Exciting plans to open a campus in India

Southampton has become the first international university to be granted a licence by the Indian government to establish a comprehensive campus in the country.

The new campus will be in Gurugram, within the National Capital Region (NCR), with an initial offering of four undergraduate and two postgraduate programmes. The four undergraduate programmes will be in computer science, business management, economics, and accounting and finance. The postgraduate programmes will be in international management and finance. New programmes will be introduced each year, with a wide portfolio soon on offer.

Professor Mark E. Smith, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southampton, said: “In the 21st century, no university can be truly global without engaging with India.  Our intention is to establish a campus that delivers social value and economic impact to India and the University by bringing together Southampton’s world-class activities in education, research, and knowledge exchange and enterprise, with all the talent of the rising global superpower that is India.”

He added: “Through this new campus, the University of Southampton will help deliver a critical element of the Government of India’s transformative agenda, playing our part in harnessing the potential, talent and capabilities of Indian youth.”

The University has been active in India for more than 50 years and has developed deep and mutually beneficial partnerships. The upcoming campus will enable the University of Southampton to build on these links by amplifying research collaboration and impact, extending teaching partnerships, creating two-way student and staff mobility, and ensuring local civic and community .

Reactions from our alumni

We spoke to some of our esteemed Indian alumni to hear their reactions to the announcement.

Kaushal Shah was our Outstanding Alumni Award Winner in 2023 and, in the same year, a recipient of the India UK Achievers Honours.

I am filled with immense pride and excitement at the announcement of the new campus in India. This development marks a significant milestone in the University’s journey toward global excellence. I vividly recall my first day at Southampton, stepping onto the campus with a mix of nerves and anticipation. That experience shaped my academic journey and personal growth in ways I could never have imagined. By bringing world-class education to India, Southampton is expanding its reach and enriching its academic tapestry with diverse perspectives. I am thrilled to see how this campus will empower students and foster a culture of innovation and inclusivity. The potential benefits for the local community are immense, promising growth and development, and I am proud to be part of this journey.

Kaushal Shah, MSc Global Entrepreneurship, 2015
CEO and Founder, envoPAP

I am absolutely thrilled about the University’s new campus opening in Delhi NCR. This exciting development not only enhances the University’s global influence but adds immense value to my degree. My MBA from Southampton was pivotal as it empowered me to rebuild my career after a challenging business failure and ultimately paved the way for me to become a CEO of a bank by the age of 40. Today I am filled with pride to learn that my alma mater will be contributing to shaping young minds in India, just as it did for me.

Abhimanyu Bhoan, MBA, 2005
CEO, New India Co-Operative Bank Limited

Southampton alumni at the India Campus launch event at the British High Commission in Delhi, India

I am very pleased and excited about the University being granted the permission to open a new campus in India. It is a rare and prestigious grant by the University Grants Commission India. This is a transformational time in India’s growing economy, and opening a campus in Delhi NCR at this pivotal junction will give the University of Southampton an edge in the global market. My experience set me up for a successful career, both as a private practice attorney and as a well-recognised leading general counsel for some of the largest corporations in India. I feel proud of my alma mater and excited for this opportunity. My message to all incoming students at the University’s India campus is our University’s motto ‘Strenuis Ardua Cedunt’ (hard work is what leads to success). My best wishes and heartiest congratulations.

Preeti Balwani, LLM Maritime Law, 2005
Global General Counsel, CRISIL

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Our global alumni networks bring together local alumni who have a shared Southampton connection. As well as being a platform to network and share advice and expertise with peers, they provide opportunities to support prospective and current students, and new graduates.

 In India, we have WhatsApp-based regional networks centred in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Pune, as well as a network for Indian nationals based in the UK.

It’s been such a heartwarming experience to reconnect with the Soton community. It’s such a proud feeling to see the University grow so phenomenally. You all have really worked tirelessly to help make this a lifelong association for us. The shared laughter, friendships and good times are such a bonus!

Dr. Meera Shirodkar

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