University of Southampton Plans 5,000 Student Indian Campus

The University of Southampton is set to establish its first offshore campus in India, marking a significant move by a foreign university. Located in the Delhi-National Capital Region, the campus aims to enrol over 5,000 students and offer 30 courses within the next eight years, according to Andrew Atherton, Vice President of International and Engagement.

Operations are scheduled to begin in August 2025, starting with six courses: four undergraduate programs in AI, data science, and business entrepreneurship, and two postgraduate programs in computing and technology. The university plans to gradually expand to over 30 programs, with a focus on undergraduate education.

Tuition fees at the Indian campus will be approximately 60% of those at the Southampton campus, making it a more affordable yet premium option for students seeking an international degree. However, admission requirements will remain on par with the UK campus.

The university is committed to recruiting a diverse faculty, with plans to hire both internationally and locally. Faculty positions will be advertised on the UK website, international academic platforms, and in India.

While the campus will primarily cater to Indian students, it will also welcome international students, potentially becoming a regional hub due to its geographical proximity to neighbouring countries.

This expansion reflects the growing demand for quality higher education in India, where the increase in available university seats has not kept pace with the surge in student numbers.