University of Southampton commemorates plan to establish institute in Delhi NCR

New Delhi, 19th September 2024: The University of Southampton celebrated the announcement of its new campus in India at a reception held at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in New Delhi.

The event was attended by British High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, and was an opportunity to commemorate the long-standing positive relationship between the UK and India.

The University of Southampton has become the first international university to be granted a licence by the Indian government to establish a comprehensive campus in the country under the new National Education Policy (NEP). This noteworthy accomplishment highlights the University’s commitment to expand its global reach and foster international academic collaborations.

The new campus will be in Gurugram, within the National Capital Region, with an initial offering of four undergraduate and two postgraduate programmes. The four undergraduate programmes will be in computer science, business management, economics, and accounts and finance. The postgraduate programmes will be in international management and finance. New programmes will be introduced each year, with a wide portfolio soon on offer.

Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, said: “India is a great country, the world’s largest democracy and one of the fastest growing superpowers. Its emergence economically, culturally and as a scientific and entrepreneurial powerhouse is tremendous and the pace of achievement is outstanding.

“Setting up an outstanding campus in Delhi NCR is a top priority for the University of Southampton. It marks a major milestone in our ambitious strategy to become a global university, a gateway to the world and an inclusive institution, with people at the heart of our mission.

“Our campus in India will enable us to offer the same Southampton degree as we provide in the UK in Delhi NCR, where we will establish the campus, in a world-class environment that provides an outstanding student experience. This means that University of Southampton Delhi will be as much part of the University and its vibrant and inclusive student community as any other campus.”

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said: “The University of Southampton’s new campus in India is a landmark moment in the UK-India educational partnership.

“As the first international university to establish a comprehensive campus in India, this collaboration will deepen the bonds between our two nations, ensuring that students from both the UK and India benefit.

“This initiative underscores our shared commitment to fostering academic excellence, innovation, and cultural exchange.”
The University of Southampton was issued a Letter of Intent on August 29 under the Universities Grants Commission regulations for setting up Indian campuses of foreign universities. This now paves the way for planning to progress, with the University of Southampton Delhi delivering education, research and knowledge exchange and enterprise activity in the country.

Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, said: “I congratulate the University of Southampton on being the first UK institution to secure a licence to establish a full campus in India under the UGC regulations – a testament to the enduring strength of India-UK educational ties.

“It gives me great pleasure to witness this partnership come to fruition. This milestone marks a significant step forward in realising the National Education Policy’s vision of internationalisation, ushering in a new era of world-class education and cultural exchange. The exciting opportunities from this partnership will advance the shared ambitions of both governments and shape a brighter future for young people from both countries.”

The University has been active in India for more than 50 years and has developed deep and mutually beneficial partnerships. The upcoming campus will enable the University of Southampton to build on these links by amplifying research collaboration and impact, extending teaching partnerships, creating two-way student and staff mobility, and ensuring local civic and community engagement.

The application process for those wanting to study at the new campus is expected to launch in October, with details publicised through the website: southampton.ac.uk/delhi