In a major step to strengthen educational ties between India and the United Kingdom, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that several leading UK universities will soon open campuses in India. During his official visit to the country on Thursday, Starmer confirmed that the University of Lancaster and the University of Surrey have received formal approval to set up their campuses in India.
With these new additions, the total number of UK universities approved to open campuses in India has risen to nine, according to the news agency PTI. This development follows India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which allows top global universities to establish branch campuses in the country.
Earlier this year, the University of Southampton opened its campus in Delhi, becoming one of the first British universities to do so. From next year, other well-known institutions — including the University of York, University of Aberdeen, University of Bristol, University of Liverpool, Queen’s University Belfast, and Coventry University — are also expected to launch their Indian campuses.
This move will give Indian students access to world-class education and globally recognized degrees without the high cost of studying abroad. It is also expected to create more opportunities for joint research, faculty exchange, and innovation-driven projects between India and the UK.
Prime Minister Starmer said that education remains a key pillar of India–UK relations. He added that the collaboration reflects both nations’ commitment to promoting academic excellence, sharing knowledge, and preparing students for the future.
Experts say that the presence of these universities in India will raise the overall quality of higher education and help position the country as a global hub for learning and research.
