A SCOTTISH university looks set to become the first in the country to have a campus in India.
The University of Aberdeen says it has taken a “significant step forward” in its global expansion plans after India’s University Grants Commission gave permission to progress with proposals for a branch campus in Mumbai.
It is hoped the campus will be launched in September next year.
University bosses say it is the first time a Scottish university has been granted permission for a branch campus in India and the proposal will now go to the university’s governing body court for approval next month.
Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, vice-principal of global engagement at the University of Aberdeen, said: “We are excited to progress our global ambitions after the Indian Government gave us approval to proceed with our intention for a campus.
“As a country of over 1.4 billion where 50% of the population are below the age of 25, India has long been a priority area for our global engagement strategy focusing on student recruitment, articulation partnerships, research collaborations and alumni networks.
“The proposed campus aims to empower students, accelerate joint research with Indian partners and contribute to India’s dynamic knowledge economy. By combining the University of Aberdeen’s research expertise with India’s innovation ecosystem, this initiative aims to tackle global challenges while enabling student exchange, faculty collaboration and industry-led innovation.
“We are looking forward to collaborating with our Indian partners to bring this vision to life and further bolster ties between Scotland and India through education and research.”
The University of Aberdeen – the fifth oldest in the UK – was granted a Letter of Intent at a special ceremony on Saturday in Mumbai, signalling Government approval for the university’s proposed campus.
Aligned with India’s National Education Policy 2020, the proposed campus would initially offer programmes in computing and data science, business management, economics and artificial intelligence.
There are plans for future expansion into mathematics and international business management and information systems, public health, film studies and psychology.
A follow up second phase would see the university aim to establish a research and innovation office on the proposed new campus to expand research collaborations and industry partnerships in areas such as AI, energy and life sciences.
Alison Barrett, country director for India at the British Council, said: “The University of Aberdeen’s decision to progress with a campus in Mumbai marks an important moment in deepening the education partnership between India and the UK.
“As the first Scottish university to be granted permission to set up a campus in India, this is more than just an institutional milestone; it underscores how education can serve as a bridge between nations, fostering cultural exchange, mutual respect, and creating global opportunities for students and academics alike.
“We are proud to support initiatives that bring world-class education closer to students in India.”
