Why Is This Happening Now?

For decades, Indian students who wanted a genuine international degree had only one option: move abroad. In 2025 alone, approximately 18 lakh Indian students were studying overseas, spending a combined $70 billion — roughly ₹6 lakh crore — on tuition, accommodation, food, travel and insurance. That figure is nearly 10 times India’s entire annual higher education budget.

That equation is now changing. Enabled by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and landmark UGC Regulations 2023, globally ranked foreign universities are now permitted to establish fully operational, degree-granting campuses on Indian soil. As of July 2026, three campuses are fully operational — and 15 more are set to open by August 2026, making this the single biggest transformation in Indian higher education in modern history.

A four-year undergraduate degree at the University of Southampton’s UK campus costs an estimated ₹1.55–1.75 crore in tuition alone. The same degree at its Gurugram campus costs ₹30–36 lakh for the entire programme — less than a quarter of the price, with the same Southampton degree at the end.

The Real Cost Comparison: India vs Abroad

Which Universities Are Already Open?

Which Universities Are Opening by August 2026?

Scholarships: Up to 100% Fee Waiver Available

One of the most significant — and underreported — aspects of these new campuses is their scholarship commitment. These universities have collectively pledged approximately ₹1,000 crore in scholarships over the next five years, covering both merit-based and need-based categories, with a specific focus on students from non-metropolitan regions of India.

5 Key Benefits Over Studying Abroad

How to Apply — Key Facts

Unlike India’s domestic entrance exams (JEE, NEET, CUET), foreign university campuses in India set their own independent admission criteria. There is no common entrance test. Most campuses assess candidates based on academic performance in Class 12, English proficiency (IELTS or equivalent), and in some cases a statement of purpose or interview.

Application fees are typically low — for example, University of Southampton charges just ₹2,000 as an application fee. Each new campus is expected to admit 200–250 students in its first intake, with plans to scale to 1,000–1,200 students per campus annually within five years. Given these small initial intakes, early applications are strongly advised.