The University of Bristol has announced plans to open its first international campus in its near 150-year history, joining a rush of UK universities establishing outposts in India.

Official approval for the venture in Mumbai was granted by the Indian government at a ceremony in New Delhi celebrating the fifth anniversary of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Scheduled to open in summer 2026, Bristol said the Mumbai Enterprise Campus will be a cornerstone of its transnational education strategy and reflects its broader ambition to position itself among the world’s top 50 universities.

Several UK and international universities have already announced plans to open branches in India, including Bristol’s fellow Russell Group members, the universities of Liverpool, Southampton and York.

̽����Ƶ

“This marks a pivotal transformation in our 150-year history and a powerful, globally inclusive future we’re proud to build in partnership,” said Evelyn Welch, Bristol’s vice-chancellor.

“Developing an in-country base has long been part of our international strategy and supports our ambition to be a top 50 global university.”

̽����Ƶ

The Mumbai Enterprise Campus will take cues from Bristol’s forthcoming Temple Quarter development, due to open next year, with plans to engage local businesses, researchers and students in collaborative projects.

Michele Acuto, the university’s pro vice-chancellor for global engagement, said: “This is far more than a new location; it’s a purposeful extension of our vision to meet our learners and communities where they are, and to do so with respect, integrity and deep local engagement that sets us apart as a global civic institution.”

The Mumbai campus will initially offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in areas such as data science, economics, finance and investment, immersive arts and financial technology.

Plans are in place to expand into fields such as computer science and AI, business, and management.

̽����Ƶ

Bristol said Mumbai was selected because of its strong reputation as a centre for innovation, technology and the arts.

The university intends for the campus to follow an internationally oriented curriculum, with a focus on employability and skills development tailored to India’s job market.

Christina Scott, acting British high commissioner to India, said the “comprehensive branch campus” will complement the UK and India’s shared goal of nurturing the next generation of global talent and “further deepen collaboration between our countries”.

tash.mosheim@timeshigehreducation.com