Foreign Universities in India 2026: Full List, Fees and Courses

Education Journalist | Study Abroad Strategy Lead | Updated On - Apr 15, 2026

A foreign university in India is an international university that has established a physical campus on Indian soil and awards degrees equivalent to those from its home country. These are not partnerships or twinning arrangements with Indian colleges. They are fully owned branch campuses operating under the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations 2023.

As of April 2026, three foreign universities are fully operational in India. Fourteen more have received formal UGC approval or Letters of Intent and are opening between mid-2026 and 2027. This is the most significant shift in Indian higher education in decades — and most students still do not have a clear picture of which universities are actually open, which are only announced and what studying at one of these campuses actually costs.

This guide gives you the complete verified list, confirmed fees from official sources, program details and an honest comparison of what you get versus studying abroad.

Check: Top Universities to Study Abroad for Indian Students

Table of Contents

Foreign Universities in India?
UGC 2023 Regulations: What Changed and Who Qualifies
Operational vs Approved vs Announced: The 3-Tier Reality
Complete List of Foreign Universities in India 2026
Foreign Universities Already Operational in India
Foreign Universities Approved and Opening Soon
Fees at Foreign University Campuses in India
Courses and Programs Offered
Are Degrees from Foreign Universities in India Valid Abroad?
Foreign University in India vs Studying Abroad
Admission Requirements
Scholarships at Foreign University Campuses in India
FAQs

What Are Foreign Universities in India?

Foreign universities in India are international universities that have set up independent, degree-granting campuses on Indian soil under the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023.

These are not affiliated colleges, not online programs and not joint degrees with Indian institutions.
They are standalone branch campuses that operate under the academic standards of the parent university.
The degree you receive from a foreign university campus in India is awarded by the parent university, not by an Indian institution.

A student graduating from the University of Southampton Delhi receives a University of Southampton degree. A student graduating from Deakin University GIFT City receives a Deakin University degree. The academic content, curriculum and assessment standards are aligned with the parent campus.

This model is not entirely new globally. Universities like Monash, Heriot-Watt and Middlesex have operated branch campuses in countries like Malaysia, UAE and Mauritius for decades. India is now opening its doors to the same model under a formal regulatory framework for the first time.

Explore all study abroad options for Indian students

UGC 2023 Regulations: What Changed and Who Qualifies

Before November 2023, there was no legal framework for a foreign university to operate an independent campus in India. International universities could only enter India through partnerships with Indian institutions — twinning programs, joint degrees or franchise arrangements. The UGC Regulations 2023 changed this entirely.

Published on November 8 and 9, 2023, the UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India) Regulations, 2023 created a clear legal pathway for foreign universities to establish wholly-owned campuses in India. The key provisions are as follows.

Provision	Detail
Eligibility	Foreign university must be ranked in the top 500 globally in overall or subject-wise rankings (QS, THE or ARWU). Foreign educational institutions of repute in their home country may also apply.
Approval process	Application to UGC through the FHEI portal (fhei.ugc.ac.in). UGC grants in-principle approval followed by a Letter of Intent (LoI) and final approval.
Autonomy	Foreign universities have full freedom in admissions criteria, faculty hiring and fee structure. No cap on fees.
Degree awarded	Degrees are awarded by the foreign university — not by any Indian institution. The degree is equivalent to the parent campus degree.
Programs allowed	Certificate, diploma, degree, postgraduate and research programs at all levels.
Faculty	Universities must maintain academic standards equivalent to the parent campus. Visiting faculty from the home campus is permitted and encouraged.
Repatriation of funds	Foreign universities may repatriate surplus funds to their home country subject to FEMA regulations.
Regulatory oversight	UGC retains oversight. Universities must submit annual reports and comply with Indian laws.

The regulations were introduced as part of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which set a target of increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education to 50% by 2035 and positioning India as a global education hub. GIFT City in Gujarat was designated as the first special zone for foreign university campuses, with additional tax benefits and simplified regulatory requirements for universities setting up there.

