This June, the University of Aberdeen announced proposals to open a new campus in Mumbai, India, The Gaudie reports.
The plans align with India’s National Education Policy 2020, offering initial courses in Computing and Data Science, Business Management, Economics, Artificial Intelligence and an MBA, which will be expanded secondly into programmes in Mathematics and Information Systems, Public Health, Film Studies and Psychology.
A second phase of expansion would open opportunities for research, collaboration and partnerships between the campuses in AI, Energy and Life Sciences.
Announced on June 16th , the University of Aberdeen was given permission to move forward with proposals that presented the development of a new international branch campus based in Mumbai, India. Hosted by the Indian Government, a ceremony was held in Mumbai for the Indian University Grants Commission (UGC) to grant a Letter of Intent to the University to recognise the approval of these proposals.
The plans will next be presented to the University Court for approval this July. If the submissions go ahead, it is expected that the campus will be open to students in the Autumn 2026.
The University already has withstanding bonds with Indian academic institutions, such as IITs, the Indian Institutes of Technology; AIIMS, All India Institute of Medical Sciences; ICAR, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and the Delhi University Partnerships.
Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, UoA Vice-Principal Global Engagement, said India has been “priority area” for the University’s strategy for a long time. He shared his enthusiasm:
“We are looking forward to collaborating with our Indian partners to bring this vision to life and further bolster ties between Scotland and India through education and research”.
Professor Bhattacharya continued:
“This is more than just an institutional milestone – it’s an opportunity to strengthen our global community of learning and discovery and represents an exciting future.”
The University plans to use this opportunity to expand student recruitment and increase research opportunities.
These proposals will expand the University of Aberdeen’s campus reach significantly, bringing the total count to four alongside the original Old Aberdeen campus, Foresterhill, and the Doha, Qatar campus.
This proposed new campus will mark Aberdeen as the first UK ancient university – and the first university in Scotland – to have an Indian campus.