University of York announces plans to open campus in India

Posted on 2 May 2025

The University of York has announced its intention to open a new campus in Mumbai.

The plans were announced following a series of high-profile events in India, including a meeting in Mumbai - the capital city of the Indian state of Maharashtra - where the University of York signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the State and its Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis.

The next step will be to receive the licence by the University Grants Commission in India to develop the campus, enabling plans to progress at pace.

The University of York Mumbai

Bringing the York experience to this energetic city, at the heart of this dynamic and vibrant country, the University of York Mumbai is set to welcome students from the academic year 2026/27. It will initially offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in computer science with AI and cyber security, business, economics and creative industries.

A distinctive feature will be a strong emphasis on research from the outset. This commitment to research will underpin teaching and the student experience, but also contribute significantly to India’s growing demand and drive for research development and innovation in areas such as food security, environmental change and future technologies.

Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, Professor Charlie Jeffery, who also met with Narendra Modi, the Indian Prime Minister, to discuss York’s vision, said: “The quality of what we do here in York, and our purposes as a university for public good, will be critical to the future success of this venture in India. We’re taking our values-driven approach to education and research, working with a country that has an ambitious drive for global influence, skills development and economic growth.

“This is a really exciting venture and we are committed to building and strengthening our connections in India and contributing to the education of its future leaders and entrepreneurs.

Quality and purpose for public good

York's global reputation rests on its outstanding achievements in teaching and research, and is one of only four universities in the UK - alongside Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London - which is both in the top ten in the UK for the quality of its research and has a gold ranking for the quality of its teaching.

The campus in Mumbai will have its own dedicated staff, underpinned by the University of York’s curriculum and quality assurance framework.

It will initially open its doors in an existing building in a business quarter of Mumbai, with plans to develop a full campus complex over the coming years. Students will study in India and follow the York curriculum taught at its UK base, graduating with a University of York degree.

Building on strengths

Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, said: "It is a privilege to welcome the University of York to Mumbai as we expand world-class educational opportunities in India. The opportunity to connect our students with the academic excellence of a Russell Group institution is particularly valuable and will offer significant academic and research benefits to students and scholars alike, while further enriching the educational landscape. Built on a strong foundation of shared innovation and aligned priorities, we remain dedicated to advancing a relationship that reinforces national development objectives and enriches the global exchange of knowledge."

Alison Barrett, Country Director British Council India, said: “It is exciting to hear that the University of York is planning to open an international campus in Mumbai, India. The strong emphasis on research and innovation alongside high-quality teaching and learning will catalyse research partnerships between innovators from India and the UK.

“It’s especially good to see the focus on the creative industries as well as courses in computer science, AI, cyber security, business and economics, all high potential sectors which will support India and UK growth. This new venture will be testament to the shared commitment between India and UK towards the internationalisation of education.”

The University of York has strong and enduring ties with India through a vibrant alumni network, academic collaborations, and joint research initiatives. The Mumbai campus intends to be a natural extension of this relationship, reflecting the University’s commitment to accessible, inclusive and globally relevant higher education, and through actively engaging with Indian academic partners, regulators and industry leaders to shape a campus that meets national and global standards of excellence.