Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced that 15 foreign universities will open branches in India this academic year, focusing mainly on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.
University of Liverpool Gets Permission to Open Bengaluru Campus
The University of Liverpool received formal approval to start its campus in Bengaluru. The Letter of Intent (LoI) was handed over in a ceremony in New Delhi, presided over by Pradhan. This makes Liverpool the second foreign university to receive such approval under the new UGC regulations of 2023.
Growing Presence of Foreign Universities in India
Pradhan said the University of Liverpool is the fourth foreign university to publicly announce plans to establish a campus in India. By the end of this academic year, 15 foreign universities are expected to begin operations in the country, especially in STEM subjects. The University of Southampton was the first to get LoI and may open its campus later this year.
NEP 2020 and Vision for Viksit Bharat
The Minister emphasized that implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is vital to achieve the goal of a developed India (Viksit Bharat) by 2047. NEP aims to provide rooted, forward-looking, and global education to prepare Indian students as global citizens.
Programs and Research at Bengaluru Campus
The Liverpool campus in Bengaluru will start admitting undergraduate and postgraduate students in August 2026. Initial courses will include Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science, and Biomedical Sciences. A unique program in Game Design will also be offered, marking a first for UK universities in India.
The campus will focus on research that is fundamental, applied, and industry-oriented, addressing global and local challenges.
Collaborations with Industry and Organizations
On the same day, MoUs were signed with several organizations, including the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, AstraZeneca Pharma India, YouWeCan, and Dream11, to explore collaborative opportunities.
UGC on the New Wave in Indian Higher Education
Vineet Joshi, Interim Chair of UGC, stated that issuing the LoI is more than a formality; it signals a significant transformation in India’s higher education sector, driven by strategic reforms, international cooperation, and robust policy support.
