In a major boost to internationalisation under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, UGC Approves Foreign Universities to set up their campus. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued formal Letters of Approval to three elite global institutions to launch standalone campuses in India.

The University of Bristol (UK), the University of York (UK), and the University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney, Australia) have received the green light to set up operations, recruit faculty, and begin student intake in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

Top UK and Australian Universities Heading to India

The newly approved foreign university campuses in India will offer identical curricula and degrees as their home institutions. This expansion brings the total number of UGC-approved foreign universities setting up physical bases in the country to five, following previous clearances for the University of Southampton and the University of Liverpool.

The campus breakdown and course offerings include:

  • University of Bristol (Mumbai – Powai): Specialisations include data science, finance, immersive arts, economics, business management, and innovation.
  • University of York (Mumbai): Core programs span artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, computer science, creative industries, and management.
  • University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney – Bengaluru): Located at Manyata Business Park, focusing on clean energy partnerships, health sectors, computer science, and business.

Reversing Brain Drain and Lowering Education Costs

The UGC’s regulatory framework ensures that these international campuses maintain the same academic standards, evaluation metrics, and qualification status as their parent campuses.

By delivering top-tier global education locally, the Indian government aims to curb “brain drain,” attract foreign direct investment (FDI) into higher education, and significantly reduce the financial burden on Indian families who would otherwise pay for overseas living expenses.

The institutions are currently finalising infrastructure setup, with academic operations and initial student intake cycles expected to kick off by late 2026.

Which cities will host the approved foreign university campuses?

The approved foreign universities will establish campuses in Mumbai and Bengaluru, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Which foreign universities have received UGC approval?

The University of Bristol, University of York, and UNSW Sydney have received UGC approval to establish campuses in India.

When will admissions begin at these campuses?

Admissions are expected to begin for the 2026 academic session, subject to each university’s announced schedule.