Do we need foreign universities in India?

Join our webinar to explore the necessity and impact of foreign universities establishing campuses in India.

As more foreign universities, enabled by policy, express interest to establish a campus in India, by the end of next year, about 15 such institutions could be operational across major cities. Last year, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued Letters of Intent (LoI) to some foreign institutions, including the University of Liverpool. Australia’s University of Wollongong (UOW) inaugurated its campus in 2024 in GIFT city. The University of Southampton is now operational in Delhi. The University of Aberdeen has announced in-take for 2026.

As this trend unfolds, conversations about its impact on the landscape of the Indian higher education system have found an audience. Some argue that it will further privatise and commercialise higher education in India. Others argue that it will make education of global standards more accessible. While some believe that it can prevent brain drain with less number of students going abroad, some are of the opinion that it will only magnify brain drain with international credentials becoming easier to obtain.

This also comes around the time when geopolitical tensions have made it increasingly difficult for Indian students to study abroad. Students and parents looking at these institutions for admissions, have questions about the quality of education and opportunities provided here in comparison to home countries.

In this context, The Hindu will host a webinar titled, ‘Do we need foreign universities in India?’, On March 28 at 5:00 p.m. The panellists are Eldho Mathews, Programme Officer, KSHEC; Philip G. Altbach, Monan University Professor; Prof. Rahul Choudaha, COO, University of Aberdeen, Mumbai; and Ravneet Pawha, CEO (South Asia), Deakin University. The webinar will be moderated by Ravina Warkad, Senior Sub-Editor, Education Vertical, The Hindu.

Register now for free to ask questions and interact with the panellists. The three best questions will receive a free online subscription to The Hindu.

Eldho Mathews, Programme Officer, KSHEC