New global gateway: University of York to open campus in Mumbai

The University of York, a leading UK institution, plans to open its first overseas campus in Mumbai, marking a major step in expanding international higher education in India.

The move reflects growing academic collaboration between India and the UK and aligns with both countries’ focus on research-driven innovation and global knowledge exchange.

The announcement came during the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai, where University of York Vice-Chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The university formalized the initiative by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

The Mumbai campus is anticipated to open its doors to students in 2026, pending regulatory clearance from the University Grants Commission (UGC).

It will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, business, economics, and the creative industries.

These programs will be co-designed with global industry partners to ensure that students graduate with job-ready skills.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his enthusiasm for the project, saying,
"It is a privilege to welcome the University of York to Mumbai as we expand world-class educational opportunities in India. The opportunity to connect our students with the academic excellence of a Russell Group institution is particularly valuable and will offer significant academic and research benefits to students and scholars alike, while further enriching the educational landscape.”

“Built on a strong foundation of shared innovation and aligned priorities, we remain dedicated to advancing a relationship that reinforces national development objectives and enriches the global exchange of knowledge,” he added.

Professor Jeffery emphasized the university’s commitment to contributing to India’s development and nurturing its future talent.

“This is a truly exciting new venture, and we are committed to building and strengthening our connections in India and contributing to the education of its future leaders and entrepreneurs,” said Jeffery.

“York's global reputation rests on its outstanding achievements in teaching and research and is one of only four universities in the UK—alongside Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London—that is both in the top 10 in the UK for the quality of its research and has a gold ranking for the quality of its teaching. We have research strengths that align with India’s priorities, especially in the areas of digital technologies, creative industries, and the real-world applications for AI systems. We look forward to working with our partners in India to welcome students and establish new research opportunities,” Prof added.

The new campus is also expected to serve as a hub for international research collaboration.

The University of York has recently launched the Co-Star Live Lab in the UK, a facility focused on technology for live performances, including immersive and interactive experiences.

This platform will be extended to Mumbai, offering collaborative opportunities for Indian and UK researchers in sectors such as gaming, film, television, and performing arts.

Initially based in a central business hub in Mumbai, the university plans to develop a full-fledged campus in the coming years.

All courses will adhere to York’s academic standards, and graduates will receive degrees directly from the University of York.

Alison Barrett, Country Director of British Council India, welcomed the development, saying, “It is exciting to hear that the University of York is planning to open an international campus in Mumbai, India. The strong emphasis on research and innovation alongside high-quality teaching and learning will catalyze research partnerships between innovators from India and the UK.”

“It is especially good to see the focus on the creative industries as well as courses in computer science, AI, cybersecurity, business, and economics, all high-potential sectors that will support India and UK growth. This new venture will be a testament to the shared commitment between India and the UK towards the internationalization of education,” Barrett said.

Founded in 1963, the University of York is ranked among the top 150 universities globally and is widely known for its excellence in teaching and research across sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

Its global impact is underscored by contributions in fields such as sustainability, health, and conflict resolution.

The university’s alumni network includes Nobel laureates, and its faculty regularly collaborate on interdisciplinary projects with global relevance.

The University of York has long-standing academic links with India, including partnerships with institutions such as the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), where they are jointly researching food sustainability in Odisha.

With the upcoming Mumbai campus, York aims to broaden these partnerships and co-develop programs with Indian academics, regulatory authorities, and industry leaders to create an educational model rooted in both local relevance and global excellence.