Prime Highlights
- Foreign universities are expanding campuses in India.
- Students can access global degrees at lower costs.
Key Facts
- Aberdeen, Bristol and Illinois Tech are entering India.
- Annual fees range from about ₹12 lakh to ₹16 lakh.
Background
International universities are showing keen interest in India, as a few top universities from the US, UK, and Australia have plans to set up their campuses in India. It is anticipated that the move will benefit students by giving them internationally recognised degrees, along with saving money and hassle in visa applications.
The recent push for the same started after the introduction of ‘Edu City’ by the state of Maharashtra in Navi Mumbai in 2025. With admissions around the corner and intake starting in September, students and parents alike are considering foreign university campuses in India as another option.
Education experts said changing global immigration policies and stricter employment opportunities for international students have contributed to the shift. Dhaval Mehta, an education expert at Globestar Ulio, observed that several countries are becoming less inclined to retain international graduates in their workforce, while companies are finding visa sponsorship more difficult and costly.
Consultants also noted a decline in Indian student enrolments in destinations such as the United States and the United Kingdom. They are of the opinion that the presence of reputed foreign universities in India can ensure international education without having to leave the country.
The cost factor continues to be a big incentive behind this initiative. It was noted by the experts that studying for a foreign degree in India is far cheaper than studying in the university abroad. They added that concerns over education loan repayments have increased, especially when graduates struggle to secure jobs abroad.
Karan Gupta, an education consultant, said many parents now view spending ₹30-40 lakh in India for an internationally recognised degree as a more practical option than investing substantially more overseas without certainty regarding employment or visa prospects.
Among the institutions entering India are the University of Aberdeen, University of Bristol, and Illinois Institute of Technology, all of which plan to begin academic operations in 2026 with undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
