India, with its rich history of knowledge exchange dating back to the legendary Nalanda and Takshashila universities, is undergoing a transformation in its higher education sector. Today, the nation stands poised to reclaim its role as a global hub for education and research, fueled by the vision of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047. The country’s burgeoning demographic, combined with its policy initiatives and the strength of its academic institutions, offers immense opportunities for international universities to establish a presence and collaborate with India’s higher education ecosystem.
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has marked a turning point in India’s educational approach, encouraging a global outlook by fostering partnerships between domestic and international institutions, and by creating a framework for foreign universities to operate in India. For foreign universities seeking to expand their footprint, India is not only a promising market but also an essential partner in addressing global educational challenges.
A rich legacy, a modern challenge: Internationalisation in India’s history
India’s role in shaping global education dates back over two millennia. Ancient institutions like Nalanda and Takshashila attracted scholars from across Asia, creating an intellectual and cultural exchange that laid the foundation for today’s global education network. These early educational institutions didn’t just focus on knowledge within India—they were international hubs where scholars from China, Korea, and Southeast Asia learned and exchanged ideas.
Fast forward to post-independence India, and while the focus was initially on nation-building and self-sufficiency, the liberalisation of the economy in the 1990s set the stage for greater international collaboration. Today, India is home to world-renowned institutes such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), which have elevated India’s status on the global education map.
The internationalisation of higher education: A strategic policy shift
The NEP 2020 is central to India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its higher education landscape. One of the policy’s key priorities is to make India a global destination for education, research, and innovation. Among its most ambitious goals is the opening of India’s higher education system to international institutions. The policy envisions the creation of International Branch Campuses (IBCs) and encourages collaborations between Indian and foreign universities in the form of twinning, dual, and joint degree programs.
These steps are intended to make India more attractive to international students and faculty, while also encouraging Indian universities to set up campuses abroad, expanding India’s global reach. As part of the policy, India also seeks to foster collaborations in research, curriculum development, and faculty exchange, enhancing its global academic footprint.
UK universities in India: Expanding educational ties
In alignment with the goals of NEP 2020 to promote transnational education, the University Grants Commission (UGC)has been actively supporting the entry of prestigious foreign universities into India. The first to receive approval under these new guidelines was the University of Southampton, which inaugurated its campus in Gurugram in 2025. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in UK-India educational collaborations.
Following this, several other renowned UK universities have received letters of intent from the UGC to establish campuses in India, setting the stage for a new wave of global educational opportunities:
- University of Liverpool – This university received its letter of intent in May 2025.
- University of York – Handed the letter on 14 June 2025, this marks an exciting development for Indian students wishing to access a world-class UK education at home.
- University of Aberdeen – This is a particularly significant addition, as it becomes the first Scottish university to receive approval for a branch campus in India, further deepening the UK-India academic relationship.
These initiatives not only bring the curricula of top UK institutions to Indian soil but also offer Indian students an opportunity to earn globally recognised degrees without having to leave their home country. This movement is set to benefit Indian students, provide opportunities for collaboration in research, and elevate India’s standing as a global education hub.
Seven Australian universities expanding their footprint in India
Australia has also joined the growing trend of international universities setting up campuses in India. As part of the shift from sending Indian students abroad to study Australian degrees, several leading Australian universities have confirmed their plans to open campuses in India. The University of New South Wales (UNSW) is set to open its first overseas campus in Bengaluru in 2026, positioning itself at the heart of India’s technology hub.
Other Australian universities have also signaled their intention to establish branch campuses in India. These include:
- La Trobe University
- Victoria University
- Western Sydney University
- University of Western Australia
Already, Deakin University and University of Wollongong have opened campuses in GIFT City, Gujarat, marking a consolidation of India-Australia educational ties. With these universities establishing a presence in India, the landscape of higher education is set to evolve further, offering Indian students access to globally renowned degrees within their own country.
Opportunities for foreign institutions: A market ripe for collaboration
India’s rapidly expanding higher education market presents ample opportunities for foreign universities, particularly in fields such as engineering, management, and the arts. According to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), Indian institutions are making steady strides in improving their global rankings, but there remains a significant gap in certain fields where foreign expertise can play a crucial role.
- Academic Collaboration & Dual Degree Programs: Foreign universities can collaborate with top Indian institutions to offer joint and dual degree programs, particularly in high-demand fields such as technology, business, and social sciences. This enables Indian students to gain access to globally recognized qualifications while staying in India, reducing the financial burden of studying abroad.
- Research Partnerships: India’s growing emphasis on research and innovation presents a fertile ground for foreign universities to engage in research collaborations. Whether in biotechnology, AI, sustainable energy, or public health, the potential for joint research initiatives is vast, and foreign institutions can tap into India's talent pool to address global challenges.
- Branch Campuses: With the NEP 2020 facilitating the entry of top global universities, setting up a branch campus in India has become an attractive proposition. This is particularly true in emerging cities such as GIFT City, Gujarat, which is being developed as an international financial hub and a location for global academic institutions. These campuses will not only contribute to India’s education ecosystem but will also cater to students across Asia and beyond, providing a springboard for global institutions to engage with the region.
- Indian Students Going Global: While the focus has largely been on outbound student mobility, India’s growing middle class, a burgeoning young population, and a rising demand for specialized global programs mean that there will continue to be a steady flow of Indian students looking to study abroad. Foreign universities can benefit by offering scholarships, developing tailored marketing strategies, and participating in educational fairs to attract Indian students.
Regulatory Support: Strengthening the global education framework
The Indian government’s proactive stance on internationalisation is further supported by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Indian Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) regulations. These guidelines aim to ensure that foreign universities have the necessary institutional support to succeed in India.
For instance, the UGC (Academic Collaboration between Indian and Foreign Higher Educational Institutions) Regulations (2022) facilitate academic exchanges and the establishment of twinning programs between Indian and foreign institutions. This offers a unique opportunity for foreign universities to set up joint degree programs and other collaborations that enhance their global footprint.
Moreover, the Indian government is offering a favorable visa regime for foreign faculty and students, allowing them to engage with Indian institutions and gain access to India’s large student market.
The way forward: India as a global education destination
India’s higher education sector is evolving at a rapid pace, offering unprecedented opportunities for international institutions to forge meaningful collaborations and expand their global presence. With strong regulatory support, a growing demand for quality education, and the government’s focus on internationalisation, India is poised to become a global hub for education and research.
For foreign universities, now is the time to explore the immense potential that India offers—whether through establishing campuses, forging academic partnerships, or engaging in research collaborations. India’s rise as a knowledge superpower will be driven by these international partnerships, and foreign institutions have a crucial role to play in shaping the country’s educational future.
Key Takeaways for Foreign Institutions:
- Collaborate on Dual and Joint Degree Programs: Expand the reach of global programs within India.
- Set up Branch Campuses: Tap into the growing demand for quality higher education with affordable international qualifications.
- Engage in Research Initiatives: Partner with Indian institutions on cutting-edge research and development projects.
- Attract Indian Students: India’s growing student population presents significant opportunities for global institutions looking to recruit.
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