The entry of foreign universities into India has created excitement, but their global rankings reveal a more balanced view.
Most of these institutions fall within the QS global ranking range of 100–300, rather than being in the top 20, such as Ivy League colleges or Oxford and Cambridge.
Experts say that top-ranked universities usually avoid setting up campuses abroad. They prefer to focus their efforts at home to attract the best students and faculty.
On the other hand, universities ranked below the top 50 are more open to expanding internationally.
Foreign Universities Grow Presence in India Through Campuses and Centres
Australian universities are leading this trend. Deakin University (QS rank 197) was the first to open a campus in Gujarat’s GIFT City.
It has been offering Master’s programs in Business Analytics and Cyber Security since July 2024.
The University of Wollongong (QS rank 167) followed with five technology-related courses from November 2024.
The University of Melbourne, ranked 13th, has opened a Global Centre in New Delhi, but it focuses on partnerships, not teaching.
Other notable names include the University of Southampton (QS rank 80), which will be the first foreign university to work under India’s UGC rules.
It will begin operations in Gurugram in August 2025. The University of Liverpool (QS rank 165) is planning a Bengaluru campus by 2026, with courses in business, technology, and biomedical sciences.
More Global Universities Set to Widen India’s Higher Education Sector
The Illinois Institute of Technology (QS rank 601–610) will become the first U.S. university allowed to independently offer degrees in India.
Its Mumbai campus is scheduled to open in fall 2026. Western Sydney University is expected to be the first foreign university in Uttar Pradesh, pending approval.
Queen’s University Belfast will be the first Russell Group member in GIFT City, starting five postgraduate programs in 2026.
The University of Surrey and University of York also have plans. Surrey is preparing a campus in GIFT City focused on research and teaching.
York aims to open a Mumbai campus by 2026–27, with programs in AI, business, and biotechnology.
Foreign Universities Set to Boost Indian Education Quality and Global Reach
Even though these are not the highest-ranked universities worldwide, they are generally better ranked than most Indian institutions.
Their arrival is expected to improve the quality of education, increase global exposure, and provide more academic choices in India.
