15 Foreign Universities to Open in India by 2027: New List Released

Under the new National Education Policy (NEP), the University of Southampton (UK) has opened its first campus in Gurugram. This will enable Indian students to study at a foreign university at a lower cost. This is a significant step in India’s higher education landscape and will provide new opportunities for students.

Bharat•Jul 18, 2025 / 08:53 am•

Patrika Desk

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Many students in India are unable to fulfil their dream of studying at foreign universities due to high costs. Now, they will be able to do so at a lower cost while remaining in the country. This is becoming possible with the new National Education Policy. Southampton University (UK) inaugurated its first such campus in Gurugram on Wednesday. This is being considered a milestone in India’s higher education landscape.

Southampton University will offer degrees in computing, law, business, etc. It is expected that 5,500 students will enrol annually. According to the University Grants Commission (UGC), campuses of 15 foreign universities may be established in India by 2027. It is estimated that tuition fees here will be 25-40% lower than at their US campuses.

Under the new UGC regulations, the top 500 global institutions will be allowed to establish fully autonomous campuses in India, with their own admission criteria, fee structure, and degree accreditation. This will provide Indians with world-class education at a lower cost. It is estimated that an Indian student going abroad spends an average of $60,000 on education.

Universities Coming to India

1- Illinois Institute of Technology (USA) will open its campus in Mumbai by 2026, offering STEM and business programs. This will be the first US university to do so.
2- Liverpool University, Aberdeen, and York (UK), and the University of Western Australia have received letters of intent to open their campuses by the end of 2026.
3- Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy) is opening its campus in Mumbai, offering degrees in fashion, product, and visual design at 25-30% less cost than its European campuses.
4- The University of Chicago and the University of Utah (USA) are opening campuses in Bengaluru. The University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University (both USA) will also establish campuses in India.

Reasons for Coming to India

Policy Uncertainty: Strict visa policies and political tensions during the administration of US President Donald Trump led to a decrease in enrolments. Students are hesitant to go to the US.
Diversifying Revenue: Diversifying revenue streams amidst increasing competition, achieving financial stability along with expanding brand presence.
Geopolitical Balancing: In an increasingly multipolar world, re-orienting its international strategy while avoiding regional disruptions.

India: A Large Market

More than 50% of the population is under 30 years of age
Higher education is projected to exceed $300 billion by 2030
Currently, only 30% of college-age youth are enrolled
More than 1.3 million went abroad for studies in 2024.
More than 65% of those going abroad went to the US and Canada.

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