British Council Partners With Karnataka Government For SCOUT 2026 Programme To Send Students To UK Universities

The British Council, in partnership with the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), has announced the launch of the SCOUT 2026 programme, an initiative that will send undergraduate students from Karnataka to the United Kingdom for an immersive academic experience. The announcement was made during the Campus to Career Summit held at The Lalit Ashok in Bengaluru in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister Shri Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister Shri D.K. Shivakumar and Higher Education Minister Dr M.C. Sudhakar.

The initiative is part of the broader Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the British Council and the Karnataka government and comes under the GREAT campaign aimed at strengthening India-UK educational ties.

29 students to attend programme in UK

Under the SCOUT 2026 programme, 29 undergraduate students from different universities across Karnataka will travel to the UK for a two-week learning programme at the University of Wolverhampton from June 27 to July 11, 2026.

The selected cohort includes five students each from Mysuru University, Karnatak University, BASE University, Davangere University, Akkamahadevi Women’s University and Bidar University. In addition, three faculty members and two officials from KSHEC will also participate in the programme.

The initiative has been designed especially for students from underserved socio-economic backgrounds to provide them with international exposure and academic opportunities that may otherwise remain inaccessible.

Focus on leadership, innovation and climate

The SCOUT programme will include a certified short-term course delivered by the University of Wolverhampton. According to organisers, the curriculum has been built around themes such as climate, innovation, resilience, cities, leadership and equity.

Students will participate in academic workshops, project assignments and experiential learning activities aimed at improving research abilities, critical thinking and leadership skills. The programme will also expose participants to the UK’s academic environment and cultural landscape.

An online induction session titled “SCOUT Circle” was already conducted on March 26, 2026, where selected students were introduced to the programme structure and assignments by the University of Wolverhampton faculty.

Strengthening India-UK Educational Partnerships

Officials said the programme aligns with the goals of the India–UK Vision 2035, which places education and skill development at the centre of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

Janaka Pushpanathan, Director South India, British Council, said the initiative aims to create meaningful pathways for talented students who may not otherwise get access to global education opportunities.

“The SCOUT programme continues to create meaningful pathways for talented students who may not otherwise have access to international education. Together, we aim to deliver a transformative learning experience that builds global perspectives and strengthens critical skills,” he said.

Dr M.C. Sudhakar, Karnataka’s Higher Education Minister, said the programme reflects the state government’s commitment to creating global learning opportunities for students across Karnataka.

“By enabling access to global learning environments and industry-relevant themes, the programme equips students with the knowledge and confidence to contribute meaningfully to their communities and future careers,” he said.

Programme to be conducted in two phases

The programme will be implemented in two phases. The first phase includes virtual learning modules and preparatory sessions, which have already begun. The second phase will involve the in-person immersion programme in the UK later this year.

Published on: Friday, May 15, 2026, 06:59 PM IST