In a significant boost to UK-India academic cooperation, the University of Liverpool has received formal approval from the Indian government to open a new international campus in Bengaluru. The announcement was made at a high-profile event in New Delhi, with senior leaders from the University present.
The Bengaluru campus, set to welcome its first undergraduate and postgraduate students in August 2026, will offer programmes in Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science, Biomedical Sciences, and Game Design — the latter being a first for any UK university operating in India.
Global Curriculum and Career Opportunities Students enrolling in the new campus will study curricula developed by a top-tier Russell Group institution. The University of Liverpool’s academic framework is designed to prepare students for both successful careers and further study, supported by strong employer networks, alumni engagement, and enterprise initiatives.
Indian students will also gain access to global study opportunities through the University’s mobility schemes, allowing for academic and personal growth in Liverpool and beyond. At the same time, the new campus will offer UK students a valuable opportunity to study in India.
Deep Roots in Karnataka’s Research Ecosystem The University of Liverpool has enjoyed longstanding collaborations in Karnataka, most notably a 20-year partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). This alliance has significantly influenced WHO guidelines on Japanese Encephalitis, helping save over 200,000 lives. Other local partnerships include the Indian Institute of Science and companies like Hindustan Unilever.
Further north, the University also collaborates with institutions such as Delhi University and the All India Institute for Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where it recently launched a head and neck cancer initiative.
Strengthening Industry-Academia Partnerships Alongside the launch, the University signed a series of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with organisations such as the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), AstraZeneca Pharma India, YouWeCan, and Dream11. Additional MoUs with Wipro Limited and Axis Bank are expected to be formalised at a celebration event in Bengaluru this week.
The new campus aims to become a hub for high-quality, industry-relevant research. From applied sciences to global challenges, the institution will foster innovation and collaboration rooted in local relevance.
Leadership Welcomes New Chapter in UK-India Relations Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said, “We are delighted to have received approval from the University Grants Commission to open Bengaluru’s first international campus. The Indian government’s ambition to significantly increase enrolment in higher education is visionary and we are excited to be developing plans to play our part.”
“Opening a campus in the State of Karnataka and Bengaluru feels like the next natural step, building on the fantastic partnerships and collaborations we already enjoy there. We look forward to providing talented students with access to an exceptional learning experience and a range of fantastic opportunities to develop their skills and employability. We are also committed to embedding a strong research culture to the benefit of industry, the region and the wider world,” he added further.
British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron added, “Young people are at the heart of the UK-India partnership, and education is one of our most powerful tools unlocking opportunities for growth and innovation across both our countries, shaping a shared future. The University of Liverpool’s new campus in Bengaluru is a landmark achievement, deepening the links between our innovators and academics for years to come. The UK and India are working together to inspire, empower and connect the next generation of leaders and changemakers.”
Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council, commented, “The University of Liverpool’s decision to open the first UK university campus in Bengaluru marks a major step forward in the UK-India education partnership. It demonstrates a shared vision for expanding access to world-class education and driving research collaboration that addresses global challenges. This development supports the goals of India’s National Education Policy 2020, which emphasises the internationalisation of higher education. It will help strengthen academic ties, encourage cross-cultural exchange, and open up transformative opportunities for students in both countries.”
Professor Tariq Ali, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Global Engagement and Partnerships at the University of Liverpool, said, “This new campus is a wonderful opportunity to strengthen and deepen our ties with India, creating exciting opportunities for greater collaboration in education and research, connecting business and innovation ecosystems and opening up the potential for wider benefits to our respective regions and cities.”
A Vision Aligned with Strategy 2031 The Bengaluru campus forms a central part of the University’s Strategy 2031, which prioritises global engagement and impact. Building on its success in China, where it co-founded Xi’an Jiaotong Liverpool University (XJTLU), now the largest international joint venture university in the country, the Liverpool brand is now set to expand its academic legacy in India.