What are the top foreign universities in India?
India’s higher education is changing as top global universities come to the country. This is because of the National Education Policy 2020 and new UGC rules in 2023, foreign universities can now open their own campuses in India. This landmark move aims to internationalise Indian education, enhance academic standards, and provide students with access to globally recognised degrees without leaving the country.
This article explores the top foreign universities in India, highlighting both those already operational and those set to launch in the coming years. As international campuses emerge, it becomes important to understand what are the top foreign universities in India.
Top Foreign Universities in India 2026
As of 2025–2026, foreign universities in India are of 2 types:
Operational campuses (already admitting students)
Approved / upcoming campuses (launching soon)
List of Top Foreign Universities in India 2026
Name of University | Status |
Operational | |
Operational | |
Operational | |
Set to open in 2026 | |
Set to open in 2026 | |
Set to open in 2026 | |
Set to open in 2026 | |
Set to open in 2026 | |
Set to open in 2026 | |
Set to open in 2026 |
Top Foreign Universities Currently Operating in India
University of Southampton Delhi, Deakin University GIFT City and University of Wollongong GIFT are currently operating in India. Check highlights of these top foreign universities operating in India below.
University of Southampton Delhi
It is the first international university to receive approval from the University Grants Commission under the National Education Policy 2020.
Location: Gurugram (Delhi NCR)
Country of origin: England
Popular Courses: BSc Hons, BTech and MSc
Admission Criteria: Past Academic Performance + Personal Statement
Deakin University GIFT City
Deakin University set up a branch campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, in early 2024.
Location: GIFT City, Gujarat
Country of origin: Australia
Popular Courses: MTech, MBA
Admission Criteria: GRE/ GMAT/ CAT/ GATE/ CMAT/ SNAP/ NMAT scores and an interview.
University of Wollongong GIFT City
It offers world-class education, research, and industry engagement, making it one of the first Australian universities in India.
Location: GIFT City, Gujarat
Country of origin: Australia
Popular Courses: BBA, MCA and MTech
Admission Criteria: IELTS and TOEFL scores
Top Foreign Universities Coming to India
Several globally ranked universities have received approval and are expected to begin operations soon:
Illinois Institute of Technology Mumbai
One of only five STEM universities in the U.S. to be named an Opportunity College and University (Carnegie Foundation/ACE 2025).
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Country of origin: USA
Popular Courses: BS, MS and MBA
Admission Criteria: Academic record + English Proficiency+Document verification
Queen’s University Belfast GIFT City
It is a private institution established as the Indian campus of Queen's University, Belfast.
Location: GIFT City, Gujarat
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Popular Courses: MSc
Admission Criteria: Academic merit and IELTS score
University of Liverpool Bangalore
The Bengaluru campus unlocks opportunities that blend international qualifications with local relevance.
Location: Bangalore, Karnataka
Country of origin: England
Popular Courses: BA Hons, BSc Hons, MSc
Admission Criteria: Academic record + Statement of Purpose + Interview performance + Extracurricular achievements.
Victoria University Delhi NCR
Victoria University expansion into India creates new opportunities for students to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Business, Information Technology, Data Science, Cyber Security and related fields.
Location: Gurgaon, Haryana
Country of origin: Australia
Popular Courses: BS, BTech, BBA, MBA, MSc
Admission Criteria: Academic Record + English Proficiency+Document verification
University of York Mumbai
At the Mumbai campus, students benefit from extensive global mobility options, including summer, semester and year-abroad pathways, opportunities to graduate, joint projects with York UK peers, virtual collaboration, and short academic visits.
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Country of origin: England
Popular Courses: BA Hons, BSc Hons, MSc
Admission Criteria: Academic record + Interview performance (if applicable) + Extracurricular achievements + Supporting documents
5. University of Aberdeen Mumbai
Situated at Chromium on the Jogeshwari–Vikhroli Link Road, the campus enjoys a prime Powai location with connectivity across Mumbai
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Country of origin: United Kingdom
Popular Courses: BSc Hons, MA, MSc and MBA
Admission Criteria: Academic record+ English Proficiency + Personal Statement + Work Experience (only for MBA)
6. University of Bristol Mumbai
Opening in 2026, the Mumbai Enterprise Campus will offer Indian students access to UK education without leaving the country.
Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra
Country of origin: England
Popular Courses: BSc, MSc and MA
Admission Criteria: Academic record + Statement of Purpose + Interview performance + Extracurricular achievements
Western Sydney University (Australia), Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy), La Trobe University (Australia), University of Western Australia and Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy) have also been approved and will operate soon in India.
The entry of top foreign universities like the University of Southampton, Deakin University, and upcoming institutions such as the University of Liverpool and Illinois Institute of Technology marks a major shift in Indian higher education. While only a few campuses are currently operational, the next 2–3 years will see rapid expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Illinois Institute of Technology Mumbai, University of Liverpool Bangalore, Victoria University Delhi NCR, University of Southampton Delhi, Deakin University GIFT City, University of Wollongong GIFT City and Queen's University of Belfast Gandhinagar are some of the foreign universities in India approved by UGC.
Yes, University of Southampton Delhi, Deakin University GIFT City and University of Wollongong GIFT City are currently operating in India.
Illinois Institute of Technology Mumbai, University of Liverpool Bangalore, Victoria University Delhi NCR, University of York Mumbai, University of Aberdeen Mumbai, University of Bristol Mumbai are some of the foreign universities that will start in 2026.
BA, BSc, BBA, BTech, MSc, MBA, MA, MTech and MCA are some of the popular courses offered by top foreign universities in India.
