The University of Aberdeen has made history by becoming the first Scottish university to receive approval to establish a campus in India, marking a major leap in its global ambitions.
India’s University Grants Commission has given its blessing for the university to move forward with plans to open a branch in Mumbai, with the doors expected to open to students in September 2026.
The proposal will now be reviewed by the university’s governing body, known as the Court, for final approval next month.
This milestone follows extensive discussions with both the Indian authorities and Aberdeen’s transnational education partners in India, as the university builds on its long-standing academic ties with the country.
A special ceremony in Mumbai saw the Indian Government present the university with a Letter of Intent, formally recognising Aberdeen’s commitment to expanding its presence in one of the world’s most dynamic education markets.
The new campus aims to become a vibrant hub for academic excellence, cutting-edge research and meaningful collaboration between Scotland and India.
For decades, the University of Aberdeen has cultivated partnerships with more than 200 Indian institutions, including prestigious names like the Indian Institutes of Technology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Manipal Academy, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Delhi University.
The Mumbai branch is designed to complement India’s National Education Policy 2020, offering a curriculum that aligns with the country’s priorities in innovation and global knowledge sharing.
In its first phase, the campus will offer programmes in Computing and Data Science, Business Management, Economics, Artificial Intelligence and an MBA.
Plans for future expansion include courses in Mathematics, International Business Management, Public Health, Film Studies and Psychology, areas where Scotland and India share growing academic and industry interests.
Looking ahead, the university also intends to establish a research and innovation centre on the Mumbai campus, further strengthening its collaborations in fields such as AI, Energy and Life Sciences.
Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, Vice-Principal Global Engagement at the University of Aberdeen, described the development as a proud and strategic moment.
“We are excited to move forward following approval from the Indian Government,” he said.
“With a population of over 1.4 billion people, half of whom are under 25, India has long been central to our global strategy, whether in student recruitment, research partnerships or alumni engagement.”
Professor Bhattacharya added that the Mumbai campus will not only empower students but will foster joint research and industry-led innovation.
“It also underlines Aberdeen’s role as a global leader in higher education and further strengthens the historic and evolving ties between Scotland and India,” he said.
Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India at the British Council, welcomed the announcement, calling it a significant step forward in UK-India education ties.
“This is more than an institutional milestone,” she said.
“It shows how education can build bridges between nations, promote cultural exchange and open doors to global opportunities for students and academics.”
With its Mumbai venture, Aberdeen is setting a bold example for Scottish universities aiming to play a more active role on the world stage.
