The University of Southampton has made history by becoming the first UK university to receive approval from the Indian government to establish a comprehensive campus in India. A letter of intent (LoI) was handed over today, marking the formal start of this groundbreaking collaboration.
University Of Southampton In India
We’re delighted to announce we’ve been granted a licence to open a campus in India 🎉
Our world leading education, research and enterprise activity will be used to deliver real social and economic impact in both our countries.
Find out more 👉 https://t.co/m0KMl7YJnE pic.twitter.com/jKSRpKLUmX
— University of Southampton (@unisouthampton) August 29, 2024
The ceremony took place in the presence of India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. He highlighted the importance of this development under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. NDTV Education reported that according to Dr Jaishankar, this move aligns with India’s vision to elevate its educational standards and enhance education cooperation between India and the UK.
Dr Jaishankar noted that the initiative reflected the vision of raising educational standards to the highest global levels and fulfilling the education pillar of India-UK cooperation. He expressed optimism that it would help prepare Indian students for global challenges and enhance international ties.
Also Read: Cairo University Dome And Clock Tower Earn Historic Monument Status
Ranked Among The Top 100 Universities Worldwide
The University of Southampton, a prestigious institution ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide, will build its campus in the Delhi National Capital Region (NCR). The new campus will focus on education, research, knowledge exchange, and enterprise activities. It will blend Southampton’s world-class expertise with India’s growing potential as a global education hub.
According to reports by NDTV Education , Mark E. Smith, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, underscored the significance of the venture. He mentioned that, in the 21st century, no university could be truly global without engaging with India. Smith added that the new campus would provide social value and economic impact by bridging Southampton’s academic excellence with India’s emerging talent. He also noted that the campus would play a crucial role in supporting the Indian government’s transformative agenda and leveraging the potential of Indian youth.
University of Southampton Delhi NCR would be the first comprehensive international campus in India, bringing an international dimension to the Indian higher education system and offering opportunities to study for a top 100 degree in the country. This development aligns with the NEP 2020’s vision of ‘internationalisation at home.’
Currently, only a few foreign universities have set up campuses in India. Australian universities, Deakin University and the University of Wollongong, have established campuses in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). Malaysia’s Lincoln University College was the first foreign university to register through the UGC’s dedicated portal to set up a campus in India.
Cover Image Courtesy: University of Southampton/Website
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.