In a landmark move, the UK’s University of Southampton has been granted permission to establish its first comprehensive campus in India, becoming the pioneer among foreign universities to set up shop in the country under the new National Education Policy (NEP).
The Ministry of Education announced that the Letter of Intent (LoI) was handed over to the University of Southampton (UoS) by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar during an event in New Delhi. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has awarded the license, paving the way for the university to begin planning for the new campus.
In his address, Minister Jaishankar expressed optimism that this initiative will contribute to making Indian youth work-ready and fostering global understanding and cooperation. He further emphasized that this move will solidify India’s presence in the global educational landscape.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in a post on X, highlighted that this development is a step towards achieving the NEP 2020’s vision of ‘internationalization at home’. Pradhan underscored the broader implications of establishing foreign university campuses in India, stating that it fosters a vibrant ecosystem of research, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration. He emphasized the responsibility of educational institutions globally to produce ‘global citizens’ equipped to tackle global challenges.
Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, stated that the Delhi campus will be the first comprehensive international campus in India. The campus will focus on producing world-class, work-ready graduates with specialized and transferable skills, contributing to India’s burgeoning knowledge economy.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, further emphasized the impact of the new campus, stating that it will serve as a hub for world-class education and innovation. Additionally, it will provide British students with an unparalleled opportunity to experience living and studying in India.
