On May 23, 2025, UGC approved 5 top foreign universities to set up their campuses in India. This is a significant development towards achieving the goal of internationalising the Indian Education System, as outlined in the NEP 2020.
Universities That Got Approval for Setting Up Their Campuses in India
- Illinois Institute of Technology (USA)
- University of Liverpool (UK)
- Victoria University (Australia)
- Western Sydney University (Australia)
- Instituto Europeo di Design (Italy)
These foreign universities plan to commence their campuses from AY 2026-27. The University of Southampton (UK) received a Letter of Intent and approval from UGC in 2023 and is set to start its campus in Gurgaon (Gurugram) in August 2025.
This is exciting news for all students aspiring to apply for UG and PG programmes in the coming years. We will explore what it means, its long—and short-term impact, challenges, and more. Also, we suggest exploring Chanakya University Bangalore for quality industry-aligned professional programmes, including BBA, MBA, BA LLB, and more.
Foreign Universities in India: Why It Matters for the Indian Education System?
Going abroad for higher education comes with challenges like the cost of living, educational expenses, cultural and linguistic differences in another country, emotional adjustments, and living away from family and hometown. What if you get a global-standard education in India, near home? Yes, that’s what UGC intends to do by allowing foreign universities to set up campuses in Indian cities. Let’s explore the impact and consequences further.
Reverse Brain Drain
In 2024, around 1.33 million students went to foreign universities for higher education. Every year, toppers of major competitive exams leave India for better education, research, and career options. This brain drain and exodus of Indian students needs education reforms, and the arrival of foreign universities provides the perfect opportunity for the same.
Among the top universities in India for engineering, Chanakya University enriches students with the latest education models and world happenings through guest lectures, a global engagement programme, and more. Explore the website to learn more.
Global Education Near Home
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced, “Two Australian universities, Deakin and Wollongong, will set up their campuses at the GIFT city of Gujarat.” The University of Southampton will commence its Gurgaon campus in August 2025.
Students can experience global education near their homes. It is cost-efficient, globally relevant, does not require leaving the family, and digital media provides global exposure from home.
Global universities are coming near us, and the best university for MBA in India like Chanakya University is gearing up to tie up with these varsities for optimum experience to their students.
Better Academic and Industry Collaboration
From guest lectures to academic and industry collaborations, the arrival of foreign universities will help enhance the learning experience and the overall advanced education system. An international research network, joint research projects, and partnerships between students and faculty enhance the research and development ecosystem.
Joint research projects and programmes also attract funding from global sources, further empowering R&D efforts in India.
Enhanced Educational Quality
Foreign universities often introduce advanced teaching methodologies, globally experienced faculty, and cutting-edge educational infrastructure, leading to a holistic improvement in the qualitative aspect of the education system in India and the production of global-ready professionals. Globally recognised programmes, curricula, and educational resources nurture students for sought-after career options.
Indian universities can also integrate best practices and enhance their quality of education. Being at the forefront of providing quality education, Chanakya University, the best university for MBA in India, offers globally recognised best learning practices and nurtures students for global careers.
Enhanced Learning Outcomes
Foreign varsities often have strong ties with industry partners, creating opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and industry-sponsored projects. This collaboration allows students to gain practical experience and exposure to industry standards, enhancing their employability. It also enables universities to develop curricula relevant to the industry’s needs, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for the job market.
Increased Global Exposure and Networking
Foreign universities provide students with opportunities to study abroad, participate in exchange programmes, and do internships, enhancing their global exposure and networking skills. These collaborations can also create opportunities for Indian students to work with international companies and gain experience in diverse work environments. This international exposure can make students more competitive in the global job market and enhance their career prospects.
Attracting Foreign Students & Talent
The presence of foreign universities can make India a more attractive destination for international students, increasing diversity and enriching the academic environment. It can also attract international faculty and researchers, further strengthening the academic community.
Chanakya University: Global Engagement Section
The Global Engagement Section of Chanakya University is dedicated to building strong and lasting partnerships with academic institutions and industries worldwide. These collaborations are realised through avenues such as joint research, student/faculty/staff exchanges, joint degree programmes, collaborative teaching programmes, COIL programmes, joint curriculum development and industrial consultancy.
CU encourages partnerships initiated by our faculty based on shared academic and research interests. Strategic alliances are formalised at the institutional level to ensure alignment with long-term goals.
Chanakya University, the best university for BBA in India, also responsible for designing, negotiating, and formalising these collaborations through agreements such as Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) or other joint academic programmes. These agreements can take various forms, including student exchange programmes, faculty exchanges, customised educational programmes, and joint degree initiatives.
Chanakya University’s Global Engagement Section: Key Areas of Collaboration
- Collaboration Online International Learning (COIL) Programme
- Student Exchange Programmes
- Faculty Exchange Programmes
- Joint Research and Innovation Initiatives
- Customised and Joint Degree Programmes
- Cultural and Educational Exchange Programmes
Conclusion
The entry of top foreign universities into India marks a transformative shift in the higher education landscape, in alignment with the goals of NEP 2020. This move brings global education closer to home and addresses long-standing challenges such as brain drain, high overseas education costs, and lack of international exposure.
For students aspiring to pursue 5-year integrated law courses (BA LLB), quality engineering, management programmes, global collaborations, and industry-oriented curriculum, Chanakya University stands as a future-ready hub preparing students for successful international careers—right from India.
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