Operational vs Approved vs Announced: The 3-Tier Reality

The single biggest source of confusion in media coverage of foreign universities in India is the mixing of three very different statuses. Headlines say "17 foreign universities approved" — but that does not mean 17 campuses are open and accepting students. Here is the honest breakdown as of April 2026.

Status	What It Means	Number of Universities	Can You Apply Now?
Operational	Campus is physically open. Classes are running. Students are enrolled.	3	Yes
Approved / LoI Granted	UGC has granted formal approval or a Letter of Intent. Campus is under construction or preparation. Opening confirmed for 2026 or 2027.	~10 to 12	Some are accepting applications for 2026 intake
Announced / MoU Signed	University has publicly expressed intent or signed an MoU. No formal UGC approval yet. Timeline uncertain.	~4 to 6	No

The three operational campuses as of April 2026 are Deakin University at GIFT City (Gujarat), University of Wollongong at GIFT City (Gujarat) and University of Southampton at Gurugram (Haryana). Every other university on the list is either in the approved-but-not-yet-open category or has only announced intent. This distinction matters enormously if you are planning your education around these campuses.

Complete List of Foreign Universities in India 2026

The table below covers all foreign universities that are either operational or have received formal UGC approval or a Letter of Intent as of April 2026. Universities that have only announced intent without formal UGC approval are not included, as their timelines remain unconfirmed.

University	Country	Location in India	QS World Rank 2026	Status	Opening
Deakin University	Australia	GIFT City, Gujarat	#207	Operational	2024
University of Wollongong (UOW)	Australia	GIFT City, Gujarat	#167	Operational	2024
University of Southampton	UK	Gurugram, Haryana	Top 100 UK	Operational	August 2025
University of Liverpool	UK	Bengaluru, Karnataka	Top 150 globally (QS 2026)	Approved — Opening August 2026	August 2026
Western Sydney University	Australia	Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh	Top 2% globally	Approved — Opening mid-2026	Mid-2026
Victoria University	Australia	Gurugram, Haryana	Not in QS top 500	Approved — Opening mid-2026	Mid-2026
La Trobe University	Australia	TBC	Top 500 globally	Approved	2026 to 2027
University of Western Australia (UWA)	Australia	TBC	Top 100 globally	Approved — Opening mid-2026	Mid-2026
University of New South Wales (UNSW)	Australia	TBC	#19 globally (QS 2026)	Approved	2026 to 2027
Illinois Institute of Technology	USA	TBC	Top 500 globally	UGC LoI granted	2026 to 2027
University of York	UK	Mumbai, Maharashtra	Top 200 globally	UGC LoI granted	2026 to 2027
University of Aberdeen	UK	TBC	Top 300 globally	UGC LoI granted	2026 to 2027
Lancaster University	UK	Bengaluru, Karnataka	Top 200 globally	UGC LoI granted	2026 to 2027

Foreign Universities Already Operational in India

Only three foreign universities are currently running classes in India. Here is a detailed profile of each, based on information verified directly from their official websites.

Deakin University — GIFT City, Gujarat

Deakin University was the first international university to receive approval to set up an independent campus in India and the first to begin academic operations. Its GIFT City campus is located in Gandhinagar, Gujarat — approximately 30 minutes from Ahmedabad airport — within India's first International Financial Services Centre.

Deakin is ranked #207 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026 and is rated #1 in Australia for international student satisfaction. Its GIFT City programs are accredited by the Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), meaning the academic standards are identical to those at Deakin's Australian campuses.

Program	Duration	Total Fee (AUD)	Total Fee (INR)	Intake
Master of Business Analytics	18 months full-time	AUD 39,600	INR 26.29 lakh	July 2026
Master of Cyber Security (Professional)	18 months full-time	AUD 39,600	INR 26.29 lakh	July 2026

Conversion: 1 AUD = INR 66.38

Industry partners at the GIFT City campus include HSBC Bank, KPMG, National Australia Bank, Aditya Birla Group, Bank of America and Ernst and Young. Students also have access to immersion programs at Deakin's Australian campuses.

