UK first as University of Southampton to open India campus

The city’s university has been granted a license by the Indian government to create a comprehensive campus in the country.

The awarding of the license from the University Grants Commission now opens the door for planning to start.

The University of Southampton Delhi NCR will deliver education, research and knowledge exchange as well as enterprise activity in the country.

READ MORE: University looks to appoint 180 new academics by next year

Professor Andrew Atherton, from University of Southampton (Image: Provided)

The city’s university has been active in the country for more than 50 years and has developed deep and mutually beneficial partnerships, a spokesman for the university said.

The upcoming campus is set to help the university build on these links by 'amplifying research collaboration and impact, extending teaching partnerships, creating a two-way student and staff mobility and ensuring civic and community engagement'.

Southampton Vice-Chancellor Mark E Smith (Image: Provided)

President and vice chancellor of the University of Southampton, Prof Mark E Smith, said: “In the 21st century, no university can be truly global without engaging with India.  

“Our intention is to establish a campus that delivers social value and economic impact to India and the university by bringing together Southampton’s world-class activities in education, research, and knowledge exchange and enterprise, with all the talent of the rising global superpower that is India.”

Professor Andrew Atherton, international and engagement vice president, said: “University of Southampton Delhi NCR will be the first comprehensive international campus in India.

“It will foster academic collaboration and bring an international dimension to the Indian higher education system, opening up opportunities to study for a top 100 degree in-country.

“We will develop world-class, work-ready graduates with specialist and transferable skills that will enhance India’s fast-growing knowledge economy.

“We will undertake research and knowledge exchange in partnership with local universities, industries and government and apply the results to deliver real-world social and economic impact.

He added: “This is a hugely exciting initiative for India and our university, and we thank the University Grants Commission of India, the Ministry of Education, the British High Commission, the Indian High Commission, and the British Council, for their confidence in our application.”

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said: “The new University of Southampton campus will be a centre of world-class education and innovation. It will also give more British students the chance to have the incredible experience of living and studying in India.

“This exciting collaboration will foster educational excellence and further strengthen the unique living bridge that connects our two countries.”

Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, added: “The University of Southampton's decision to establish a campus in India is a testament to the thriving education partnership between India and the UK."