Coventry University Group and follows the launch of its India Hub in New Delhi. The campus aims to offer high-quality UK education to Indian students, beginning with undergraduate programmes such as BSc Honours in International Business Management and BSc Honours in Business and Finance. Additional courses are expected in the future. This development reflects the strengthening of UK–India educational ties. 

5) University of Southampton Delhi

Country of origin: The UK
Status: Received UGC’s formal Letter of Intent 
India location: Gurugram, Haryana

The University of Southampton Delhi’s campus will offer a full-fledged international experience, with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees identical to those awarded in the UK. The first intake will include BSc (Hons) programmes in business management, accounting and finance, computer science and economics, along with MSc programmes in international management and finance. The campus will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including a Financial Laboratory equipped with Bloomberg Terminals. It will follow a “Triple Helix” model, integrating education, research and industry engagement to support strong graduate outcomes. The university has received a UGC approval, and its first intake begins August 25, 2025.

6) University of Liverpool 

Country of origin: The UK
Status: Received UGC’s formal Letter of Intent 
India location: Bengaluru, Karnataka

The University of Liverpool’s upcoming campus in Bengaluru will be its first international branch outside China, where it operates the Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University. It will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in business management, accounting and finance, computer science, biomedical sciences and game design. The campus aims to mirror the academic rigour and research-focused environment of its UK counterpart, while fostering global exchange opportunities and strong industry partnerships.

7) University of Western Australia 

Country of origin: Australia
Status: Received UGC’s formal Letter of Intent 
India location: International Education City, Mumbai, Maharashtra and Chennai, Tamil Nadu

The University of Western Australia’s entry into India marks its first major international branch campus initiative outside Australia. The upcoming campuses in Mumbai and Chennai will offer a range of undergraduate and master’s degree programmes, with a strong emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), as well as business and commerce. These programmes are designed to align with the aspirations of Indian students and the demands of a global workforce, delivering qualifications that reflect the academic standards and quality of the university’s Perth campus.

8) University of York 

Country of origin: The UK
Status: Received UGC’s formal Letter of Intent 
India location: International Education City, Mumbai, Maharashtra 

The University of York, a research-led university, is establishing its first overseas campus in Mumbai. The campus will initially offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in high-demand fields, such as computer science with a focus on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, business, economics, and the creative industries. A key feature of the Mumbai campus will be its strong focus on research and industry engagement, supporting India’s innovation goals in areas such as food security, environmental change and emerging technologies. Graduates will be awarded a degree from the University of York, ensuring international recognition.

9) University of Aberdeen 

Country of origin: The UK (Scotland)
Status: Received UGC’s formal Letter of Intent 
India location: International Education City, Mumbai, Maharashtra

The University of Aberdeen’s upcoming campus in Mumbai marks a strategic milestone in its global expansion, focused on delivering high-quality education, advanced research and innovation. Initial offerings will include undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in computing and data science, business management, economics, artificial intelligence and an MBA. Plans include expanding into subjects such as mathematics, international business management, information systems, public health, film studies and psychology. The university also plans to establish a research and innovation office on campus to support collaboration in key areas, such as artificial intelligence, energy, and life sciences, thereby strengthening academic and research links between Scotland and India.

10) Illinois Institute of Technology

Country of origin: The US
Status: Received UGC’s formal Letter of Intent 
India location: International Education City, Mumbai, Maharashtra

The Illinois Institute of Technology is the first US-based university to receive approval from the UGC to establish a campus in India. Its Mumbai campus will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in high-demand fields such as computer science, engineering and business. The curriculum will reflect the academic rigour and industry-focused approach of its Chicago campus, including the university’s signature Elevate programme, which guarantees students access to real-world experiences such as internships and research. The campus will offer US-accredited degrees in India, with opportunities for cross-campus study and global classroom engagement, preparing students for leadership roles in technology and innovation without requiring relocation abroad.

11) Istituto Europeo di Design (IED)

Country of origin: Italy
Status: Received UGC’s formal Letter of Intent 
India location: International Education City, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Istituto Europeo di Design is bringing its expertise in design, fashion, visual arts and communication to India with a new campus in Mumbai. Globally, the institution offers a wide range of undergraduate qualifications, such as First Level Academic Diplomas, BAH degrees and IED Diplomas, as well as postgraduate programmes. While the Mumbai campus has confirmed the launch of Bachelor’s Degree (DAPL) courses, the complete programme list is yet to be announced. However, offerings are expected to reflect IED’s core strengths, preparing students for careers in the creative industries. The campus will introduce Indian students to IED’s distinctive methodology, which emphasises hands-on learning, strong industry engagement and an international outlook.

12) Western Sydney University 

Country of Origin: Australia
Status: Received UGC’s formal Letter of Intent 
India location: Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh

Western Sydney University will offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in India, with an initial focus on computer science, business and engineering. A key priority will be sustainable development, supported by the launch of a Centre of Excellence in Greater Noida dedicated to smart farming and water-security research. This strategic expansion reflects the university’s commitment to global collaboration and its intent to deepen educational partnerships with India.

