New Foreign University Campus in India: The University of Southampton, one of the UK's leading higher education institutions, has made history by becoming the first international university to establish a comprehensive campus in India under the Indian government's new National Education Policy (NEP). The announcement was celebrated at a special reception hosted at the British High Commissioner’s residence in New Delhi, attended by British High Commissioner Lindy Cameron, University of Southampton leadership, and other prominent figures from both countries.
A Milestone for UK-India Relations
The event marked a significant moment in the long-standing relationship between the UK and India, with the University’s expansion further strengthening educational and cultural ties. Speaking at the event, British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, hailed the new campus as a "landmark moment" for the UK-India educational partnership. She emphasized how this development would deepen the bond between the two nations and provide invaluable opportunities for students from both countries.
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“The University of Southampton’s new campus in India is a landmark moment in the UK-India educational partnership. As the first international university to establish a comprehensive campus in India, this collaboration will deepen the bonds between our two nations, ensuring that students from both the UK and India benefit,” she said.
The New Campus in Gurugram
The University of Southampton’s new campus will be located in Gurugram, within the National Capital Region (NCR), a thriving hub for industry and education. Initially, the campus will offer four undergraduate and two postgraduate programs.
The undergraduate degrees will be available in the fields of:
- Computer Science
- Business Management
- Economics
- Accounts and Finance
The postgraduate programs will cover:
- International Management
- Finance
With a focus on delivering the same high standards as its UK counterpart, the University of Southampton aims to introduce new programs each year, expanding its portfolio to cater to a wide range of academic and professional disciplines. The campus will provide Indian students with the opportunity to earn a globally recognized Southampton degree without having to leave the country, bringing the best of UK education to India.
Commitment to Global Education
Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President of International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, expressed excitement about the new campus and highlighted the university's commitment to becoming a global leader in education.
"Setting up an outstanding campus in Delhi NCR is a top priority for the University of Southampton. It marks a major milestone in our ambitious strategy to become a global university, a gateway to the world, and an inclusive institution, with people at the heart of our mission," Professor Atherton remarked.
“Our campus in India will enable us to offer the same Southampton degree as we provide in the UK in Delhi NCR, where we will establish the campus, in a world-class environment that provides an outstanding student experience," he added. Just as they would be on any of the university's other campuses across the globe, Atherton stressed that students attending the Indian campus would be seen as an essential part of the University of Southampton's dynamic and diverse community.
Strengthening the India-UK Educational Partnership
Alison Barrett MBE, Director of India at the British Council, also praised the university’s move, calling it a testament to the strength of India-UK educational ties. She highlighted how the campus would help advance the shared educational ambitions of both countries.
“I congratulate the University of Southampton on being the first UK institution to secure a licence to establish a full campus in India under the UGC regulations – a testament to the enduring strength of India-UK educational ties," Barrett said. She also noted how the new campus aligned with India's National Education Policy's vision of internationalization, fostering a new era of world-class education and cultural exchange.
More Than Half a Century of Partnership in India
The University of Southampton’s presence in India is not new. It has been active in the country for over 50 years, forging deep and mutually beneficial partnerships with academic and industry leaders. The new Gurugram campus will allow the university to build on these existing relationships by enhancing research collaboration, extending teaching partnerships, and promoting student and staff mobility between India and the UK.
Additionally, the campus will serve as a hub for local civic and community engagement, with the university working closely with the Indian government and local organizations to ensure that the benefits of this international collaboration extend beyond the academic sphere.
What future prospects does India have?
The establishment of the University of Southampton’s Indian campus comes at a time when both India and the UK are striving to increase international academic collaboration. As India continues to emerge as a global economic, cultural, and scientific powerhouse, the presence of world-class international institutions like the University of Southampton will play a crucial role in shaping the future of education in the country.
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The new campus will begin offering programs in 2025, following the official Letter of Intent issued by the University Grants Commission (UGC) on August 29, 2024. This move is anticipated to give UK students the chance to study in one of the most dynamic regions of the world, as well as new opportunities for Indian students seeking an international education without having to leave their home country.
As Professor Atherton aptly put it, "India is a great country, the world’s largest democracy, and one of the fastest-growing superpowers. Its emergence economically, culturally, and as a scientific and entrepreneurial powerhouse is tremendous, and the pace of achievement is outstanding." For the best news worldwide, keep reading at Education Post News.
