(Commonwealth_UK) The University of Southampton has received formal approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish a campus in Gurugram, near New Delhi, with plans to commence academic programs in July 2025. Mark E. Smith, President and Vice-Chancellor of the university emphasized that engaging with India is crucial for any institution aspiring to be truly global in the 21st century.
Smith articulated the university’s commitment to creating a campus that not only delivers high-quality education but also contributes to the social and economic development of India. He noted that the initiative aligns with the Indian government’s transformative agenda and aims to leverage the potential and capabilities of Indian youth. The new campus will offer a diverse range of programs, including business, computing, law, engineering, art and design, biosciences, and life sciences. The University of Southampton aims to strengthen its existing ties with India through enhanced research collaboration, expanded teaching partnerships, and fostering student and staff mobility.
Andrew Atherton, Vice President for International and Engagement, described the campus as the first comprehensive international higher education institution in India. He stated that it would introduce an international dimension to the Indian education system, enabling students to pursue a degree from a top 100 university without leaving the country. “Our strategy is to serve as a global university, facilitating opportunities for students and fostering inclusivity,” Atherton explained. He assured stakeholders that students in India will have an integrated experience, comparable to their counterparts in the UK.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, remarked that the new campus would serve as a hub for world-class education and innovation, providing British students with the unique opportunity to experience living and studying in India. Alison Barrett, MBE, Director of India at the British Council, lauded the University of Southampton’s decision as a testament to the growing educational partnership between India and the UK. She noted that this initiative aligns with the goals of India’s National Education Policy 2020, reinforcing the belief that education can bridge cultural divides and foster a brighter future for young people.
As the University of Southampton moves forward, it aims to navigate the complexities of establishing an international campus in India, a process that has seen other institutions, such as Wollongong and Deakin, successfully launch campuses in India’s GIFT City, which offers a more flexible regulatory environment. This new campus is expected to attract a diverse faculty, with a mix of academic and professional staff from various countries, including the UK and India, further enriching the educational experience.