University of Wollongong (UOW) — GIFT City, Gujarat

The University of Wollongong India campus is the second foreign university to operate at GIFT City. UOW is ranked #167 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026 and is in the top 1% of universities worldwide. It is also ranked in the top 200 globally for Accounting and Finance and in the top 300 for Computer Science (QS Subject Rankings 2025).

UOW India offers a broader range of programs than Deakin, including both undergraduate and postgraduate options. A unique feature is the Dubai industry immersion program — a 5-day hands-on experience with FinTech professionals in Dubai — included as part of the curriculum.

Program	Duration	Total Fee (AUD)	Total Fee (INR)
Master of Financial Technology	4 trimesters	AUD 27,900	INR 18.52 lakh
Master of Computing (Data Analytics)	4 trimesters	AUD 27,900	INR 18.52 lakh
Master of Computing (Applied Artificial Intelligence)	4 trimesters	AUD 27,900	INR 18.52 lakh
Master of Financial Technology (Extension)	6 trimesters	AUD 37,200	INR 24.69 lakh
Bachelor of Business (Business Analytics and Finance)	8 trimesters	AUD 51,000	INR 33.85 lakh
Graduate Certificate in Financial Technology	2 trimesters	AUD 9,300	INR 6.17 lakh
Graduate Certificate in Computing	2 trimesters	AUD 9,300	INR 6.17 lakh

Conversion: 1 AUD = INR 66.38

University of Southampton — Gurugram, Delhi NCR

The University of Southampton Delhi is the first UK university to operate a fully functional campus in India. Located in Gurugram, Haryana, it enrolled its first cohort in August 2025. Southampton is a global Top 100 UK university and offers both undergraduate and postgraduate programs at its Delhi campus.

Programs are taught in English and the content is equivalent to that delivered at the UK campus. Undergraduate programs run for 3 years and postgraduate programs for 1 year — matching UK degree lengths. The campus features a Financial Laboratory with Bloomberg Terminals and advanced computing facilities.

Program	Level	Duration	Annual Fee — Domestic (INR)	Annual Fee — Overseas (INR)
Software Engineering BEng (Hons)	UG	3 years	INR 13,20,000	INR 15,40,000
Accounting and Finance BSc (Hons)	UG	3 years	INR 13,20,000	INR 15,40,000
Business Management BSc (Hons)	UG	3 years	INR 13,20,000	INR 15,40,000
Computer Science BSc (Hons)	UG	3 years	INR 13,20,000	INR 15,40,000
Creative Computing BSc (Hons)	UG	3 years	INR 13,20,000	INR 15,40,000
Economics BSc (Hons)	UG	3 years	INR 13,20,000	INR 15,40,000
MSc programs (range)	PG	1 year	INR 16,17,000 to INR 23,10,000	Higher — check official site

Application fee: INR 2,000. Applications are open for August 2026 intake. Multiple scholarships are available including the Delhi Presidential Scholarship (full tuition for 3 years for UG) and the Future Talent Scholarship.

Explore University of Southampton courses and fees

Foreign Universities Approved and Opening Soon

The following universities have received formal UGC approval or Letters of Intent and are confirmed to open in 2026 or 2027. Some are already accepting applications for their first intake.

University	Country	Location	Programs Announced	Expected Opening	Applications Open?
University of Liverpool	UK	Bengaluru (Alembic City)	Computer Science BSc, Business Management BA, Biomedical Sciences BSc, Accounting and Finance BSc, Game Design BSc, Computer Science MSc, Accounting and Finance MSc	August 2026	Yes — Round 4 open until May 10, 2026
Western Sydney University	Australia	Greater Noida, UP	Bachelor of Business (Business Analytics), Bachelor of Business (Marketing), Bachelor of Data Science, MBA	Mid-2026	Register interest only
Victoria University	Australia	Gurugram, Haryana	Business, IT, Sports programs	Mid-2026	Register interest only
University of Western Australia (UWA)	Australia	TBC	TBC	Mid-2026	No
University of New South Wales (UNSW)	Australia	TBC	TBC — STEM focus expected	2026 to 2027	No
La Trobe University	Australia	TBC	TBC	2026 to 2027	No
University of York	UK	Mumbai	TBC	2026 to 2027	No
Lancaster University	UK	Bengaluru	TBC	2026 to 2027	No
Illinois Institute of Technology	USA	TBC	TBC — Engineering and Technology focus	2026 to 2027	No
University of Aberdeen	UK	TBC	TBC	2026 to 2027	No

TBC = to be confirmed.

