Historic Scottish University Establishes First Indian Campus in Mumbai
The University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495, has officially opened admissions for its new Mumbai campus. This marks the first Scottish university to establish a physical presence in India. Professor Peter Edwards, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen, announced the development during his recent visit to Mumbai.
The inaugural student intake is scheduled for September 2026. Alongside the admissions launch, the university introduced the 'Aberdeen Pioneer Scholarship'. This initiative provides a Rs 2 lakh tuition fee waiver to all eligible undergraduate and postgraduate students who apply by the first round deadline of January 31.
Academic Programs and Admission Process
The Mumbai campus will initially offer several undergraduate and postgraduate programs. Undergraduate options include four-year honours degrees in Business Management, Economics, Data Science, and Computing Science. Postgraduate offerings consist of a one-year MSc in Artificial Intelligence and a one-year MBA program.
Admissions will follow a holistic, merit-based approach rather than relying on standardized national entrance exams. Professor Edwards confirmed that exams like JEE or CUET are not mandatory for admission. Instead, the university will assess applicants based on their academic background and subject readiness.
Fee Structure and Financial Support
The university has published transparent fee structures for the September 2026 intake. A four-year honours degree will cost Rs 12 lakh. The one-year MSc in Artificial Intelligence is priced at Rs 14 lakh, while the one-year MBA program costs Rs 17 lakh.
All students who apply by the January 31 deadline and gain admission will automatically receive the Rs 2 lakh Aberdeen Pioneer Scholarship. No separate scholarship application is required. The scholarship applies to all degree programs offered at the Mumbai campus.
Academic Standards and Campus Experience
Professor Edwards emphasized that academic standards at the Mumbai campus will match those at the Scottish home campus. The university will maintain identical academic policies, quality assurance processes, and faculty hiring standards. All programs will operate under both University of Aberdeen governance and India's UGC regulations.
Students studying entirely in Mumbai will receive the same University of Aberdeen degree as those studying in Scotland. The degree parchment will carry no distinguishing markings, ensuring full international recognition and parity.
The campus is located in Powai, chosen for its integration with industry. Students will have access to:
- Purpose-built classrooms
- Technology-enabled learning spaces
- Specialized laboratories
- Industry engagement opportunities
- Applied projects relevant to India's economy
Campus Facilities and Student Life
Despite Mumbai's space constraints, the university has planned comprehensive facilities. Students can opt for facilitated accommodation located within five kilometers of the campus. This provides a residential-style experience, though living on campus is not mandatory.
The campus connects well with public transport, including Metro Line 6. This ensures easy access across the city while maintaining a strong on-campus student community.
Faculty and Academic Oversight
The teaching team will comprise a blend of:
- Faculty permanently based in Mumbai
- Internationally recruited academics
- Visiting or seconded faculty from the UK campus
All faculty members will operate within the University of Aberdeen's established academic standards and quality assurance processes.
Future Expansion and Student Mobility
The university plans to progressively introduce more disciplines as the Mumbai campus matures. Initial programs focus on business, computing, data science, and artificial intelligence because these fields align with Aberdeen's academic strengths and employer demand in India.
While the Mumbai campus is not structured as a transfer program, eligible undergraduates may spend a semester at the Aberdeen campus. This opportunity depends on academic performance, payment of applicable tuition and living costs, and compliance with UK visa requirements.
Professor Edwards confirmed that the Mumbai campus represents a permanent commitment to India. The site has been finalized, and development work is currently underway. The university aims to contribute to India's educational landscape while providing students with globally recognized qualifications closer to home.
