The University of Liverpool has received formal approval from India’s Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan, to open a new campus in Bengaluru—marking the city’s first international university and a significant step forward in UK-India educational ties.
The Bengaluru campus is set to welcome its first intake of undergraduate and postgraduate students in August 2026. Initial programmes will include Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, and, for the first time among UK institutions in India, Game Design. A wider range of subjects will be introduced in the following years.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones said: “We are delighted to have received approval from the University Grants Commission to open Bengaluru’s first international campus. The Indian government’s commitment to expanding higher education is visionary, and we are proud to be a part of this progress. Karnataka—and Bengaluru in particular—is a natural fit for our expansion, building on the strong partnerships we’ve cultivated in the region. Our goal is to deliver exceptional education and foster a research culture that supports students, industry, and society.”
Students at the new campus will benefit from the academic excellence of a Russell Group university, known for its strong employer links, global alumni network, and commitment to innovation and enterprise. Indian students will also gain access to Liverpool’s global mobility opportunities, including academic and professional experiences in the UK and internationally. UK students, in turn, will have the opportunity to study in one of India’s leading innovation hubs.
Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, described the development as a “landmark moment” in the UK-India relationship: “Young people are at the heart of our partnership. Education drives innovation and shared growth. This new campus deepens academic collaboration and opens up opportunities for the next generation of leaders.”
The university already has deep ties in Karnataka. A two-decade research partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) has influenced WHO vaccine policies on Japanese Encephalitis, saving over 200,000 lives. Additional collaborations include work with the Indian Institute of Science Bengaluru and companies like Hindustan Unilever. Beyond the region, the University also partners with Delhi University and AIIMS, where a recent joint initiative targets head and neck cancer.
Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India at the British Council, praised the move as a major milestone aligned with India’s National Education Policy 2020. Professor Tariq Ali, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, highlighted the potential for deeper academic and research collaboration, business innovation, and regional development.
The new campus will reflect Liverpool’s research-driven ethos, focusing on both global and local challenges through academic and industry-led innovation.
