In a significant development, the University of Southampton has become the first UK university to receive a license from the Indian government to establish a comprehensive campus in India.
The University Grants Commission of India has granted the license, allowing the University of Southampton to proceed with its plans to open a campus in the Delhi NCR region.
The new campus, named University of Southampton Delhi NCR, will focus on education, research, knowledge exchange, and enterprise activities in India, a official release stated.
“In the 21st century, no university can be truly global without engaging with India,” said professor Mark E. Smith, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Southampton. "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, vice-president International and Engagement, highlighted the significance of this development, noting that 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," Atherton said.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, expressed her support for the initiative. "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,” Cameron said, adding that it will strengthen educational ties between the UK and India.
Alison Barrett, director India, British Council, emphasized the significance of the partnership in the context of India’s National Education Policy 2020. "This landmark development marks our shared commitment to the internationalisation of education, research and innovation as set out in the National Education Policy 2020. It reinforces our belief that education is a powerful catalyst for building bridges and cross-cultural understanding between nations and shaping a brighter future for young people.”
Previously, in March 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced that Deakin University would be the first foreign university to establish a branch campus in India, marking the pinnacle of Deakin's 30-year partnership with the country.
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