The University of York plans to open a research-focused branch campus in India¡¯s Mumbai, subject to approval from the country¡¯s regulators.

If successful, the institution will be the first British university in the city, with others having already announced similar plans for campuses near Delhi and in Gujarat¡¯s Gift City.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is also considering a new campus in Mumbai, but, like York, has yet to receive regulatory approval.?

The Russell Group university said it aims to open from 2026 and will initially offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in computer science with AI and cyber security, business and economics as well as courses linked to the creative industries.

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A ¡°distinctive feature¡± of the new campus will be a ¡°strong emphasis on research from the outset¡±, the university said in a statement.

¡°This commitment to research will underpin teaching and the student experience, but also contribute significantly to India¡¯s growing demand and drive for research development and innovation in areas such as food security, environmental change and future technologies.¡±

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So far, most British universities moving into India appear to be focusing on teaching, with those entering Gift City typically offering a handful of courses with a low delivery cost. Research-focused institutions are typically more expensive to run.

York is working in partnership with Emeritus, an India-based professional programme provider. Given the financial challenges they are facing, the majority of British universities entering India are doing so in partnership with private providers, which may front some or all of the capital expenditure.

At home, York has posted a financial loss for the past two years running, with a consolidated ?9 million adjusted deficit in 2023-24.

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi met the university vice-chancellor, Charlie Jeffery, to discuss the campus, which will initially open in an existing building in Mumbai¡¯s business district, with plans to eventually develop a ¡°full campus complex¡±.

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Jeffery has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of Maharashtra, to establish the campus, but York will still have to go through the University Grants Commission approval process before it can open the outpost.

UWA has also signed an MOU with the minister, with Indian press the institutions plans to establish multiple branches across the country.?

Last year?the University of Southampton was the first British university to receive approval from the regulator?for a campus on the outskirts of Delhi, with those entering Gift City, a special economic zone, subject to a different process.

¡°The opportunity to connect our students with the academic excellence of a Russell Group institution is particularly valuable and will offer significant academic and research benefits to students and scholars alike,¡± said Fadnavis.

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As various Indian states compete to attract investment from foreign universities, Mumbai ¨C India¡¯s second largest city by population size ¨C has been widely touted as an area of strong opportunity for these institutions.

helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com