What will international campuses in India offer students

1) Global education at a lower cost

These new campuses bring international degrees to India at a fraction of the cost. While tuition at overseas campuses can range from INR 30-60 lakh per annum, students in India may pay around INR 8-20 lakh annually to study at the Indian campus counterpart, depending on the institution and programme. This opens up access to students who may not have the resources to study abroad but still seek a globally recognised qualification.

Source: University websites 

2) World-class academics and infrastructure

Most campuses aim to replicate the teaching quality and academic culture of their parent institutions. Several institutions are investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure, including residential housing, laboratories, and student facilities, to create a well-rounded learning environment that meets international standards.

3) Flexible global pathways

Many universities are expected to offer 2+2 models, allowing students to complete part of their degree in India before transferring to the parent campus abroad. Others will offer summer schools, semester exchanges or short-term study programmes, giving students global exposure without the cost of a full overseas degree.

4) A new tier in Indian higher education

Much like Ashoka University, Plaksha University, and O.P. Jindal Global University, international campuses are now reshaping the local landscape with credit-based, interdisciplinary models. They add a new tier to the current mix of traditional colleges and new-age private universities, offering students more choice in how and where they pursue their undergraduate or postgraduate studies.

Factors to consider when choosing international campuses in India

As international universities establish campuses in India, students and families must evaluate whether these options align with their academic and career goals. Key considerations include:

1) Cost 

Tuition fees at international campuses in India are significantly lower than those at overseas locations. However, they still represent a premium over most domestic colleges. For example, the first-year course fee for the two-year Master of Business Analytics programme at Deakin University, GIFT City, Gujarat, in 2025 is AU$39,600 (approximately INR 22 lakh). The cost varies depending on the units, study load, course length and any approved recognition of prior learning. However, the Australian campus charges an estimated annual fee of AU$43,000 (approximately INR 23.65 lakh) for the same programme. On the other hand, FLAME University’s total cost of attendance for an MBA in Business Analytics for Year 1 is INR 9,80,000, and for Year 2, it is INR 9,90,000. While tuition for undergraduate programmes at these international campuses has not yet been announced, the cost differential is expected to follow a similar pattern.

2) Scholarship 

Several international campuses in India are offering scholarships to improve access and promote diversity. At the University of Wollongong (UOW) India, students can apply for merit-based awards, early bird discounts, and the Women Leaders in FinTech & Data Analytics Scholarship, which covers 50 percent of tuition for eligible female applicants. The University of Southampton Delhi also offers competitive merit-based funding options, such as the Cambridge Scholarship Fund, the Undergraduate Presidential Scholarship, and the Postgraduate Presidential Scholarship. Southampton Delhi also offers the need-based Future Talent Bursary to up to 8 students. 

2) Academic interest

Students should ensure that their chosen field is available and that the curriculum aligns with their goals, as some campuses may initially offer limited programs in their chosen field of study. For example, Illinois Institute of Technology in Mumbai will focus on specialised STEM and business programmes, including degrees in artificial intelligence and computer science with a strong project-based approach. Those interested in creative disciplines can consider Istituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Mumbai, which plans to offer its signature Bachelor’s Degree (DAPL) courses in design, fashion and visual arts, with full programme details.

3) Global pathway opportunities

Several campuses offer mobility options, such as summer exchanges or transfer pathways to the parent university, which are ideal for students seeking international exposure. Queen’s University Belfast encourages study abroad periods and global work placements as part of its GIFT City programmes. Similarly, the University of Liverpool, launching in Bengaluru, plans to provide students access to its global mobility scheme, supporting academic and professional opportunities abroad.

5) Student life and peer group

Beyond academics, students should consider what campus life will look like. A vibrant peer group, access to extracurricular activities, mentorship and industry exposure all contribute to a well-rounded education. For instance, the University of York’s planned campus in Mumbai aims to replicate the vibrant academic and social experience of its UK counterpart.

6) Career support

Access to industry projects, placement assistance, and internships that rival the likes of Ashoka University’s mandatory credit-bearing internship programme will be a key differentiator. Students should investigate whether the campus offers dedicated career services and how closely these services are integrated with employers, both in India and abroad. Deakin University’s GIFT City Campus provides a compelling example, having already announced its first successful placement cycle for its postgraduate students. Notably, students from the Master of Business Analytics programme secured paid internships that are set to lead to full-time roles upon graduation at the National Australia Bank’s Innovation Centre in India. For many students, the idea of studying at a world-class university once meant leaving home, navigating new countries, and carrying the weight of enormous cost. That idea is changing. With global institutions arriving in India, students no longer have to choose between staying close to family and pursuing an international education. What was once a distant possibility is now at their doorstep. Need guidance with your application to international universities opening campuses in India? Connect now with our undergraduate admissions experts. Meanwhile, read our blogs: The Revival of Liberal Arts Education in India and What’s Changing in Global Undergraduate Applications: Trends from the 2025-26 Cycle Onwards.