The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued Letters of Intent (LoT) to 12 foreign universities to establish their campuses in India, Union Minister of State for Education Sukanta Majumdar informed the Lok Sabha today. The announcement marks a historic step towards internationalizing higher education in India and offering students global-level learning opportunities without having to move abroad.
In a written reply, the minister also confirmed that the UGC is currently processing applications of two more Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs). Once approved, these institutions will join the growing list of foreign universities planning to establish a presence in India.
UGC Regulations for FHEI Campuses in India
The campuses of foreign universities will be set up under “the UGC (Setting Up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023” and the International Financial Services Centers Authority (IFSCA) Regulations, 2022. These frameworks provide guidelines for the operation of international campuses, ensuring quality education, transparency, and accountability.
As per the official statement, the UGC defines a “campus” as a branch established in India by a foreign university, while the IFSCA regulations specifically allow international branch campuses to operate within GIFT City SEZ, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Foreign Universities Approved Under FDSCA
In the written reply, the minister highlighted that Deakin University and University of Wollongong (Australia), Queen’s University of Belfast (Ireland), and Coventry University (UK) have already been registered under the FDSCA to set up their campuses in GIFT City, Gandhinagar. Additionally, one more application is currently under evaluation by the IFSCA.
UGC-Approved List of 12 Foreign Universities
According to the data shared by the Education Ministry, the highest number of campuses (six) will be established in Mumbai, followed by two in Bengaluru, and one each in Gurugram, Delhi-NCR, Greater Noida, and Chennai.
Here is the complete list of foreign universities approved so far:
- University of Southampton, UK – Gurugram (Operational)
- Victoria University, Australia – Delhi NCR
- Western Sydney University, Australia – Greater Noida
- University of Liverpool, UK – Bengaluru
- La Trobe University, Australia – Bengaluru
- University of York, UK – Mumbai
- University of Aberdeen, UK – Mumbai
- University of Bristol, UK – Mumbai
- IED Istituto Europeo di Design, Italy – Mumbai
- Illinois Institute of Technology, USA – Mumbai
- Western Australia University, Australia – Mumbai
- Western Australia University, Australia – Chennai
Boost for Global Education in India
The establishment of these campuses is expected to reduce brain drain, provide international standard education within India, and enhance student mobility and collaboration. With the UGC’s approval of 12 FHEIs and more applications under consideration, India is fast emerging as a global hub for higher education.
This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the importance of making Indian higher education globally competitive while also attracting international students