The University of Liverpool Bengaluru campus is the most advanced of the upcoming openings. Groundbreaking took place in December 2025 at the Alembic City site in Bengaluru. Applications are currently open for the August 2026 intake across 6 undergraduate and 2 postgraduate programs.

Fees at Foreign University Campuses in India

Fees at foreign university campuses in India are set independently by each university — there is no government cap. The range is wide. Here is a consolidated comparison of confirmed annual fees across all operational and near-operational campuses, alongside what the same degree costs at the parent campus abroad.

University	Program Type	Annual Fee in India (INR)	Equivalent Fee at Parent Campus Abroad (INR approx)	Saving vs Studying Abroad
Deakin University GIFT City	Masters (18 months total)	INR ~17.5 lakh per year (INR 26.29 lakh total)	INR ~35 to 40 lakh per year in Australia	~50% saving on tuition
UOW GIFT City	Masters (4 trimesters total)	INR ~9.26 lakh per trimester (INR 18.52 lakh total)	INR ~30 to 35 lakh per year in Australia	~40 to 50% saving on tuition
UOW GIFT City	Bachelor of Business (8 trimesters total)	INR ~4.23 lakh per trimester (INR 33.85 lakh total)	INR ~25 to 30 lakh per year in Australia	Comparable or slight saving
University of Southampton Delhi	Undergraduate (per year)	INR 13,20,000	INR ~35 to 45 lakh per year in UK	~60 to 70% saving on tuition
University of Southampton Delhi	Postgraduate (per year)	INR 16,17,000 to INR 23,10,000	INR ~40 to 55 lakh per year in UK	~55 to 65% saving on tuition

One important caveat: the tuition saving is real, but it is not the full picture. When you study abroad, you also gain a foreign student visa, the right to work part-time (up to 20 hours per week in Australia and UK), post-study work visa eligibility and the full international campus experience. None of these apply when you study at a foreign university campus in India. The cost comparison is on tuition only.

Courses and Programs Offered at Foreign Universities in India

The current program offering at foreign university campuses in India is concentrated in a few high-demand areas. This is deliberate — universities have launched with programs that have strong industry demand in India and do not require expensive laboratory infrastructure to replicate.

Subject Area	Programs Available in India	Universities Offering	Available at Parent Campus Abroad?
Business Analytics	Master of Business Analytics, Bachelor of Business (Business Analytics)	Deakin (GIFT City), UOW (GIFT City), Western Sydney (Noida)	Yes — same curriculum
Financial Technology (FinTech)	Master of FinTech, Master of FinTech (Extension), Graduate Certificate in FinTech	UOW (GIFT City)	Yes — same curriculum
Cyber Security	Master of Cyber Security (Professional)	Deakin (GIFT City)	Yes — same curriculum
Artificial Intelligence	Master of Computing (Applied AI)	UOW (GIFT City)	Yes — same curriculum
Computer Science	BSc Computer Science, BSc Computer Science with Software Development, MSc Computer Science	Southampton (Delhi), Liverpool (Bengaluru)	Yes — same curriculum
Software Engineering	BEng Software Engineering	Southampton (Delhi)	Yes — same curriculum
Business Management	BSc Business Management, BA Business Management	Southampton (Delhi), Liverpool (Bengaluru)	Yes — same curriculum
Accounting and Finance	BSc Accounting and Finance, MSc Accounting and Finance	Southampton (Delhi), Liverpool (Bengaluru)	Yes — same curriculum
Economics	BSc Economics	Southampton (Delhi)	Yes — same curriculum
Biomedical Sciences	BSc Biomedical Sciences	Liverpool (Bengaluru)	Yes — same curriculum
Game Design	BSc Game Design	Liverpool (Bengaluru)	Yes — same curriculum
Data Science	Bachelor of Data Science	Western Sydney (Noida — opening 2026)	Yes — same curriculum
Medicine / Law / Architecture	Not available at any India campus currently	None	Available at parent campuses abroad
Pure Sciences / Research PhDs	Not available at any India campus currently	None	Available at parent campuses abroad

