International Universities Opening Campuses in India: Making Global Education Accessible for Indian Students

Key Summary

• Foreign universities are opening campuses in India under new UGC regulations, giving students access to globally recognised degrees, international faculty, and modern curriculum at significantly lower costs without leaving the country.

• Currently, three universities — Deakin University, University of Wollongong, and University of Southampton — are operating campuses in India, while several others like Queen’s University Belfast, Coventry University, University of Liverpool, and Illinois Tech are set to launch between 2026–27.

• These campuses offer benefits such as affordable international degrees, industry-aligned programs, global mobility options, reduced visa challenges, and improved career opportunities, transforming India into a growing hub for international higher education.

Foreign universities in India are set to transform the higher education landscape, bringing world-class learning opportunities directly to Indian students. With the UGC’s new regulations encouraging top global institutions to establish campuses here, the dream of earning an international degree without leaving the country is becoming a reality. From the first foreign university campus in India at GIFT City to several prestigious institutions preparing to enter the market, students now have access to global-standard programs, international faculty, and cutting-edge research, all at significantly lower costs.

Whether you’re exploring UGC-approved foreign universities, looking for a comprehensive list of foreign universities in India, or curious about specialised options such as foreign language universities in India, this guide will give you a complete and updated overview.

Why Foreign Universities Are Entering India (UGC-Driven Transformation)?

The arrival of foreign universities in India is a major education reform enabled by the UGC’s new foreign university guidelines. These regulations simplify the process for top-ranked global institutions to establish a foreign university campus in India, making the country a powerful hub for international education. With NEP 2020 encouraging global collaboration, India is now seen as one of the most promising destinations for foreign universities seeking expansion.

A primary reason behind this movement is the rising demand among Indian students for international-quality education, global exposure, and industry-relevant curriculum. Until now, students had to move abroad, invest heavily, or navigate complex visa and admission systems. But with UGC-approved foreign universities in India, students can now access the same degrees, faculty expertise, and research facilities, right within the country.

Additionally, India’s economic growth and young population make it attractive for universities looking to set up specialised programs in technology, business, cybersecurity, arts, and even foreign language university models in India. These institutions bring global best practices in teaching, hands-on learning, and employability, promising a new era where Indian students can earn prestigious international degrees at home while saving up to 70% of the cost.

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Foreign Universities Currently Operating Campuses in India

India has officially entered a new era of global education with the establishment of fully operational foreign university campuses under UGC’s 2023 regulations. These campuses bring international degrees, global teaching standards, and world-class infrastructure directly to Indian students. At present, only 3 foreign universities have launched full-fledged campuses in India, and each institution offers specialised programs designed for high-demand careers. The table below provides a quick comparison of their locations, top courses, and average tuition fees.

University	Country	Location in India	Key Courses Offered	Average Tuition Fee (Per Year)
Deakin University	Australia	GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat	Master of Business Analytics Master of Cyber Security (Professional)	Approx. INR 10.5–11.5 lakh per year
University of Wollongong (UOW) India	Australia	GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat	Master of Computing (Data Analytics) Graduate Certificate in Computing Master of Financial Technology Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology	Approx. INR 8–11 lakh per year
University of Southampton (India Campus)	United Kingdom	International Tech Park, Gurugram, Haryana	BSc Business Management BSc Accounting and Finance BSc Computer Science BSc Economics MSc Finance MSc International Management	UG: Approx. INR 13.5–15.5 lakh per year; PG: Approx. INR 16–20 lakh per year

Deakin University, GIFT City Campus, Gujarat

Deakin University is a leading Australian public university that is regularly ranked among the top universities globally. It is recognised for its strong focus on industry-led education, practical learning, and research in areas like business, technology, and health. Deakin became the first foreign university to set up a full-fledged international branch campus in India under the new UGC regulations, with its campus in GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Campus Overview

The GIFT City campus is designed to replicate the academic standards and learning experience of Deakin’s Australian campuses. The curriculum, assessments, and quality control processes are aligned with Australian regulations, which means students in India receive the same degree and academic rigour as students in Australia. The campus is located within an international financial and technology hub, which helps students connect with companies working in digital, finance, and technology sectors.

