Introduction:India is a top spot for global education
India is a top spot for global education,the University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently approved five foreign universities, including the University of York, to establish independent campuses in India. Among these, the University of York is set to open its Mumbai campus in September 2026. Professor Charlie Jeffery, Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, discussed the exciting opportunities this presents for higher education in India.
The UGC’s decision, which also includes approvals for the University of Western Australia and the University of Aberdeen, provides a significant boost to India’s international education landscape.India is a top spot for global education,In a conversation with indianexpress.com, Prof. Jeffery explained the university’s strategic choice to enter India and why Mumbai is a perfect fit for York’s academic vision.
Why India? Why Mumbai?
“India is probably the most exciting location in the world right now for international higher education,” said Prof. Jeffery. With 20% of the world’s population under the age of 25 living in India and a national policy actively welcoming international universities, India offers unmatched potential.
The Mumbai campus will initially welcome 200–300 students and is expected to scale up to 10,000 students over the next decade. India is a top spot for global education,The first academic offerings will focus on business, computer science, and creative technologies, combining research-driven learning with real-world industry integration.
Independent Operations with Global Standards
The University of York in Mumbai will operate independently but will deliver the same UK-accredited courses as those offered at the home campus.India is a top spot for global education, Faculty will initially include a mix of professors from York, India, and other international locations, with plans to gradually increase local recruitment.
Prof. Jeffery highlighted the importance of starting small to ensure solid foundations, but stressed that rapid growth is the ultimate goal.India is a top spot for global education, He praised India’s National Education Policy (NEP) for creating a transparent and welcoming regulatory framework. “In other countries, regulations can be ambiguous or even restrictive. But in India, the pathway is clear and predictable,” he said.
Innovation through CoSTAR Live Lab
Gavin Kearney, Co-Director of the CoSTAR Live Lab, elaborated on York’s creative technology initiatives that will be integrated into the Mumbai campus. CoSTAR, a £76 million UK government-backed project, aims to lead creative innovation globally. India is a top spot for global education,The Mumbai campus will connect Indian students with this cutting-edge research and enable collaborations with Mumbai’s growing film and media industry.
Students in creative programs will benefit from access to emerging technologies and cross-border projects, enriching their educational experience.
Local Industry Partnerships and Placement Focus
India is a top spot for global education,One of York’s priorities for the Mumbai campus is deep industry collaboration from the very beginning. Prof. Jeffery acknowledged that Indian students and parents have higher expectations regarding placements and employer engagement.
York is also building a dedicated industry placement framework in Mumbai to ensure that students get practical, job-ready experience.
Clearing Misconceptions: It’s Not About Student Diversion
Addressing whether this move is a response to tightening immigration policies,India is a top spot for global education, Prof. Jeffery clarified:
“This is not about diverting students who might have come to the UK.
He also mentioned the environmental advantage of offering global education locally. India is a top spot for global education,By bringing the campus to India, York reduces the need for long-distance student travel, supporting sustainability goals.
Maintaining Academic Excellence
Prof. Jeffery emphasized that there will be no compromise on academic standards and quality.
He proudly noted that York is among the elite group of UK universities with top ratings in both research and teaching, alongside Oxford, Cambridge, and Imperial College London.
“The University of York in Mumbai will be just as much York as our home campus,” he assured.
Looking Ahead: A Nobel Prize from Mumbai?
Looking to the future, Prof. Jeffery shared an ambitious vision:
“It took us 61 years to get our first Nobel Prize back in York. We hope it won’t take that long in Mumbai.”
The university’s focus is not just on growing student numbers but on producing world-class research, building strong industry partnerships, and creating global impact.
✅ Positive Aspects:
1. Global Education Access in India
- Students can receive UK-accredited degrees without leaving India.
- Reduces the financial burden of studying abroad (travel, visa, living expenses).
2. Boost to Indian Higher Education
- Brings world-class teaching and research standards to India.
- Introduces innovative, research-led learning with international exposure.
3. Strong Industry Collaboration
- Partnerships with leading companies like Sun Pharma and Tata ensure job-oriented education.
- Focus on real-world skills and industry placements meets the expectations of Indian students and parents.
4. Creative Technology Advantage
- Students will access CoSTAR Live Lab’s cutting-edge research.
- Opportunities to work on joint projects with UK industries and Mumbai’s film/media sector.
5. Environmentally Friendly
- Reduces the carbon footprint by offering international education locally.
- Supports sustainable education pathways.
6. Supportive Regulatory Framework
- India’s transparent UGC and NEP policies make it easier for foreign universities to set up and grow.
7. Opportunities for Local Talent
- University plans to gradually increase local faculty recruitment.
- Promotes knowledge exchange and local skill development.
❌ Negative Aspects:
1. Possible Competition with Indian Universities
- May divert top students from Indian public and private universities.
- Could create inequality in student choices if international campuses are seen as superior.
2. High Initial Cost for Students
- Even though it’s cheaper than studying abroad, tuition fees may still be higher compared to local universities.
3. Scalability Challenges
- Rapid expansion from 300 to 10,000 students may affect quality if not carefully managed.
- Recruiting qualified international faculty in large numbers may be difficult.
4. Risk of Cultural Misalignment
- Imported curriculums may not fully address local cultural, social, or industry-specific needs.
- There may be a gap in contextual learning for Indian students if content isn’t adapted.
5. Potential Over-Reliance on Foreign Institutions
- Heavy dependence on foreign campuses could limit the growth of home-grown Indian universities.
- Might create a perception that international education is automatically superior.
