The Ministry of Education in India has issued three Letters of Approval (LoPs) to globally renowned foreign higher education institutions, namely the University of Bristol, the University of York, and the University of New South Wales, allowing them to set up campuses in the country. The approvals were handed over by the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and Chairman of the University Grants Commission, Vineet Joshi, in the presence of Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan.
Ceremony and Participants
The Letters of Approval were received in person by Executive Dean and Director of the University of Bristol, Michelle Jones; Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, Professor Charlie Jeffery; and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience at the University of New South Wales, Professor Sarah Maddison. Representatives from the British High Commission, Australian High Commission, British Council, Ministry of Education, University Grants Commission, and the three universities also attended the ceremony.
Ministerial Remarks
Addressing the event, Minister Dharmendra Pradhan stated that the establishment of campuses by these three universities marks a significant step in advancing the internationalisation of education under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He emphasised that these institutions will enhance quality education, global learning partnerships, and research collaboration in India. Pradhan noted that the University of Bristol and the University of York will set up campuses in Mumbai, while the University of New South Wales will establish its campus in Bengaluru, aligning with two of India's most dynamic hubs for knowledge, technology, and innovation. He described Bengaluru as the new Silicon Valley of the eastern part of the world.
Details of the Campuses
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol will establish its Mumbai Enterprise Campus, offering proposed programmes in areas such as Immersive Arts, Finance, Data Science, Economics, Business Management, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation.
University of York
The University of York will set up its first overseas campus in Mumbai, with proposed programmes in Finance, Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence, Cyber Security, Business, Economics, Creative Industries, and Management.
University of New South Wales
The University of New South Wales will establish UNSW Bengaluru, scheduled to open from August 2026 at Manyata Business Park, Bengaluru. The campus will offer programmes in Business, Computer Science, and Cyber Security, while also enabling deeper engagement with India in areas such as renewable energy, health, transport, and education.
Context and Framework
The establishment of these campuses is part of the broader internationalisation agenda under NEP 2020, which emphasises attaining the highest global standards in higher education quality and promoting India as a global study destination. The UGC Regulations for setting up and operation of campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India provide a transparent, streamlined, and time-bound framework for globally reputed institutions to establish campuses while maintaining institutional autonomy and global standards.
Expected Benefits
These campuses are expected to expand access to high-quality international education within India, promote two-way academic mobility, strengthen research and innovation, create new opportunities for Indian students, and deepen India's education partnerships with the United Kingdom and Australia. The initiative reflects the growing confidence of leading global institutions in India's regulatory and academic ecosystem and contributes to the creation of a globally competitive, inclusive, and future-ready higher education landscape.
Previous Approvals
With the handover of Letters of Approval to the University of Bristol, University of York, and University of New South Wales, a total of five LoAs have now been issued under the UGC Regulations for Foreign Higher Educational Institutions, including earlier approvals to the University of Southampton and the University of Liverpool. The University of Southampton has already commenced academic operations for the 2025-26 session. Additionally, the UGC has issued 10 Letters of Intent (LoIs) to other globally reputed FHEIs from the UK, the US, Australia, and Italy for establishing campuses across India. Deakin University, the University of Wollongong, and Queen's University Belfast have already started operations in GIFT City.