The pattern is clear: all India campuses are currently focused on business, technology and finance programs. Research-intensive programs, clinical programs (medicine, nursing, dentistry) and pure science programs are not yet available at any India campus. If your target program falls outside the business-technology-finance cluster, you will need to study at the parent campus abroad.

Are Degrees from Foreign Universities in India Valid Abroad?

Yes. Degrees awarded by foreign university campuses in India are the same qualification as those awarded by the parent campus. The degree certificate is issued by the foreign university — not by any Indian institution — and carries the same academic standing globally.

This is explicitly confirmed by the UGC Regulations 2023, which state that degrees awarded by foreign university campuses in India are equivalent to those awarded by the parent institution. Deakin University confirms on its official website that "you'll graduate with the same Deakin University qualification and academic standards as Australia." The University of Southampton Delhi states that "content is equivalent to that delivered to other University of Southampton students." The University of Liverpool Bengaluru confirms its programs are "recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC)" and carry the same academic benchmarks as the UK campus.

However, there are three important nuances that students must understand before making a decision.

Question	Answer	Nuance
Is the degree the same qualification?	Yes	The degree is awarded by the foreign university and is academically equivalent to the parent campus degree.
Will the degree certificate say "India campus"?	Depends on the university	Some universities may note the campus location on the transcript. Check with each university directly. Southampton Delhi confirms the degree is a University of Southampton degree.
Will employers abroad treat it identically?	Likely yes for most employers — but perception is still evolving	These campuses are new. Employer familiarity with India-campus degrees will grow over time. For now, the degree name carries the same weight but the campus context may come up in interviews.
Does it give you a post-study work visa abroad?	No	A degree from a foreign university India campus does NOT entitle you to a post-study work visa in Australia, UK or any other country. You studied in India, not abroad. This is the most significant practical difference.
Can you transfer to the parent campus mid-degree?	Possible at some universities	University of Liverpool Bengaluru explicitly offers a semester abroad at the Liverpool campus and a final-year transfer option. Southampton Delhi offers a 10% alumni discount for postgraduate study at the UK campus. Check each university's transfer policy.

The post-study work visa point is the most critical one for students who want to eventually work abroad. A degree from Deakin GIFT City does not give you the right to apply for Australia's Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485). A degree from Southampton Delhi does not give you the right to apply for the UK Graduate Route visa. If your goal is to work abroad after graduation, studying at the parent campus abroad remains the only path to that outcome.

Foreign University in India vs Studying Abroad: Which Is Better?

This is the question most students and parents are actually asking. The honest answer is: it depends entirely on what you want from your education. Here is a direct, side-by-side comparison.

Factor	Foreign University India Campus	Studying at Parent Campus Abroad
Tuition fees	INR 11.5 lakh to INR 17.5 lakh per year	INR 30 to 55 lakh per year (UK/Australia)
Living costs	INR 8 to 15 lakh per year (India)	INR 15 to 25 lakh per year (UK/Australia)
Total cost (3-year UG)	INR 60 to 90 lakh (all-in estimate)	INR 1.5 to 2.5 crore (all-in estimate)
Degree awarded by	Foreign university (same qualification)	Foreign university (same qualification)
Post-study work visa	Not available	Available (UK Graduate Route, Australia 485 visa)
International exposure	Limited — you are in India	Full — you live and study in a foreign country
Global alumni network access	Yes — same alumni network	Yes — same alumni network
Research opportunities	Limited — India campuses are teaching-focused	Full access to research labs and faculty
Program variety	Narrow — business, tech and finance only currently	Full range of programs
Visa requirement	None — you study in India	Student visa required
Family proximity	Yes — you stay in India	No — you are abroad
Language immersion	English medium but Indian environment	Full English immersion in native-speaking country
Employer perception in India	Strong — foreign university brand with India convenience	Strong — foreign university brand with international experience
Employer perception abroad	Evolving — degree is valid but India campus context is new	Strong — established track record

The India campus option makes the most sense for students who want a globally recognised degree at a fraction of the cost, plan to build their career in India and do not need a post-study work visa abroad. It is also a strong option for students whose families cannot support the full cost of studying abroad or who prefer to stay close to home.

