Study in Bengaluru, earn University of Liverpool degree: UK institution opens campus

The University of Liverpool has opened its first campus in South India in Bengaluru, with nearly 300 students beginning their studies at the institution on Oct 15. The campus will offer internationally recognized degree programs across technology, business and biomedical sciences.

Located at Alembic City in Whitefield, the new campus will initially offer courses in Computer Science, Game Design, Business Management, Accounting and Finance, and Biomedical Sciences.

The campus was jointly inaugurated by Karnataka Large and Medium Industries Minister M B Patil, University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Tim Jones, Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, British Deputy High Commissioner to Karnataka Harsh Vardhan Shringla and British Council of India Country Head Alison Barrett, officials said.

Patil said the proposal to establish the campus emerged during discussions with the Russell Group of universities during his visit to London in November 2024. The visit was organized to attract investment in Karnataka's research, higher education and industrial sectors through a roadshow.

He said the university had established its Bengaluru campus within a remarkably short period, setting a record. The institution would give students in Karnataka the opportunity to pursue globally recognized courses and earn degrees without having to leave the state.

Patil also acknowledged the contributions of former British Deputy High Commissioner Chandru Iyer, Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Tariq Ali and other individuals who helped bring the project to fruition.

Karnataka seeks stronger links between universities and industry

According to a statement from the minister's office, Karnataka has 2.7 million students enrolled in higher education across 4,500 colleges. The state produces 160,000 engineering graduates annually and has more than 24,000 start-ups and over 50 unicorn companies.

Patil urged the University of Liverpool to establish partnerships with local educational institutions and businesses, emphasizing the potential to connect academic research with industry requirements.

"Such collaborations would strengthen the links between education, research, innovation and industry," he said.

He identified artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, clean energy, urban innovation and sustainable development as areas offering substantial opportunities for collaborative research and innovation.

Patil said initiatives in these fields could benefit Karnataka's industrial ecosystem, adding that the state needed to develop strong capabilities to support these emerging sectors.

More than 14 universities express interest in Karnataka campuses

Patil said more than 14 universities from different countries had expressed interest in establishing campuses in Karnataka. Leading institutions from Karnataka and other parts of India have also shown interest and signed agreements.

"The campuses and research laboratories of these institutions are expected to come up in KWIN City in the coming years. The government will provide the necessary support and facilities to institutions interested in establishing a presence in the state," Patil said.

The proposed campuses and research facilities are expected to expand Karnataka's higher education and research infrastructure in the coming years, while creating opportunities for collaboration between universities, research institutions and industry.

University of Liverpool welcomes its first Bengaluru cohort

University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Tim Jones said the institution was proud to open its new international campus in Bengaluru, marking its first such campus opening in more than two decades.

“We are incredibly proud to have officially opened our first international campus in over 20 years in Bengaluru and to have done so in such distinguished company.”

Jones also highlighted the enrollment of nearly 300 students for the inaugural academic year and the university's focus on connecting teaching with research and employer requirements.

"We are delighted to have recruited close to 300 talented students to study our research-connected, employer-informed curricula this year. We have carefully planned all aspects of their learning experience to ensure they receive the support they need to reach their full potential, and I look forward to their matriculation ceremony tomorrow," he said.

The opening marks the University of Liverpool's entry into South India and the beginning of its first academic cohort in Bengaluru. The campus is expected to provide students with access to the university's academic programs while allowing them to pursue their studies within Karnataka.