Why Are UK Universities Opening Campuses in India?

More UK universities are opening campuses in India, signalling a shift in how British higher education reaches international students.

A growing number of institutions are establishing a presence in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi, supported by regulatory changes introduced under India’s National Education Policy.

The University of York is among those moving forward, with its Mumbai campus preparing to welcome its first intake for the 2026-27 academic year.

Others, including the University of Southampton, have already begun operations, focusing on subject areas aligned with industry demand.

The expansion reflects a response to both rising student demand in India and financial and strategic pressures facing UK universities at home, setting the stage for a new phase in cross-border education.

A Growing UK Presence in India

Alongside York, the likes of the University of Aberdeen, University of Bristol, University of Liverpool, Queen’s University Belfast and Coventry University are setting up campuses across India.

These moves follow policy changes linked to India’s National Education Policy announced in 2020, with formal rules enabling foreign universities to operate locally introduced in 2023.

Some institutions are already operational.

The University of Southampton has opened a campus in Delhi, focusing on disciplines such as business, management and engineering.

Others are in various stages of development, with timelines staggered across the next few years as infrastructure and regulatory approvals take shape.

The UK government has also played a role in supporting closer educational ties, including discussions during visits such as Sir Keir Starmer’s trip to India in 2025.

These initiatives align with broader internationalisation strategies, particularly as UK universities face financial pressures at home and look to diversify revenue streams.

For institutions like York, the Mumbai campus represents both an academic and commercial venture.

Lindsay Oades, provost of the University of York in Mumbai, said:

“We’re looking at an intake of around 270 students in the first year… and that should go up to 3,000-4,000 students each year over the coming years.”

The phased growth reflects a cautious approach, balancing ambition with operational realities.

The Scale of India’s Education Gap

India presents a uniquely large and complex higher education market.

With tens of millions of university students and millions more entering higher education each year, demand continues to outpace supply, particularly at high-quality institutions.

According to industry estimates cited by Aritra Ghosal of OneStep Global: “Eleven million students complete Grade 12 [final school year in India] each year, with roughly 1.5-1.7 million falling within the top academic bracket. India’s top-tier institutions admit only about 200,000 of them annually.”

That gap leaves a substantial number of high-performing students seeking alternatives.

Ghosal added: “From an affordability standpoint, an estimated four-five million students can realistically consider degree programmes priced above £10,000 per year.”

This segment largely represents India’s upper middle class, indicating that UK campuses will initially cater to a relatively selective but sizeable demographic.

For universities, the appeal lies in both unmet demand and long-term growth potential.

While initial cohorts may be small, projections suggest expansion over a five-to-seven-year horizon as reputation builds and employment outcomes become clearer.

Unlike traditional international recruitment, where students relocate abroad, these campuses allow institutions to scale within the local market.

However, pricing remains a key factor. York’s Mumbai campus is expected to charge fees at around half the cost of studying in the UK, still positioning it above many domestic private universities.

The justification, according to Oades, rests on academic standards and employability outcomes, with a curriculum aligned to global benchmarks and industry engagement.

Hybrid learning models are also part of the offering.

Students may have opportunities to split their studies between India and the UK, creating flexibility while maintaining international exposure.

This model mirrors approaches adopted by other global institutions seeking to blend mobility with accessibility.

What are the Challenges?

Despite strong demand, execution remains complex.

Operating in India requires navigating regulatory systems, partnerships, and logistical constraints that differ significantly from the UK higher education environment.

Many universities have opted to collaborate with local education partners to manage compliance, operations, and student recruitment.

Infrastructure is one of the most immediate challenges.

According to real estate consultancy Anarock, India will require approximately 30,000 acres of new campus land and around 2.7 billion square feet of academic infrastructure to meet rising demand.

The consultancy estimates that around $100 billion will be needed to support this expansion.

In a report, Anarock noted: “Current infrastructure remains insufficient to meet both policy ambitions and demographic momentum.”

Given these constraints, some institutions may adopt asset-light strategies, leasing facilities rather than investing in fully owned campuses.

Aashiesh Agarwaal of Anarock explained that this approach allows universities to enter the market more quickly while managing financial exposure.

The student experience may also differ from traditional campus environments in the UK.

Whether leased or shared spaces can replicate the social, academic and cultural aspects of a full university campus remains an open question.

However, gradual expansion appears to be the prevailing strategy, with institutions prioritising stability over rapid scale.

Another factor shaping demand is the long-standing trend of Indian students studying abroad. Many continue to pursue overseas education for international exposure and post-study work opportunities.

A UK degree delivered in India may appeal to students seeking brand value without the financial and visa burdens of relocating.

Ghosal described this as a potential alternative for those prioritising cost and convenience over migration, though it is unlikely to fully replace the appeal of studying abroad.

Ultimately, success will depend on employer recognition, academic consistency, and the ability of universities to deliver outcomes that match expectations.

As enrolment grows and alumni enter the workforce, perceptions of these campuses will solidify, shaping future demand.

UK university campuses in India mark a pragmatic response to shifting global education dynamics, where demand, policy changes, and financial pressures are converging.

Institutions such as the University of York and the University of Southampton are positioning themselves within a market that offers scale, but not without complexity.

Infrastructure gaps, regulatory navigation, and questions around long-term student outcomes will influence how far and how fast this model grows.

For students, these campuses introduce a middle ground between studying locally and moving abroad, though they are unlikely to replace the appeal of overseas migration entirely.

The coming years will determine whether this expansion becomes a sustainable extension of UK higher education or a more limited experiment shaped by practical constraints on both sides.