India is entering a transformative phase in higher education, driven by international collaboration and bold policy reforms. Over the past two years, several leading foreign universities — particularly from the UK and Australia — have begun establishing campuses within India. This aligns with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to internationalize Indian education and increase the gross enrollment ratio in higher education from 28% to 50% by 2035.

At ABKI Solutions, we view this trend as a significant step toward making world-class education more accessible to Indian students — right here at home.

UK Universities Expanding into India

Regulatory changes in 2023 opened the doors for foreign universities to establish independent campuses in India. Several prominent UK institutions quickly embraced the opportunity:

• University of Southampton became one of the first to launch a campus in Gurgaon’s International Tech Park, offering undergraduate and postgraduate programs in computing, business, engineering, economics, and law. This Delhi-area campus is set to enroll up to 5,500 students annually, with tuition costs roughly 50% lower than in the UK.

• Following Southampton, other UK universities announced their own India plans:

  • Newcastle University

  • University of Surrey

  • Coventry University

  • Queen’s University Belfast, which will launch postgraduate programs in Gujarat’s GIFT City by January 2025.

This wave of expansion reflects a commitment to fostering cross-border education and providing students in India access to international curricula without the need to relocate abroad.

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Australian Universities Making Inroads

Australia is also playing a key role in reshaping India’s higher education landscape:

• Deakin University became the first foreign university to establish a full-fledged Indian campus, located in GIFT City, Gujarat. It will begin offering postgraduate programs in cybersecurity and business analytics from July 2024.

• University of Wollongong is also preparing to launch a campus in GIFT City, with operations expected to begin around the same time.

• Western Sydney University has announced a campus in Bengaluru, opening by 2025, with a strong focus on STEM education, particularly in the field of agriculture. The university aims to enroll 1,000 students over the next five years.

These developments provide Indian students access to globally recognized programs while staying close to home, often at a more affordable cost.

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Canadian Universities: A Waiting Game

Despite strong academic and cultural ties with India, Canadian universities have not yet announced plans to establish campuses here.

While Canada remains a top destination for Indian students studying abroad, factors like regulatory complexities, investment strategies, and long-term planning may be influencing the slower pace of entry. However, with the growing success of UK and Australian institutions, Canadian universities may soon follow, especially given India’s increasing demand for diverse and high-quality education pathways.

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What This Means for Indian Students

The presence of foreign campuses in India is reshaping the educational landscape in multiple ways:

• Reduced costs for world-class education

• International degrees without the need for overseas relocation

• Exposure to global teaching standards and academic cultures

• Greater opportunities for collaborative research and innovation

As India’s education sector becomes more globally integrated, students will benefit from more choices, enhanced accessibility, and international career pathways — all from their home country.

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Conclusion: A New Chapter for Indian Higher Education

India’s progressive policy reforms, coupled with a booming youth population, are attracting top global institutions to invest in its higher education sector. The entry of UK and Australian universities marks a pivotal shift toward the globalization of Indian education — and this is just the beginning.

At ABKI Solutions, we are excited to support students and institutions navigating this new era. Whether you’re a student exploring options or a university seeking expansion opportunities, we’re here to help you think globally and act locally.

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