High Commissioner of India to Canada, Shri Dinesh K. Patnaik, on 21 May 2026, held discussions with the Board Members of Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan), inviting Canadian institutions to establish campuses in India and collaborate on skill-based education and training initiatives aligned with emerging industry needs.
The meeting focused on strengthening India–Canada educational cooperation, advancing the India–Canada Talent and Innovation Strategy, and creating new opportunities for students and professionals in both countries. Patnaik emphasized the potential for Canadian colleges to contribute to India’s growing demand for industry-relevant education through branch campuses, academic partnerships, and applied skills programs.
India has increasingly emerged as an attractive destination for international higher education. Under reforms introduced by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and subsequent regulatory frameworks, several foreign universities have already established or announced campuses in India, with more expected in the coming years.
Existing International Branch Campuses in India
United Kingdom
- University of Aberdeen
- Lancaster University
- University of Liverpool
- University of York
- Coventry University
- University of Bristol
- University of Southampton
Australia
- University of Wollongong
- Deakin University
- Western Sydney University
- University of New South Wales (UNSW Sydney)
- University of Western Australia
Italy
- Istituto Europeo di Design (IED)
These institutions operate across major hubs including GIFT City (Gujarat), Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Greater Noida, and Chennai, offering programs in engineering, management, health sciences, data science, maritime studies, fashion and design, and other applied fields.
Shri Patnaik’s invitation signals a strategic opportunity for Canadian institutions to deepen engagement in one of the world’s largest education markets. Participation in India’s higher education sector aligns with efforts to strengthen talent mobility, workforce development, and innovation, while contributing to India–Canada educational partnerships.
Colleges and Institutes Canada represents more than 130 publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics across Canada and plays a significant role in skills development, applied research, and international education collaborations.
- Log in to post comments