Five global universities to open campuses in India by 2027 in major higher education shift

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved the establishment of campuses by five internationally renowned universities, slated to begin operations between 2026 and 2027 in a remarkable move. This initiative, driven by UGC’s 2023 guidelines and aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to bring high-quality global education to Indian soil at a significantly reduced cost.

Global Institutions Set to Operate in India

The five foreign universities approved for campus establishment are:

Illinois Institute of Technology, USA: Based in Chicago and ranked 601–610 in the QS World University Rankings 2025, IIT is known for its excellence in engineering, science, and technology. It is on track to become the first American university to operate a campus in India between 2026 and 2027.

University of Liverpool, UK: Ranked 165th globally and a member of the Russell Group, Liverpool plans to commence operations in India by 2026 or 2027. It is particularly esteemed in the disciplines of law, business, and health sciences.

Victoria University, Australia: Headquartered in Melbourne and ranked 741–750 in QS 2025, the university is recognised for its flexible learning models and industry-focused programmes in commerce, IT, and hospitality. It is preparing to open its Indian campus by 2026–2027.

Western Sydney University, Australia: Already advanced in planning, WSU has chosen Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, for its Indian campus. Ranked 384th in the QS rankings, WSU brings strengths in research and technology.

Istituto Europeo di Design (IED), Italy: Renowned in the fields of fashion, visual arts, and communication, IED is ranked among the top 200 globally in Art & Design. Its upcoming campus in India will offer European design education at lower costs.

Southampton Sets the Precedent

This wave of international expansion follows the University of Southampton’s approval in 2023. As the first foreign institution to receive a Letter of Intent from the UGC, its Gurugram campus is scheduled to open in August 2025, setting the groundwork for other global players.

Key Benefits for Indian Students

With these campuses launching soon, Indian students stand to gain:

Access to International Degrees: Earn globally recognised qualifications without relocating abroad.

Lower Costs: Save significantly on tuition, travel, and living expenses.

Broader Academic Horizons: Experience diverse curricula and global teaching practices.

Global Networking: Study under international faculty and collaborate with peers from across the world.

UGC’s 2023 Guidelines: A New Era in Indian Higher Education

The UGC’s regulatory framework introduced in 2023 permits top 500 global institutions to establish fully autonomous campuses in India. Key provisions include:

• Full autonomy in curriculum design

• Freedom to determine admission processes and fee structures

• Authority to award internationally recognised degrees within India

This policy marks a transformative shift in India’s higher education landscape, helping to create a robust academic ecosystem where world-class education is available locally. With the influx of foreign institutions, Indian universities are also expected to benefit through healthy competition and elevated standards.