9 Top UK Universities Get Approval to Open Campuses in India Under NEP 2020

In a major milestone for India’s higher education sector, nine leading universities from the United Kingdom have received approvals to establish campuses in India under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Announcing the development on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the initiative will strengthen educational collaboration between India and the UK while giving Indian students access to global academic standards within the country.

The universities approved include the University of Southampton in Gurgaon, Queen’s University Belfast in GIFT City, Coventry University in GIFT City, the University of Surrey in GIFT City, and the University of Bristol in GIFT City. Additionally, the University of York and the University of Aberdeen will set up campuses in Mumbai, while the University of Liverpool and the University of Lancaster will establish their presence in Bengaluru.

I wanted to write about this topic because this move marks a turning point in India’s education reforms. For years, Indian students have travelled abroad in search of quality education, often spending heavily on tuition and living expenses. Now, the government’s decision to allow foreign universities to open campuses domestically under NEP 2020 is changing that scenario. It’s a big step towards making world-class education more accessible and affordable for Indian students. Understanding how this policy works and what it means for students, faculty, and the broader academic ecosystem is important, as it signals India’s growing role as a global education hub.

A Landmark Decision Under the New Education Policy

The approval of these nine UK universities is a direct outcome of the NEP 2020’s vision to internationalise India’s higher education system. The policy encourages top foreign universities to establish campuses in India, promoting the exchange of knowledge, research, and innovation.

The move aligns with India’s broader goal of transforming its education landscape by offering global learning opportunities within the country. These campuses are expected to provide international degrees and curriculum while following India’s regulatory and cultural framework.

According to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, this collaboration is a sign of growing trust and partnership between India and the UK. It will not only benefit students but also strengthen research cooperation and faculty exchanges.

List of UK Universities Approved to Set Up in India

Here is the list of the nine universities that have received approval to set up campuses across major Indian cities:

University of Southampton – Gurgaon
Queen’s University Belfast – GIFT City (Gujarat)
Coventry University – GIFT City (Gujarat)
University of Surrey – GIFT City (Gujarat)
University of Bristol – GIFT City (Gujarat)
University of York – Mumbai
University of Aberdeen – Mumbai
University of Liverpool – Bengaluru
University of Lancaster – Bengaluru

These locations have been strategically chosen to ensure regional diversity and access to emerging education and business centres such as GIFT City, which is also home to international finance and technology hubs.

What This Means for Indian Students

For Indian students, this development could be a game changer. Until now, pursuing education in reputed UK universities meant relocating abroad, facing visa challenges, and managing high living costs. With these campuses opening in India, students will now have access to globally recognised degrees at a fraction of the cost.

Moreover, these universities are expected to bring the same academic standards, teaching methodologies, and faculty expertise that they offer in the UK. This will allow students to experience international-quality education without leaving home. It will also help reduce the “brain drain” effect, as more talented students can now stay in India while pursuing global qualifications.

Additionally, the local campuses may offer exchange programmes, allowing students to spend part of their course at the parent university in the UK, giving them both domestic and international exposure.

Boost to Research, Innovation, and Collaboration

The entry of foreign universities into India is also expected to strengthen research and innovation. Collaborative projects between Indian and British institutions could lead to new discoveries in technology, healthcare, social sciences, and environmental studies.

This will also create more opportunities for Indian faculty and researchers to work with global counterparts. Universities can share resources, develop new research frameworks, and establish global research centres based in India.

For industries, it means better collaboration with academic institutions and a skilled workforce trained in international best practices. This could attract more investments and create a stronger link between academia and employment sectors.

Puducherry CM Rangasamy Highlights How Medical Education Builds the Nation

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy addressed the induction ceremony for new MBBS students at Takshashila Medical College, under Takshashila University in Tindivanam, and emphasised that medical education is a key pillar of nation-building. He called on young doctors to serve society with both compassion and integrity as they embark on their journey in the medical profession.

I’m writing about this because when a senior political leader highlights the value of medical education in such a way, it’s a reminder how future doctors are not just healthcare providers — they are nation-builders. In a country like ours, where healthcare and public service are deeply tied to societal progress, leaders’ messages like these matter a lot. New MBBS students often feel the weight and promise of their choice; to hear from the CM that their role goes beyond hospitals and clinics gives them a broader purpose. This also signals the government’s long-term commitment to supporting quality medical education in Puducherry, which can motivate more students to contribute meaningfully to public health.

Why Medical Education Matters for Nation-Building

Medical education is more than just learning to treat illness — it shapes the very infrastructure of a country’s health system. With strong medical training, future doctors contribute to public health, innovation in medicine, and healthcare equity. By urging graduates to use their education in service of others, the CM reinforced that these students are part of a larger mission: creating a healthier, stronger nation.

What CM Rangasamy said at the Induction Day

He praised the establishment of Takshashila Medical College, saying it aligns with the vision of building a socially responsible healthcare future.
Rangasamy reminded students that skills must be matched with values: “Compassion and integrity should guide your decisions,” he said, urging them to treat patients not only as cases, but as people in need.
He mentioned that medical education in Puducherry must serve all sections of society, encouraging graduates to go beyond personal ambition and contribute to public service.
He also called for leveraging government support and infrastructure to improve healthcare access, reinforcing that training alone is not enough without purpose.

The Prominence of Takshashila Medical College

Takshashila Medical College, under the larger umbrella of Takshashila University, represents a fresh push in healthcare education in the region. By starting a new MBBS batch, the college is playing its part in developing more doctors who can serve both local communities and national needs. For many students in Puducherry and nearby regions, this college offers an opportunity to receive good medical education without having to move far from home.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Even as the CM’s words inspire, there are practical challenges:

Infrastructure: Medical colleges need strong labs, hospital attachments, and patient inflow for effective training.
Faculty Quality: To uphold the CM’s vision of compassionate education, the institution will need teachers who are excellent clinicians as well as educators.
Affordability and Access: There is always a risk that medical education remains out of reach for economically weaker students. Government policies and scholarships will play a big role.
Public Health Orientation: Graduates must be encouraged to work in underserved areas, not just big cities, so that the promise of nation-building becomes a reality in poorer communities.

Why This Message Is Important for Students and Society

For students, this is a moral call: being a doctor is not just a profession, it’s a public trust.
For parents, it underscores that supporting a child through medical college has wider societal value.
For society, strong medical education means having trained professionals who can respond to public health crises, improve healthcare access, and innovate in medical research.
For policymakers, it’s a cue to continue investing in medical colleges, infrastructure, and ethics-driven training.