India’s top Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, has celebrated the opportunities that the new University of Southampton Delhi will bring to Indian students at a ceremony held to open the new campus.   

The minister and other distinguished guests gathered to mark the official launch of the university, which will provide young people with the chance to earn a degree from a world Top 100 university without leaving the country.

University of Southampton Delhi is the first campus of its kind in India and a proud part of the University of Southampton – a founding member of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group, celebrated for its research and academic excellence.

The University was the first international institution to be granted a licence by India’s Universities Grants Commission under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and will deliver Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to create world-class, work-ready, graduates.

The campus launch marks a pivotal step in advancing transnational education in India and recognises the exceptional academic potential of Indian students and the country’s emergence as a global leader in research, innovation, and enterprise.

University of Southampton Vice-Chancellor, Mark E. Smith, said: “The University of Southampton Delhi offers Indian students the chance to earn a world-class degree at a university that is renowned for its excellence in teaching, global research and strong connections with business and industry.

“Our Delhi campus builds on our long-standing relationship with India and fulfils our ambition to become a truly global institution, connecting students from around the world through Southampton’s ability to deliver outstanding education and world-leading research with the power to transform lives.”

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, said: “Congratulations to the University of Southampton on their launch, the first international university to open a comprehensive campus in India under UGC regulations.

“The UK and India share a unique living bridge, and this significant announcement demonstrates our commitment to deepen our education partnerships – offering Indian and British students access to new world-class opportunities, and opening the door to new opportunities to increase research collaboration, drive innovation and growth, and inspire the next generation of global leaders.”   

Alison Barrett, Country Director India, British Council, said: “Congratulations to the University of Southampton on the opening of its campus in Delhi NCR.

“This is a remarkable milestone in India–UK bilateral relations and a testament to the transformative impact of educational partnerships. By bringing world-class academic excellence, an industry-aligned curriculum, and globally renowned faculty, this campus will provide global exposure and opportunity for students right here in India.”

Professor Andrew Atherton, the University of Southampton’s Vice-President International and Engagement, said: “The University of Southampton Delhi will support the development of a work-ready, globally competitive workforce as India continues to emerge as a global leader in research, innovation and enterprise.

“Graduates will receive the same University of Southampton qualification as they do in the UK and that holds strong international recognition and is valued by employers and academic institutions alike.”

Initial undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes will be in Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, and International Management, with the first cohort of around 150 students taking up their places in August.

By 2035, the University plans to welcome up to 5,000 students every year. This will further reinforce India’s emergence as a hub for high-quality higher education while deepening the UK–India strategic partnership in knowledge and innovation.

The University has delivered its state-of-the-art campus in Gurgaon alongside partners including Oxford International Education Group (OIEG). The location is close to influential businesses and features excellent facilities, including a student hub, library and IT laboratories.

Students at the University of Southampton Delhi will also benefit from links to some of the country’s most influential and leading firms, including Deloitte India, Comviva and Investec, with internships and graduate placement schemes already in place.