Studying at the parent campus abroad makes more sense for students who want to work abroad after graduation, want full international immersion, are targeting research-intensive programs or want access to the complete range of programs the university offers.

Admission Requirements for Foreign Universities in India

Each foreign university sets its own admission criteria independently. There is no common entrance test. Here are the confirmed eligibility requirements for the operational and near-operational campuses.

University	Level	Academic Requirement	English Requirement	Other
Deakin University GIFT City	Masters	Bachelor's degree in relevant field	IELTS 6.5 overall (no band below 6.0) or equivalent	Work experience preferred for some programs
UOW GIFT City	Masters	Bachelor's degree in relevant field (minimum 55% or equivalent)	IELTS 6.5 or equivalent	No GRE/GMAT required
UOW GIFT City	Undergraduate	Class XII with minimum 60% overall	IELTS 6.0 or equivalent	No entrance test required
University of Southampton Delhi	Undergraduate	Class XII overall score assessed holistically. No minimum percentage specified — assessed on strength of results and subject scores	Class XII English minimum 70% (CBSE/ISC/State Boards) or IELTS if required	Personal statement required. No entrance test required. SAT/GRE optional.
University of Southampton Delhi	Postgraduate	Bachelor's degree with relevant background	Class XII English minimum 75% or IELTS if required	Personal statement required
University of Liverpool Bengaluru	Undergraduate	Class XII minimum 75% average across four core subjects (CBSE/ISC/State Boards) or A Levels ABB or IB 32 points	Class XII English minimum 70% or IELTS/TOEFL if required	Statement of Purpose required. No entrance test required.
University of Liverpool Bengaluru	Postgraduate	Bachelor's degree minimum 55% overall	Class XII English minimum 75% or IELTS/TOEFL if required	Statement of Purpose required

Scholarships at Foreign University Campuses in India

All three operational campuses offer scholarships. This is a significant differentiator from most Indian private universities at similar fee levels. Here is a summary of confirmed scholarship programs.

University	Scholarship Name	Value	Eligibility
Deakin University GIFT City	Scholarships and Bursaries (multiple)	Partial fee waiver — exact amounts on official site	Academic excellence. Apply through official Deakin GIFT City scholarships page.
UOW GIFT City	Merit Scholarship (UG and PG)	Partial fee reduction	Academic merit. Apply through UOW India scholarships page.
UOW GIFT City	High Achiever Scholarship (UG and PG)	Partial fee reduction	High academic achievement
UOW GIFT City	Women Leaders in FinTech Scholarship	Partial fee reduction	Female students in FinTech programs
UOW GIFT City	Early Bird Scholarship	Partial fee reduction	Early application submission
University of Southampton Delhi	Delhi Presidential Scholarship (UG)	Full tuition for 3 years	Competitive — academic excellence. Apply separately after admission application.
University of Southampton Delhi	Delhi Presidential Scholarship (PG)	Full tuition for 1 year	Competitive — academic excellence
University of Southampton Delhi	Future Talent Scholarship (UG)	Partial — awarded to 18 students across UG programs	Competitive
University of Southampton Delhi	Merit Scholar Award (UG)	Partial — up to 15 students	Exceptional merit in Economics, Accounting and Finance, Creative Computing, Computer Science and Software Engineering
University of Southampton Delhi	Future Talent Bursary	Partial — up to 8 UG students	Merit and financial need
University of Liverpool Bengaluru	Multiple scholarships and bursaries	Details to be announced — check bengaluru.liverpool.ac.uk	Academic merit and financial need