Programs Offered

At this stage, Deakin University GIFT City Campus focuses on high-demand postgraduate programs that support careers in the digital and technology-driven economy. The two flagship programs are:

• Master of Business Analytics
• Master of Cyber Security (Professional)

The Master of Business Analytics covers data analysis, statistical modelling, business intelligence tools, data storytelling, and decision science. It prepares students to work as business analysts, data analysts, and analytics consultants.

The Master of Cyber Security (Professional) includes topics such as network security, secure coding, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and cyber risk management. It is suitable for students who want to build careers in cyber defence, security operations, and information security leadership.

Fees and Value Proposition

The total tuition fee for these postgraduate programs is significantly lower than what students would typically pay for the same degrees in Australia. Based on recent fee information, the cost usually works out to roughly eleven lakh rupees per year, depending on the exact intake and currency rates.

Students benefit from:

• An Australian degree while studying in India
• Lower overall living and tuition costs compared to studying abroad
• Industry connections within GIFT City and access to a growing tech and finance ecosystem

University of Wollongong India, GIFT City Campus, Gujarat

The University of Wollongong, often called UOW, is a well-known Australian research university with strong global rankings. It is especially respected for its programmes in engineering, computer science, information systems, and business. UOW is among the first foreign universities in India to launch a campus at GIFT City, reinforcing the location as a major hub for international higher education.

Campus Overview

UOW India is built around the idea of future-ready education with a focus on financial technology and digital skills. The campus is situated in an environment that houses banks, financial institutions, and technology companies, which helps students apply what they learn in real industry settings. The programmes are designed and quality assured by the University of Wollongong, and students graduate with degrees that are recognised globally.

Programs Offered

The University of Wollongong India primarily offers postgraduate programmes linked to finance, technology, and computing. These include:

• Master of Financial Technology
• Master of Financial Technology, Extension
• Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology

The curriculum blends concepts from finance and computer science, including digital payments, blockchain, data analytics, programming for finance, artificial intelligence applications, and financial risk management. The graduate certificate routes allow students to start with a shorter qualification and then stack their learning into a full master’s degree later, if they wish.

Some pathways also include computing and data analytics components that reflect UOW’s strengths in information technology and computer science.

Fees and Student Advantage

Typical tuition costs for a full master’s programme at UOW India fall in an overall range that translates to roughly eight to eleven lakh rupees per year, based on the total programme fee and duration. Graduate certificates are shorter and cost less overall, which makes them attractive for working professionals who want to upgrade their skills.

Students considering UOW India often value:

• Specialisation in financial technology, a rapidly growing career field
• A flexible structure that allows step-by-step academic progression
• An international university name on their degree while continuing to live and work in India

University of Southampton India Campus, Gurugram, Haryana

The University of Southampton is a prestigious public university in the United Kingdom and a member of the Russell Group. It is known globally for excellence in business, economics, engineering, computer science, and social sciences. The university has launched its India campus in Gurugram, Haryana, making it one of the first British universities to open a full campus in India under the new UGC framework.

Campus Overview

The India campus is located in International Tech Park, Gurugram, in the Delhi NCR region. It is designed to offer the same degree structure, curriculum design, and academic quality as Southampton’s UK campus. Students who enrol at the India campus receive a University of Southampton degree that is equivalent to the one awarded in the United Kingdom.

An important feature of this campus is its built in mobility option. Students may have the opportunity to spend part of their degree at Southampton’s campus in the UK or at its Malaysia campus, which allows them to gain international experience while still starting their studies in India.

