University Of Liverpool Gets UGC LoA To Launch Bengaluru Campus In August 2026

The University of Liverpool has received formal approval from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish its first campus in India, with operations set to begin in Bengaluru from August 2026.

The Letter of Approval (LoA) was handed over by Dr. Vineet Joshi, Secretary, Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, and Chairman of the UGC, to Professor Richard Grose, Provost of the University of Liverpool Bengaluru.

The ceremony was attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, UK Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Development Affairs Yvette Cooper, British High Commissioner to India Lindy Cameron, and British Council India Country Director Alison Barrett.

Second UK university to receive approval

With this approval, the University of Liverpool becomes the second UK university, after the University of Southampton, to receive permission to establish an international branch campus in India under UGC regulations.

The move is also seen as a step forward in implementing the internationalisation objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages leading foreign universities to establish campuses in India. The policy aims to provide Indian students with access to globally recognised education without requiring them to travel abroad.

Officials from both countries highlighted the growing role of higher education in strengthening bilateral ties, particularly in the areas of research, innovation, skills development, and student mobility.

Strengthening India–UK educational links

Speaking at the British Council, Yvette Cooper said the University of Liverpool's entry into India reflects the strength of the UK-India partnership and opens new opportunities for students, researchers, and innovators in both countries.

She noted that education remains a key pillar of the relationship and that the expansion of UK universities in India would help deepen research collaboration while facilitating the exchange of knowledge, skills, and ideas.

Cooper added that the India–UK Vision 2035 framework is creating avenues for closer cooperation across education, research, technology, and innovation, translating shared ambitions into tangible opportunities for young people.

Campus to open in Bengaluru's innovation hub

The University of Liverpool's Bengaluru campus will be located at Alembic City in Whitefield, one of the city's major technology and innovation districts.

Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said the institution was pleased to receive approval and was looking forward to welcoming students from August 2026. He said the campus has been designed to deliver an industry-connected education that responds to India's evolving workforce needs.

According to the university, the purpose-built facility will feature smart classrooms, specialist laboratories, and modern learning spaces. The institution also plans to build a strong research ecosystem and expand its academic and industry partnerships across India.

Published on: Friday, June 05, 2026, 11:58 AM IST