University of Liverpool to Open First Indian Campus in Bengaluru, Admissions Starting 2026

News

The University of Liverpool, a prestigious UK-based institution established in 1881, is set to open its first campus in India by the 2026-2027 academic year. With formal approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC), this move marks a major milestone in India’s higher education landscape, providing local students access to world-class law, business, and health sciences programs. The Bengaluru campus is poised to become a significant hub for international education, aligning with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the government’s vision to attract top global universities to the country.

A New Chapter for Global Education in India

The University of Liverpool’s decision to establish its Indian campus is part of a broader initiative spearheaded by the Indian government to internationalize higher education within the country. Announced in late May 2025, the campus will launch in Bengaluru by July 2026, offering full-degree programs designed to meet global standards while catering to Indian students’ educational needs.

This initiative is expected to dramatically improve access to high-quality education in India, allowing students to benefit from an internationally recognized curriculum without the need to study abroad. By providing courses in law, business, and health sciences, the university aims to cover some of the most sought-after fields in India’s growing economy and evolving job market.

Alignment with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020

The University of Liverpool’s Bengaluru campus launch is closely linked with the goals of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the importance of increasing foreign university presence within India. The policy encourages global collaborations to enhance the quality of education, promote research, and foster innovation.

By welcoming foreign universities like Liverpool, India hopes to raise academic standards, attract international talent, and provide students with broader opportunities. The initiative also aims to reduce the outflow of Indian students seeking education abroad, helping to retain talent domestically and fuel national development.

Programs to be Offered: Focus on Law, Business, and Health Sciences

The new campus will offer specialized law, business, and health sciences programs. These disciplines were selected strategically to align with India’s educational and professional demands.

Law: To address India's increasing need for skilled legal professionals, the law program will combine global best practices with local regulatory knowledge.
Business: Catering to India’s expanding corporate sector, business courses will focus on entrepreneurship, management, and international commerce.
Health Sciences: Reflecting global and national priorities in healthcare, the health sciences program aims to prepare students for the rapidly evolving medical and allied health fields.

This combination of programs is expected to create a multidisciplinary environment that encourages innovation, critical thinking, and practical skills relevant to India’s economic landscape.

Established Partnerships and Research Collaborations in Karnataka

The University of Liverpool already maintains strong academic and research ties with Bengaluru and Karnataka. Notably, it has a research partnership with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), one of India’s premier medical research institutions.

These collaborations have paved the way for the campus launch, providing a solid foundation of trust and mutual benefit between the university and Indian educational bodies. This existing network is expected to support the campus’s growth, enhance its research capabilities, and foster industry connections.

Other Foreign Universities Joining India’s Education Landscape

The University of Liverpool is among several international universities recently receiving UGC approval to set up campuses in India. These include:

Illinois Institute of Technology (USA)
Victoria University (Australia)
Western Sydney University (Australia)
Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy)

This influx of foreign institutions signifies a significant shift in India’s higher education sector, reflecting its openness to global partnerships and commitment to raising education quality.

A Vision for the Future: Benefits Beyond Education

The University of Liverpool’s leadership expressed excitement about contributing to India’s educational ambitions. Opening a campus in Karnataka and Bengaluru was described as a “natural next step” that builds upon existing collaborations. The university aims to provide students with exceptional learning experiences and comprehensive opportunities to develop skills, employability, and global competencies.

Furthermore, the campus plans to embed a strong research culture designed to benefit academia, industry, and the regional economy. This aligns with India’s growing emphasis on innovation-driven growth and integrating education with practical, real-world applications.

Parallel Developments: University of Southampton’s India Campus

In related news, the University of Southampton, another leading UK institution, has announced its plans to establish a campus in India. Located in Gurgaon’s International Tech Park, the Southampton campus is scheduled to begin student intake in August 2025, slightly ahead of Liverpool’s launch.

These simultaneous developments indicate a growing trend among foreign universities to invest in India’s higher education ecosystem, creating new pathways for students and reinforcing India’s position as a rising global education hub.

Conclusion: Transforming India’s Higher Education Landscape

The University of Liverpool’s forthcoming Bengaluru campus represents a transformative opportunity for Indian students seeking world-class education without the barriers of international travel. Supported by government initiatives like the NEP 2020 and UGC approvals, this move promises to raise academic standards and foster closer global collaboration.

With law, business, and health sciences programs, the campus is designed to address critical areas of India’s socio-economic growth while nurturing research and innovation. Coupled with other foreign universities setting up in India, these developments mark a new era of accessible, quality higher education and underscore India’s commitment to becoming a global knowledge leader.

As the University of Liverpool prepares to open admissions in 2026, Indian students can look forward to exciting new educational opportunities right at their doorstep.