Programs Offered

For its first set of intakes, the University of Southampton India offers a focused portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes in business, finance, economics, and computer science. These programmes include:

Undergraduate degrees, Bachelor of Science with honours:

• Business Management
• Accounting and Finance
• Computer Science
• Economics

Postgraduate degrees, Master of Science:

• International Management
• Finance

The undergraduate programmes typically follow a three-year structure, while the postgraduate programmes usually run for one year, in line with standard UK patterns. The curriculum emphasises analytical skills, critical thinking, quantitative methods, computing skills for computer science, and strong foundations in business and economics.

Fees and Key Benefits

The tuition fees at the India campus are significantly lower than the cost of studying the same programmes entirely in the UK, while still granting the same degree. Recent information suggests that:

• Undergraduate programmes are generally priced around thirteen and a half to fifteen and a half lakh rupees per year
• Postgraduate programmes are usually in the range of sixteen to twenty lakh rupees for the full one-year course

The university also offers merit-based scholarships and bursaries to strong applicants, which can reduce the effective fee for high-performing students. Students benefit from modern facilities, career services, and employer connections in the Gurugram and Delhi NCR region, which is a major corporate and technology hub.

This campus is particularly attractive to students who want a Russell Group, UK quality degree in business, finance, economics, or computer science, while starting their studies in India and potentially adding a shorter period of study in the UK or Malaysia if they choose.

Upcoming Foreign Universities in India (UGC Approved and Announced)

Below is a overview of the international universities that have already received approval or formal clearance to establish campuses in India. These universities are expected to begin operations between 2026 and 2027 and will significantly expand global education access for Indian students.

University	Country	Proposed Location in India	Regulatory Status	Tentative Start Year	Planned Courses / Focus Areas
Queen’s University Belfast	United Kingdom	GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat	Approved and officially announced	2026	MSc Business AnalyticsMSc Financial AnalyticsMSc Construction Project Management, and future programs in Artificial Intelligence and Business Analytics
Coventry University	United Kingdom	GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat	In-principle approval granted	2026	BusinessFinanceEngineeringComputer ScienceDigital Technologies, and specialised industry-aligned UK degrees
University of Liverpool	United Kingdom	Bengaluru, Karnataka	Approved and Letter of Intent issued	2026	Business ManagementAccounting and FinanceComputer Science, Biomedical SciencesGame Design, and global mobility programs
Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech)	United States	Mumbai, Maharashtra	First US university granted formal approval	2026 (fall intake)	Engineering, Computer ScienceInformation TechnologyBusiness, andSTEM-heavy undergraduate and postgraduate programs

Benefits of Foreign University Campuses in India

The arrival of foreign university campuses in India brings a wide range of academic, financial, and professional advantages for students. These campuses follow international standards of teaching, curriculum design, and evaluation while offering the convenience and affordability of studying within the country. As more global institutions enter India under the UGC’s foreign university framework, students gain access to opportunities that were previously available only through studying abroad.

1. Access to Globally Recognised Degrees

Students can now earn degrees from top international universities without leaving India. These degrees hold the same recognition and value as those awarded at the main campuses abroad. This gives students a strong academic profile that is accepted internationally and improves their chances of working or studying overseas in the future.

2. Significantly Lower Cost Compared to Studying Abroad

One of the biggest advantages is affordability. Tuition fees at Indian campuses are much lower than at the overseas campuses, and students also save on travel, accommodation, and living expenses. This reduces the overall financial burden for families while still providing an international quality education.

3. Global Curriculum and Modern Teaching Practices

Foreign universities bring established global education models to India. Students benefit from updated curriculums, practical learning formats, research projects, case studies, labs, and interactive teaching methods that match global standards. This prepares them for careers in both Indian and international markets.

4. Industry Exposure and Skill Development

Most foreign universities focus on industry aligned learning. Campuses are designed to build strong connections with companies in technology, finance, business, analytics, and emerging sectors. Students get opportunities for internships, workshops, corporate projects, and mentoring that help them build real world skills.

5. International Faculty and Visiting Professors

Foreign university campuses in India attract international faculty members who bring global experience and diverse academic insights. Many universities also schedule visiting professors from their main campuses, which helps students experience a true international learning environment.

