Coventry University Eyes Expansion in India After GIFT City Campus Approval

The United Kingdom’s Coventry University is reportedly in advanced discussions with India’s Ministry of Education to establish more campuses across the country, following its earlier approval to set up a branch at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). The university received in-principle approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) in April 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s push to host international institutions under its higher education reforms. Admissions for the GIFT City campus are expected to begin in 2026, making Coventry University one of the first foreign universities to operate within India’s special financial and academic zone.

I’m writing about this because Coventry University’s move represents a significant step in India’s higher education transformation journey. For decades, Indian students aspiring for global exposure have had to go abroad, spending heavily on tuition and living costs. With leading universities like Coventry planning to open Indian campuses, world-class education could soon become more accessible and affordable for thousands of students. It’s also an important development for India’s strategy to position itself as a regional hub for international education, fostering collaboration, innovation, and talent retention within the country.

Coventry’s India expansion plans

According to official sources, Coventry University is exploring opportunities to set up multiple campuses in India beyond GIFT City. While final locations have not yet been announced, discussions are ongoing with the Union Ministry of Education and relevant state governments.

The university’s representatives are also believed to be in talks with industry and academic partners to identify strategic regions with strong demand for programmes in engineering, data science, business management, design, and sustainability studies. The idea is to offer globally recognised degrees aligned with local workforce needs.

A senior official familiar with the matter said, “GIFT City is only the beginning. Coventry University sees India as a long-term education partner and is looking at other cities where international education can support India’s growing innovation ecosystem.”

GIFT City: a new era for global education in India

Coventry University’s upcoming campus at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, will be among the first international branch campuses approved under the IFSCA’s guidelines for foreign universities, launched in 2022. The initiative allows world-class universities from the top 500 global rankings to establish centres in India’s special economic zones, offering degrees that are equivalent to those in their home country.

At GIFT City, Coventry University is expected to offer postgraduate and undergraduate programmes in finance, engineering, and digital technologies, along with short-term executive courses for professionals. The campus will operate under the GIFT International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) framework, which offers autonomy in curriculum design, faculty recruitment, and international collaboration.

The model aims to combine global academic standards with Indian affordability, allowing students to earn an international degree without leaving the country.

Why India is becoming a hub for foreign universities

India’s higher education reforms, particularly under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, have opened the door for reputed global universities to operate within its borders. The policy aims to increase internationalisation, promote academic exchange, and give Indian students access to top-tier programmes domestically.

Key features attracting foreign universities include:

Ease of regulatory approval under IFSCA and UGC frameworks.
Large student population, with over 40 million enrolled in higher education.
Growing demand for industry-linked, research-oriented learning.
Stable economic and academic environment, encouraging long-term partnerships.

Coventry University’s initiative follows a growing list of international institutions expanding into India. The University of Western Australia (UWA) and Deakin University are already setting up campuses in GIFT City, while several UK universities — including Liverpool, York, and Bristol — have announced expansion plans in cities like Bengaluru and Mumbai.

Coventry’s strong academic reputation

Founded in 1843, Coventry University is among the UK’s leading public universities, known for its focus on applied learning, research, and global employability. It consistently ranks among the top 50 UK universities and has a strong international presence, with branch campuses in Singapore, Dubai, and Rwanda.

The university has particularly excelled in fields such as:

Automotive and mechanical engineering
Artificial intelligence and data analytics
Healthcare and life sciences
Business and global leadership

Its India expansion is expected to strengthen academic cooperation between the two countries, enabling joint research, student exchange programmes, and co-developed degrees with Indian universities.

What Indian students can expect

Once operational, Coventry University’s India campuses are expected to offer the same curriculum, academic quality, and faculty standards as its UK counterpart. Degrees will be recognised internationally, giving students flexibility to transfer credits or continue studies abroad if they wish.

Expected benefits for Indian students include:

Lower tuition costs compared to studying in the UK.
Access to UK-style education and pedagogy.
Opportunities for internships and placements with global companies.
Exposure to multicultural learning environments.
Possibility of joint research and exchange programmes.

According to education experts, this model could attract not only Indian students but also learners from South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, turning India into a regional destination for global education.

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.