US, UK universities open offshore campuses in Mumbai

Several universities from the United States and the United Kingdom have initiated steps to open offshore campuses in Mumbai, marking an important move in the globalisation of India’s higher education system. This follows a new regulatory pathway under India’s National Education Policy 2020 and 2023 University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations, which allow overseas institutions to set up fully autonomous operations within the country.

Under these frameworks, several foreign universities have secured Letters of Intent to establish campuses in Mumbai and other Indian cities. Universities including the University of York (UK), University of Aberdeen (UK), Illinois Institute of Technology (US) and University of Bristol (UK) are among those expected to be launching offshore campuses in the city, with some set to begin student admission for the 2026 fall intake.

These campuses are preparing to offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses in areas such as computer science, artificial intelligence, business administration, economics and creative industries. Tuition expenses are expected to fall between ₹12 lakh and ₹20 lakh per year, depending on the programme. The move allows students to earn internationally recognised degrees without the added cost of living abroad.

Experts suggest that the offshore campus model could give students broader access to global education while strengthening the link between the universities and industry in India and establish research partnerships within the country. However, factors such as fee affordability, faculty recruitment and regulatory requirements, including reservation norms, will play an important role in determining the success of these campuses in India.

Source

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/us-uk-universities-open-offshore-campuses-in-mumbai-programmes-fees-intake-explained/articleshow/128377269.cms