In a significant move towards realizing the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Ministry of Education has issued a Letter of Intent (LoI) to the University of Southampton (UoS), UK, for establishing its first campus in India. This development marks a major stride in the internationalization of Indian higher education, aligning with NEP 2020’s goals. Ranked among the top 100 global higher education institutions, UoS’s entry into India is expected to enhance the nation’s educational landscape by providing students with global exposure while maintaining an education rooted in Indian values. Notably, this is the first foreign university to receive such an LoI under the UGC’s regulations for setting up foreign university campuses in India.

The LoI was issued during an event in New Delhi titled “Internationalization of Education under NEP 2020: Setting up of Foreign University in India.” The occasion was graced by Union Minister for External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar, along with other dignitaries including Shri Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Department of Higher Education; Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary; Ms. Christina Scott, Deputy High Commissioner of the UK in India; and Mr. Andrew Atherton, Vice-President of the University of Southampton.

Dr. Jaishankar expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that it reflects India’s commitment to elevating educational standards to global levels and advancing India-UK cooperation. He emphasized that such efforts would make Indian youth work-ready while fostering global understanding and collaboration. He also highlighted the initiative’s role in establishing India’s strong international presence in the educational sector, particularly as new technologies and services align with global demands.

The Minister also mentioned key initiatives under the India-UK Roadmap 2030, including the MoU on Mutual Recognition of Academic Qualifications and the Young Professionals Scheme (YPS), which offer unique opportunities for young graduates from both countries. He praised programs like the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) and the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) as vital components of this partnership.

Union Education Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan echoed this sentiment on the X platform, emphasizing that this initiative is a step forward in achieving ‘internationalization at home’ as envisioned in NEP 2020. He invited other top global institutions to establish campuses in India, underscoring the importance of creating a vibrant ecosystem of research, knowledge exchange, and global collaboration to produce global citizens capable of addressing global challenges.

Shri K. Sanjay Murthy, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, also highlighted the various reform initiatives under NEP 2020 aimed at providing inclusive, equitable, and globally competitive education. He mentioned the UGC regulations facilitating Joint/Dual and Twinning arrangements between Indian and foreign institutions and the streamlined entry of foreign students through the Study in India portal.

Professor Andrew Atherton of UoS announced that the University of Southampton’s Delhi campus would be the first comprehensive international campus in India, offering courses in business, computing, law, engineering, and life sciences. The campus aims to develop world-class, work-ready graduates, contributing to India’s fast-growing knowledge economy.

The establishment of the UoS campus in India is seen as a significant step in promoting India as a global study destination and strengthening India-UK educational ties. This initiative is expected to pave the way for future collaborations and further enhance India’s reputation in the global education arena.