The University of Southampton is collaborating with Oxford International Education Group (OIEG) to deliver a branch campus in Delhi. In August, the University of Southampton was awarded a license to establish a branch campus in India, becoming the first UK university to receive such permission.
A Historic Partnership
This partnership with OIEG marks a significant step toward opening a Delhi campus, which OIEG describes as “a historic public-private partnership to deliver the first comprehensive campus in India under the New Education Policy.” OIEG will provide the financial backing and professional services necessary to establish the campus, which will be located in Gurgaon, Delhi. The first intake of students is expected in 2025, offering four undergraduate and two graduate degrees.
Commitment to Quality Education
The campus will be staffed with a mix of international and domestic faculty, demonstrating a substantial investment in India by both the University of Southampton and OIEG. The partnership highlights a shared commitment to pursuing transnational education (TNE) as a major strategic initiative.
Andrew Atherton, Vice-President of International and Engagement at the University of Southampton, stated, “This landmark launch is the next chapter in our international strategy, which emphasizes global engagement and positive social impact. Our Delhi campus is a significant investment in India and reinforces our commitment to making a global contribution through fair and sustainable partnerships.” He added that this initiative provides Indian and international students the opportunity to earn a world-class University of Southampton degree without leaving their country, positioning the university as a gateway to the world.
Future of Higher Education
Meanwhile, Lil Bremermann-Richard, CEO of OIEG, predicted that public-private partnerships would become increasingly crucial in the UK higher education landscape. “Public-private partnerships like this will play a vital role in the development of higher education in the UK and globally, redefining the responsibilities of universities and their partners,” she said.
Bremermann-Richard also emphasized the changing student perspective, noting, “Many wish to pursue studies overseas, but there is also a rapidly growing student population that believes they can realize their full potential without leaving their home country. We look forward to bringing the best of the UK and Indian educational systems to this community of students, while also establishing new and innovative research avenues and industry collaborations that support social and economic development.”
