Most of these campuses are likely to begin the admission process from August 2026. Each university is expected to admit around 200 to 250 students in the first year.
Indian students will soon have the option to earn internationally recognised degrees without travelling overseas. The Central government has approved 15 foreign universities to establish independent campuses in India, giving students access to international education at a lower cost.
Admissions expected from August 2026
Most of these campuses are likely to begin the admission process from August 2026. Each university is expected to admit around 200 to 250 students in the first year. The annual intake may increase to nearly 1,000 to 1,200 students over the next five years.
List of approved foreign universities
The universities approved to open campuses in India are:
- University of Southampton (UK)
- Deakin University (Australia)
- University of Wollongong (Australia)
- Queen’s University Belfast (UK)
- University of Liverpool (UK)
- University of York (UK)
- University of Bristol (UK)
- University of Aberdeen (UK)
- Illinois Institute of Technology (USA)
- Western Sydney University (Australia)
- Victoria University (Australia)
- Coventry University (UK)
- University of Surrey (UK)
- La Trobe University (Australia)
- Lancaster University (UK)
More than 10,000 applications received
Student interest has remained strong, with over 10,000 applications submitted during the current admission cycle. The response reflects the growing demand for international higher education opportunities within India.
Eligibility criteria
Eligibility requirements will differ across universities, but the general criteria include:
At least 75% marks in Class 12 for undergraduate programmes.
Between 55% and 70% marks in graduation for postgraduate courses.
Students who scored 70% to 85% in English in their board examinations may not have to submit IELTS scores, depending on the university’s admission policy.
Courses on offer
The campuses will initially offer programmes in high-demand fields, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Computer Science
- STEM disciplines
- Emerging technology programmes
Students will receive degrees awarded according to the academic standards of the parent university.
International learning opportunities
Several universities will also provide overseas exchange options. The University of York plans to introduce a 2+1 programme, allowing students to complete two years in Mumbai before finishing the final year in the UK.
Students at the University of Bristol’s India campus will be able to use the university’s AI supercomputing facilities in the UK through cloud-based access.
Teaching will be carried out by Indian faculty members along with visiting professors from the universities’ overseas campuses.
Scholarships worth ₹1,000 crore
The universities have together set aside nearly ₹1,000 crore for scholarships over the next five years. Depending on merit and financial need, students may receive tuition fee waivers ranging from 10% to 100%.
Lower cost than studying abroad
Education experts estimate that studying at these Indian campuses will cost around 30% to 40% less than completing the same degree overseas. Students will still receive internationally recognised qualifications along with access to experienced faculty, research opportunities and global alumni networks.
Why the initiative is significant
The number of Indian students pursuing higher education abroad increased from 6.8 lakh in 2020 to 18 lakh in 2025. By allowing foreign universities to establish campuses in India, the government aims to reduce the financial burden on families while expanding access to international education.
A Deloitte-Knight Frank report estimates that foreign university campuses in India could enrol more than 5.6 lakh students by 2040. The report also projects that the initiative could help retain nearly $113 billion, or about ₹10.67 lakh crore, in foreign exchange and create demand for around 19 million square feet of educational infrastructure.
