India accelerates global education drive, five foreign universities secure green light to set up campuses

India's ambition to become a global powerhouse in education is gaining serious momentum. In a bold step forward, five prestigious foreign universities have received Letters of Intent (LoIs) to establish campuses in the country — a move that underscores the government’s commitment to internationalizing higher education.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan confirmed the approvals, which follow rigorous evaluation by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The institutions include Victoria University and Western Sydney University from Australia, the University of Liverpool from the UK, Illinois Institute of Technology from the US, and Italy’s Istituto Europeo di Design.

“These are just the beginning,” said Pradhan in an interview with The Times of India. “Several more are in the pipeline. Our engagement is limited to globally reputed universities with high QS rankings and robust funding. Only the best will be considered — they must meet our highest standards.”

Six more applications are currently under review by the Liberalized Degree Campuses (LDC) committee, signaling a broader wave of global academic interest in India.

A new era of cross-border campuses

India has already welcomed three foreign campuses: Deakin University and University of Wollongong, both operating in Gujarat’s GIFT City, and the University of Southampton in Gurgaon. The new entrants are expected to focus on high-impact disciplines including science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and management — areas marked as national priorities for future growth.

This surge of foreign academic collaboration has been enabled by sweeping regulatory changes introduced through the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The policy provides unprecedented autonomy to global universities, allowing them to establish independent campuses, design their own curricula, and manage student admissions without bureaucratic interference.

“The NEP isn’t just reform — it’s a strategic reset,” said Pradhan. “It reflects our confidence in creating an open, agile, and globally competitive education system.”

Beyond borders: India goes global too

India’s international education push isn’t one-sided. The country is also exporting its academic excellence abroad. IIT Madras has already launched a campus in Zanzibar, while IIT Delhi is preparing to open its doors in Abu Dhabi. These expansions mark a transformational shift — from a nation known for sending students overseas, to one exporting knowledge and academic leadership.

Meanwhile, at the state level, momentum is building. The Maharashtra government recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with York University, Canada, during the Web Summit — an indication of growing state-led initiatives in global education.

Bringing the world to India

At the heart of this strategy is a powerful vision: keeping Indian talent at home while attracting students from across Asia and beyond. With world-class institutions establishing roots in Indian soil, students can access premium global education without the financial and emotional strain of studying abroad.

“This is not just about access. It’s about aspiration,” said Pradhan. “We’re creating an ecosystem where Indian and global universities coexist, collaborate, and elevate the standard of education for everyone.”

If this momentum holds, India may soon emerge as a dynamic, globally connected education destination — offering not only degrees but a world of possibilities.