6. Strong Career Opportunities and Global Employability

The combination of a reputed international degree, practical learning, and global exposure improves student employability. Graduates gain access to placement networks that operate both in India and abroad. This opens pathways to high paying careers and international job markets.

7. Study Abroad Opportunities Through Mobility Programs

Many foreign universities offer mobility options where students can spend a semester or a full year at the main campus in the UK, USA, Australia, or other countries. This gives students international experience without committing to a full overseas program.

8. Reduced Visa and Relocation Challenges

Students avoid the stress of student visas, travel complexities, cultural transitions, and homesickness. Parents also feel more comfortable knowing their children are studying in India while still receiving a global education.

9. Boost to India’s Higher Education Ecosystem

The entry of foreign universities encourages innovation, quality enhancement, and healthy competition among Indian institutions. It raises the overall standard of higher education in the country and supports the long-term goals of NEP 2020.

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How to Choose the Right Foreign University Campus in India?

With multiple foreign universities entering India, students must carefully evaluate which campus aligns best with their academic goals, budget, and long-term career plans. Although these campuses offer international degrees, each institution has different strengths, program offerings, campus environments, and cost structures. The following factors will help students make an informed and confident decision.

1. Check the University’s Global Ranking and Reputation

Start by reviewing the university’s overall ranking, subject wise performance, and global reputation. Look at trusted ranking systems such as QS, THE, or ARWU. A strong global reputation indicates academic depth, faculty quality, research capabilities, and employer acceptance. Students should also consider how well the university is regarded in the specific field they want to study.

2. Review the Program Curriculum and Specialisations

Foreign university campuses in India often launch with selected high-demand programs. Students should compare curricula, course structure, electives, lab facilities, and industry relevance. Make sure the program aligns with your interests and future goals. Look at:

• Whether the degree is identical to the one offered abroad
• Availability of specialisations
• Practical learning components
• Research or capstone projects

3. Compare Tuition Fees and Total Cost of Study

Studying at these campuses is more affordable than studying overseas, but costs still vary widely between universities. Compare the full program fee, cost per year, accommodation expenses, and other charges. Check if the campus offers:

• Merit scholarships
• Need based support
• Early bird fee reductions

4. Evaluate Campus Infrastructure and Facilities

Since these are newly built campuses, campus readiness matters. Consider whether the university provides:

• Modern classrooms and labs
• Computer and analytics labs
• Libraries and digital resources
• Housing or hostel arrangements
• Student services and support offices

5. Look at Industry Connections and Placement Records

Foreign universities usually collaborate with companies in technology, finance, analytics, consulting, and research. Before enrolling, understand the type of:

• Corporate partnerships
• Internship opportunities
• Live projects
• Career guidance resources

6. Understand Mobility and Study Abroad Options

Many foreign university campuses in India offer mobility programs where students can spend one semester or a year at the main campus abroad. Check:

• Whether credits are transferable
• Additional fees for the overseas component
• Visa support
• Available countries and campuses

7. Verify UGC Approval and Degree Recognition

Always ensure that the foreign university campus is officially approved under UGC’s Foreign Higher Educational Institutions Regulations. Confirm that the degree issued in India:

• Is identical to the overseas degree
• Is recognised internationally
• Holds value for global job markets or future studies

8. Talk to Current Students or Attend Open Days

Attending campus open houses, webinars, or counselling sessions gives students deeper insight into academic life. Speaking to current students or alumni from the main campus also helps in understanding expectations and learning outcomes.

9. Assess Your Long-Term Career and Study Plans

Finally, students should choose a campus that matches their long-term vision. Consider whether the degree:

• Helps with postgraduate study abroad
• Supports your target career path
• Provides international networking opportunities
• Offers strong global exposure within India

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So, this was an overview of the foreign universities currently operating and upcoming in India. For more updates on global universities, international campuses, and study opportunities, stay connected with Leverage Edu.