- Mumbai Rising: Creating an International Education City
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- Mumbai is set to become a Global Education City, as Letters of Intent (LOIs) have been issued to five foreign universities: the University of York, the University of Aberdeen, the University of Western Australia, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and the Instituto Europeo di Design (IED) from Italy. These institutions will be establishing campuses in Mumbai.
Mumbai, India, June 17, 2025 — The Ministry of Education of India has taken a remarkable step forward in its pursuit of internationalizing education, as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. During a vibrant and impactful ceremony titled ‘Mumbai Rising: Creating an International Education City,’ held in the bustling city of Mumbai, officials issued Letters of Intent (LoIs) to five esteemed universities known for their global reputation. These institutions, hailing from the United Kingdom, Australia, the United States, and Italy, represent a significant commitment to fostering educational collaboration and enriching the academic landscape in India. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in enhancing educational opportunities and integrating India more fully into the global education framework.
The establishment of branch campuses for the University of York, the University of Aberdeen, the University of Western Australia, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and the Instituto Europeo di Design (IED) in Italy demonstrates a growing confidence in India’s education ecosystem. This development marks a significant milestone as India celebrates five transformative years since the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The Letters of Intent (LOIs) were presented in the presence of several dignitaries, including Devendra Fadnavis, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra; Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister for Education; Chandrakant Patil, the Minister of Higher and Technical Education for the Government of Maharashtra; Aseem Gupta, the Principal Secretary of the Government of Maharashtra; and Dr. Vineet Joshi, the Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, stated that the prompt issuance of Letters of Intent (LoIs) demonstrates the government’s commitment. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which enables foreign universities to participate in the Indian education sector. Fadnavis highlighted that these five universities have made significant contributions to the state and that NEP 2020 has truly opened doors for leading global institutions to establish campuses in India. He further noted that talented Indian students who faced challenges in accessing and affording foreign education can now pursue their studies in India at reduced costs. The government aims to provide accessible, high-quality education across various fields, and ongoing discussions are underway with five additional universities.
On this occasion, Union Minister for Education, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, stated that NEP 2020 envisions India as a global study destination, providing high-quality education at an affordable cost. He emphasized that this initiative aims to fulfill the Honorable Prime MinistMinister’sn of making India a global knowledge hub. India is actively encouraging top international universities to establish campuses in the country while empowering Indian higher education institutions to expand their global presence.
The Letters of Intent (LoIs) presented today enable universities to set up their offshore branch campuses in India. All five universities from the UK, USA, Australia, and Italy that received the Letters of Intent (LoIs) are ranked among the top institutions in the QS World University Rankings, demonstrating their strong global academic credibility. The University of Western Australia will establish two campuses, one in Mumbai/Navi Mumbai and the other in Chennai, reflecting the growing confidence of top institutions in India’s regulatory and academic landscape.
It will be the first time that foreign universities are establishing a presence in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Several institutions are expected to open campuses in the upcoming Education City in Navi Mumbai, in accordance with the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.
The establishment of university campuses in India will greatly benefit students by providing them with access to a global curriculum and expanded study opportunities while also fostering research, knowledge exchange, and community engagement. The campuses in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Chennai will offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields, including business, economics, computer science, public health, data science, design, and other related disciplines. These disciplines are crucial for driving India’s development and shaping the workforce of a ‘Viksit’ Bharat’ (Developed India) in the coming years. Additionally, the universities plan to introduce more courses as they continue their operations in India.
Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary of the Department of Higher Education and Chairman of the University Grants Commission (UGC) highlighted the crucial role of the Ministry of Education and the UGC in promoting the internationalization of education. He discussed the introduction of supportive regulations that facilitate collaboration and enable the aspirations of India’s dynamic talent pool.
He further emphasized the transparent and efficient process for evaluating proposals from foreign universities, which is conducted through a digital portal. Notably, approvals are granted within an impressive timeframe of just one month. Dr. Joshi also welcomed foreign partners involved in the ‘Study in India, recognizing them not just as collaborators but as valued members of our academic community.
Also present were senior officials from the Union Ministry of Education, the Union Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of Maharashtra, and the University Grants Commission. Dignitaries from the High Commissions & Consulates and representatives from foreign universities were also in attendance, including:
- Ms Lindy Cameron CB OBE, British High Commissioner to India
- Mr. Paul Murphy, Consul General of Australia
- Mr. Mike Hankey, Consul General of the United States of America
- Mr. Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy
- Mr. Vijay Singhal, Managing Director, CIDCO
- Mr. Ashwin Damera, Founder, Eruditus Executive Education
Representatives from High Commissions, Consulates, and foreign universities welcomed the Government of India’s initiative under the NEP 2020 to allow offshore campuses. They expressed appreciation for the speed and commitment demonstrated in issuing the Letters of Intent. Speakers from the UK, USA, Australia, and Italy emphasized the role of education as a bridge between nations and expressed pride in contributing to India’India’sing global education narrative. They are committed to bringing the same level of academic excellence—from design to technology—to India.
Source: Ministry of Education, Government of India.
— The CitiTimes editor is a Member of the Association of Higher Education Professionals (UK).
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