New Delhi: The University of Southampton (UoS), one of the leading universities in the UK, is set to make history by establishing the first foreign university campus in India under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The campus will be located in the Delhi-NCR region, marking a significant step in India’s efforts to internationalize its higher education sector.
Historic Move Under NEP 2020
The Indian government has officially granted a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the University of Southampton, making it the first UK university to receive permission to set up a comprehensive campus in India. This LoI was handed over by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during an event in New Delhi, as confirmed by the Ministry of Education.
The University’s statement highlighted that the licence awarded by the University Grants Commission (UGC) is a major milestone, allowing them to proceed with detailed planning for the new campus. This initiative is in line with NEP 2020’s vision of promoting ‘internationalisation at home’ by attracting foreign universities to establish a presence in India.
A Step Toward Global Collaboration
In his address, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed his confidence that such initiatives will equip Indian youth with skills to make them work-ready, while fostering a spirit of global understanding and cooperation. He emphasized that this move will further strengthen India’s educational footprint on the global stage.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his support for the initiative. He stated that the establishment of foreign university campuses in India is not just about expanding educational opportunities but also about creating a vibrant ecosystem of research, knowledge exchange, and global collaboration. Pradhan further added that India’s commitment as a ‘Vishwa-Bandhu’ (global friend) is to fulfill its global responsibilities and contribute to a brighter future for education, innovation, and progress.
A Centre for World-Class Education
Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President for International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, shared his vision for the new campus. He stated that the University of Southampton Delhi will be the first comprehensive international campus in India, aimed at developing world-class, work-ready graduates with specialized and transferable skills that will support India’s rapidly growing knowledge economy.
Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India, also praised the initiative. She noted that the new campus will not only serve as a center of world-class education and innovation but will also offer British students the opportunity to experience living and studying in India.
The establishment of the University of Southampton’s campus in India is a significant milestone in the country’s educational journey, setting a precedent for future collaborations between Indian and foreign universities. This initiative under NEP 2020 marks the beginning of a new era in global education, where the boundaries between nations in the academic world are increasingly blurred, fostering a spirit of mutual growth and understanding.