“India Is the Most Exciting Place for Global Education Right Now”
The University of York is gearing up to open its first overseas campus—in Mumbai—by 2026, a move its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charlie Jeffery, describes as both strategic and inspiring. York is one of five international universities, alongside the University of Western Australia and the University of Aberdeen, that recently received a green light from India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) to set up campuses in the country.
Why India—and Why Now?
“India is probably the most exciting location in the world right now for international higher education,” Prof. Jeffery said. He pointed to India’s youthful population—about 50% of its people are under the age of 25—as a powerful reason for the move. “There’s an extraordinary demographic here,” he said, adding that India’s forward-thinking National Education Policy (NEP) has created a welcoming environment for global universities.
Unlike many countries where foreign universities face murky or even hostile regulations, India’s UGC has laid out a clear and supportive roadmap. “India is simply more hospitable than many other places,” he said.
Mumbai: A Perfect Fit
Why Mumbai? According to Prof. Jeffery, the city’s energy and innovation make it a natural partner for York’s strengths—especially in biotechnology and creative industries. “Mumbai’s vibrancy complements what York does best,” he said, noting the city’s booming tech and media landscape.
Starting in September 2026, the new campus will welcome 200–300 students in its first year, with plans to grow to 10,000 over the next decade. Initial programs will focus on business, computer science, and creative technologies—all designed to blend rigorous academics with real-world applications.
Same Degree, Local Advantage
While the Mumbai campus will operate independently, it will offer the same UK-accredited degrees as York’s home campus. A diverse faculty will be recruited from the UK, India, and elsewhere. Over time, the university aims to hire more local academics to deepen its connection with the Indian context.
“We’re building this from the ground up with the same academic integrity and standards that define York,” said Prof. Jeffery. A provost appointed directly by the University of York will oversee the Mumbai campus to ensure quality remains consistent.
A Strong Focus on Industry Connections
One major difference in Mumbai: greater emphasis on industry partnerships and placements. “Indian students and their families rightly expect strong employer engagement,” Prof. Jeffery said. To meet that expectation, York is developing a dedicated framework for internships and job placements in collaboration with major Indian companies like Sun Pharma and Tata, as well as the Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai.
Creativity and Innovation Across Borders
The Mumbai campus will also benefit from York’s cutting-edge research in creative technology, thanks to its UK-based CoSTAR Live Lab. Supported by a £76 million investment from the UK government, CoSTAR is a hub for innovation in digital creativity. Gavin Kearney, Co-Director of CoSTAR, explained that students in Mumbai will have access to emerging technologies and cross-border collaborations—particularly with the city’s thriving film and media industries.
Looking Ahead: A Nobel Dream
The vision for York in Mumbai goes beyond just enrollment numbers. Long-term goals include world-class research, strong industry ties, and a truly global impact. “It took us 61 years to win our first Nobel Prize in York,” said Prof. Jeffery with a smile. “It’s our ambition that it won’t take that long in Mumbai.”
In his words, “The University of York in Mumbai will be every bit as ‘York’ as our original
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