In a landmark development for the Indian education sector, the University of Southampton has become the first foreign university to establish a campus in India under the University Grants Commission's (UGC) new regulations. Contrary to earlier reports suggesting that Deakin University would lead the way, the UGC clarified that Southampton has officially received approval to set up its campus in India.
As per reports of Financial Express, the University of Southampton’s new campus will be located in Gujarat’s International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Gandhinagar. Initially, it will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs across a range of disciplines, including engineering, business, arts, and humanities. The university's first intake is expected to consist of 100 students, with tuition fees set at levels comparable to those of India’s top private universities.
This milestone signifies a significant step forward in the implementation of UGC regulations allowing foreign universities to establish campuses in India. These regulations are designed to ensure that foreign universities meet Indian educational standards while providing degrees that are recognized both in India and the university's home country.
Other foreign institutions, including Deakin University and the University of New South Wales, are also exploring opportunities to establish a presence in India. The entry of such prestigious global universities is anticipated to raise the standard of higher education in the country, enhance international academic collaborations, and offer Indian students more diverse educational options without the need to study abroad.
This move aligns with India’s goal to bolster its education system by fostering global partnerships and ensuring that students have access to world-class education within the country.