The United Kingdom (UK) is set to achieve a major milestone in its global education outreach, becoming the country with the largest higher education footprint in India, following the confirmation of nine new British university campuses. The announcement came during Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Mumbai on Thursday, marking a historic expansion of UK-India education ties.
Nine British Universities to Open Campuses Across India
During his visit, Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed that the University of Lancaster and University of Surrey have received approval to open new campuses in India. This follows the recent inauguration of the University of Southampton’s campus in Gurugram, Haryana.
The next institutions in line to establish their Indian campuses from 2026 include:
- University of York
- University of Aberdeen
- University of Bristol
- University of Liverpool
- Queen’s University Belfast
- University of Coventry
“Thanks to the new campuses announced today, the UK is set to become the country with the biggest higher education footprint in India – in a major boost for the UK’s reputation abroad,” said a Downing Street statement.
A £50 Million Boost to the UK Economy
According to the UK government, this expansion will bring a £50 million boost to the British economy, reinforcing the country’s higher education as one of its most powerful export sectors.
“I’m delighted that more Indian students will be able to benefit from a world-class British education in the near future – strengthening the ties between our two countries while pumping millions back into our economy and supporting jobs at home,” said Prime Minister Starmer.
UK Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson added, “Opening new campuses in India will give more young people the chance to benefit from a UK education, while delivering real returns for our universities at home.”
The largest trade mission accompanying Starmer includes several UK university vice-chancellors, who joined him in celebrating the growing India-UK education partnership at a high-level meeting in Mumbai.
Collaboration and Research at the Core of UK-India Education Partnership
The initiative, branded as the Universities in India Alliance, aims to foster academic collaboration, research partnerships, and skill development.
Professor Stephen Jarvis, President of the University of Surrey, stated that its upcoming International Branch Campus at GIFT City, Gujarat, will “realise the enormous potential of UK higher education combined with India’s remarkable talent and ambition.”
The University of Lancaster, which will open its branch in Bengaluru, emphasized partnerships with Indian industries and local universities to “collaboratively spark growth.”
Similarly, Professor Charlie Jeffery of the University of York, announcing its Mumbai campus, said, “We are building on this momentum, placing research and collaboration at the heart of our engagement and supporting India’s ambitions in sustainability, future technologies, and creative industries.”
Strengthening UK-India Academic and Scientific Collaboration
Other key outcomes from Starmer’s visit include:
- Imperial College London’s partnership with Science Gallery Bengaluru for scientific innovation.
- University College London (UCL) entering medtech collaborations with IIT Delhi and AIIMS.
With 40 million university students in India and 70 million seats needed by 2035, the demand for higher education is rapidly expanding. The UK, already generating £32 billion in export revenue through international education, sees India as a pivotal growth market.
