The Education Magazine
May 28, 2025
The University of Liverpool is preparing to open its first Indian campus in Bengaluru, with plans to launch in 2026. This move puts the UK-based university among the first foreign institutions to set up its own fully independent shop in India. It’s all happening thanks to a recent shift in national policy that now gives global universities the green light to operate campuses in the country.
The chosen spot for the University of Liverpool Bengaluru campus is the Knowledge City zone, out near Devanahalli in northern Bengaluru. The idea is to provide students in India with a direct path to internationally recognized academic programs. You can expect the campus to focus on key fields like engineering, business, computer science, and data analytics.
“This isn’t just about doing what we do in the UK, but over here—it’s a whole new chapter,” said Professor Tim Jones, who heads the University of Liverpool as Vice-Chancellor. “Bengaluru, with all its energy and talent, gives us a rare chance to build something truly relevant and future-focused.”
Why Bengaluru, and Why Now?
India’s big decision back in 2023, allowing foreign universities to establish their standalone campuses, really opened things up for long-term academic teamwork, going beyond the old-style partnerships. The University of Liverpool Bengaluru campus is shaping up to be one of the earliest and most ambitious responses to this policy change.
Karnataka’s government is keen to bring global institutions into the fold and has backed this move. “We’re looking at more than just buildings here—it’s about fostering a new kind of learning space,” commented Dr. M.C. Sudhakar, the Minister for Higher Education. “Liverpool’s strong reputation and its commitment are a real plus for our education scene.”
Academic Focus with Local Relevance
Students can look forward to a solid mix of tough academics and hands-on application. We will shape the programmes to meet India’s upcoming needs, especially in areas tied to Industry 4.0. What’s more, the University of Liverpool Bengaluru campus will also get collaborative research going, line up internships, and forge partnerships with local industries.
Dr. Radhika Bhat, who’s in charge of getting the campus up and running in India, really stressed that this is a team effort from the get-go. “We’re not just copying and pasting our curriculum,” she pointed out. “Instead, we’re building it together with Indian experts and stakeholders to make sure it’s relevant locally and has a lasting impact.”
This whole approach shows a growing understanding that global education ideas hit home best when they’re connected to what’s happening on the ground regionally.
A Broader Vision for UK–India Education
The new campus is coming online just as UK–India academic links are getting stronger. In 2024 alone, more than 140,000 Indian students signed up at British universities. By actually setting up a base on Indian soil, the University of Liverpool Bengaluru campus means students can get the same top-tier degrees, but without the heavy costs and headaches of studying overseas.
People watching these trends say this is a real turning point. “It’s not just about students going abroad anymore,” noted Meera Kulkarni, an independent education analyst. “India is becoming a place for international education itself, and this campus is a big part of that story.”
Looking Forward
The plan is for construction to kick off in early 2026, with student admissions to follow later that year. The university also has its sights set on developing joint research centres and rolling out continuing education programmes for working professionals.
At the end of the day, the University of Liverpool Bengaluru campus is more than just a new set of buildings—it’s a clear sign that the global education scene is changing. In a world that puts more and more value on learning across borders, Liverpool’s move is both smart for now and looks ahead to the future.
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