On the shores of Mumbai’s Powai Lake, the University of York is putting the final touches on its new campus, aiming to welcome students for the 2026-27 academic year. The first intake is expected to be around 270 students, with projections rising to 3,000–4,000 annually over the coming years, according to Lindsay Oades, provost of the University of York in Mumbai.
York is among nine UK universities establishing campuses in India, following changes in the country’s National Education Policy that legally allow foreign institutions to operate locally. Other UK universities making similar moves include Aberdeen, Bristol, Liverpool, Queen’s University Belfast, and Coventry. The University of Southampton has already opened a campus in Delhi.
The move offers a potential solution for India’s growing demand for quality higher education. Approximately 11 million students complete Grade 12 each year, but only around 200,000 are admitted to India’s top-tier institutions, leaving a significant gap for international universities. Tuition fees at York’s Indian campus will be roughly half of what students would pay in the UK, providing a balance between affordability and global standards.
Courses will also include hybrid learning options, allowing students to study between the Mumbai and UK campuses. However, experts note that many Indian students study abroad primarily for international work exposure, and the appeal of a UK degree in India may depend on factors like visa policies, employment outcomes, and industry recognition.
Establishing and operating these campuses comes with challenges, including regulatory compliance, infrastructure development, and maintaining academic standards while operating at Indian price points. Most UK universities have partnered with local education firms to manage these complexities and facilitate enrolment.
With India’s higher education infrastructure currently insufficient to meet surging demand, initial enrolments are expected to remain modest, with growth occurring over a five-to-seven-year horizon. Analysts also note that asset-light strategies, such as leasing space, may be necessary for many new foreign campuses before investing in fully owned facilities.
The expansion of UK universities into India is projected to contribute to the UK economy, although the impact is modest compared with the substantial revenue generated by Indian students studying in Britain.
