Southampton University takes the lead to establish as India's first foreign campus in India under NEP 2020

The University of Southampton is set to be the first foreign university to establish a campus in India, in accordance with the 2023 UGC (University Grants Commission) Regulations.

The Indian government has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the university, marking a significant milestone in this pioneering initiative.

The new campus, located in the Delhi-NCR (National Capital Region), is scheduled to begin operations in July 2025, offering a wide range of courses, including Business Management, Computing, Law, and Engineering.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan praised this progress as a crucial step towards achieving the goal of "internationalizing education" outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Pradhan emphasized that this initiative not only expands educational opportunities but also fosters a robust ecosystem of research, knowledge exchange, and global collaboration.

He extended his congratulations to the management of Southampton University and invited other top global institutions to follow suit and establish campuses in India.

Campus Launch Timeline and Course Offerings

In a ceremony attended by External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, the LoI was handed over to Southampton University officials. Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the deepening educational partnership between India and the UK, noting that the establishment of this campus is a testament to the growing collaboration between the two nations in the education sector.

The university is expected to initiate its admission process six months before the academic session begins in July 2025.

UGC Chairman Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar provided further details, stating that the degrees awarded at the Southampton University campus in India will hold the same value as those offered at its UK campus.

This ensures that students in India receive the same quality of education and recognition as their counterparts in the UK. The courses offered will maintain the same academic and quality standards, creating a seamless educational experience for students.

Potential Campus Location and Future Expansion

While the exact location of the campus is yet to be confirmed, it is speculated that the campus may be established in Gurugram.

The University of Southampton had proposed setting up a branch campus in this region, a proposal that received approval from the UGC's Standing Committee.

However, the university retains the option to expand to other locations within India in the future.

This move by Southampton University is part of a broader trend, with at least 10 to 15 other foreign universities reportedly expressing interest in establishing campuses in India.

This initiative is expected to pave the way for further international collaborations in the Indian higher education landscape.

Fee Structure and Financial Considerations

For Indian students, studying at the Southampton University campus in India will be significantly more affordable than pursuing education at the university's UK campus. Traditionally, Indian students studying in the UK face high tuition fees and living expenses, including costly hostel accommodations.

However, the Indian campus is expected to offer reduced fees, making it more accessible to a larger number of students. Sources indicate that the university may provide financial concessions to Indian students, further encouraging enrollment.

Comprehensive Course Plan

The University of Southampton has outlined a detailed ten-year projected course plan for its Indian campus. In the inaugural year, the campus will offer undergraduate courses such as BSc in Computer Science, BSc in Business Management, BSc in Accounting and Finance, BSc in Economics, as well as postgraduate courses like MSc in International Management and MSc in Finance.

In the subsequent year, additional courses such as BSc in Software Engineering, BSc in Creative Computing, and MSc in Economics will be introduced. By the third year, the curriculum will expand to include LLB in Law and B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering. The university plans to continually add new courses each year, ensuring a diverse and evolving academic offering.

Admission Process

Southampton University will establish its own unique admission process for its Indian campus. The university may choose to conduct entrance tests, consider the students' Class 12 grades, or implement a combination of both criteria. However, students will be informed about the specific admission process at least six months in advance, ensuring transparency and adequate preparation time.