The University of Southampton has become the first UK university to be granted a licence by the Indian government to create a comprehensive campus in the country.
The licence from India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) paves the way for planning to progress towards University of Southampton Delhi NCR, which aims to deliver education, research and knowledge exchange and enterprise activity across India. The Letter of Intent (LoI) under India’s National Education Policy (NEP) of 2020 was handed over in New Delhi this week in the presence of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Professor Mark E. Smith, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, said: “In the 21st century, no university can be truly global without engaging with India. Our intention is to establish a campus that delivers social value and economic impact to India and the university by bringing together Southampton’s world class activities in education, research, and knowledge exchange and enterprise, with all the talent of the rising global superpower that is India.
“Through this new campus, the University of Southampton will help deliver a critical element of the Government of India’s transformative agenda, playing our part in harnessing the potential, talent and capabilities of Indian youth.”
The university says it has been active in India for more than 50 years, developing deep and mutually beneficial partnerships. The upcoming campus, in Gurugram, is designed to 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.
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Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President International and Engagement, noted: “University of Southampton Delhi NCR will be the first comprehensive international campus in India. It will foster academic collaboration and bring an international dimension to the Indian higher education system, opening up opportunities to study for a top 100 degree in-country.
“We will develop world-class, work-ready graduates with specialist and transferable skills that will enhance India’s fast-growing knowledge economy. We will undertake research and knowledge exchange in partnership with local universities, industries and government and apply the results to deliver real-world social and economic impact.”
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, stated: “The new University of Southampton campus will be a centre of world-class education and innovation. It will also give more British students the chance to have the incredible experience of living and studying in India.
“This exciting collaboration will foster educational excellence and further strengthen the unique living bridge that connects our two countries.”
Alison Barrett MBE, Director India, British Council, added: “The University of Southampton's decision to establish a campus in India is a testament to the thriving education partnership between India and the UK.
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“This landmark development marks our shared commitment to the internationalisation of education, research and innovation as set out in the National Education Policy 2020. It reinforces our belief that education is a powerful catalyst for building bridges and cross-cultural understanding between nations and shaping a brighter future for young people.”
*Info: University of Southampton