Indian students may no longer need to go abroad for higher education. The Government of Maharashtra signed Letters of Intent (LoIs) with five international universities under the National Education Policy (NEP). These global universities will establish India’s first international education hub in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai, announced Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
At the ‘Mumbai Rising: Creating an International Education City’ event at Hotel Taj, LoIs were exchanged with five globally renowned universities. The gathering included Chief Minister Fadnavis, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, State Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Secretary Higher Education & Acting Chairman UGC Vineet Joshi, Additional Chief Secretary Aseem Kumar Gupta, and CIDCO MD Vijay Singhal.
Also present were diplomats like British High Commissioner H.E. Lindy Cameron, Australian Consul General Paul Murphy, US Consul General Mike Hankey, Italian Consul General Walter Ferrara, and university representatives including Prof. Siladitya Bhattacharya (University of Aberdeen), Prof. Charlie Jeffrey (University of York), Guy Littlefair (University of Western Australia), Raj Echambadi (Illinois Institute of Technology), and Riccardo Balbo (IED).
Mumbai to Become a Global Education City
Fadnavis said that the five top universities — University of Aberdeen (UK), University of York (UK), University of Western Australia (Australia), Illinois Institute of Technology (USA), and Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy) — will set up full-fledged campuses in the Navi Mumbai International Airport region.
In the same area, the government will also develop a MedCity, Sports City, and Innovation City in the coming years. Eventually, this education hub is expected to host at least ten international universities. Mumbai, traditionally known for finance, industry, and entertainment, will gain a new identity as an Educational City. This transformation will help realize the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Fadnavis emphasized that these campuses will align with the National Education Policy 2020. Since infrastructure like the Navi Mumbai International Airport and Atal Setu is already in place, accessibility is being ensured. World-class connectivity will make it easier for students and faculty to reach the hub.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister stated that these MoUs are just the beginning. The Maharashtra Government welcomes more international institutions to invest in Indian education. He also mentioned a recent MoU between Western University and Gondwana University.
NEP Will Drive India’s Educational Growth
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that Mumbai — the city of dreams and India’s financial capital — is now set to become a major global education hub. According to him, the involvement of these five foreign universities marks a pivotal step forward. India, with its ancient tradition of learning, has a global reputation in education.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, key initiatives are being implemented to build a developed India. The NEP permits global institutions to set up Indian campuses, and allows Indian institutions to expand abroad. Consequently, this will make world-class education more affordable and accessible for Indian students.
He pointed out that Indian institutions such as IITs, IIMs, and Symbiosis have already started operating campuses overseas. With foreign universities entering India, the pace of educational and economic growth will only accelerate.
The event also included a tribute to the victims of the recent Ahmedabad tragedy. Kaustubh Dhavse, the Chief Minister’s Officer on Special Duty, anchored the program. CIDCO MD Vijay Singhal gave the welcome address, and Secretary Vineet Joshi also shared his views.
Five Global Universities Coming to Navi Mumbai
University of Aberdeen (UK): One of the oldest universities in the UK. It is the first Scottish university to set up a campus in India. The university has over 200 active collaborations with Indian institutions like IITs, AIIMS, ICAR, ICMR, Manipal Academy, and Delhi University.
University of Western Australia (Australia): Ranked among the world’s top 100 universities and part of the Group of Eight (Go8). It will offer undergraduate and postgraduate courses in science, engineering, and industrial sectors. These courses will meet the demand of both Indian students and the global workforce.
University of York (UK): A research-intensive university and member of the Russell Group. It will offer programs in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, business, economics, and creative industries. The courses will be designed in consultation with global industries and will support Indian students’ careers.
Illinois Institute of Technology (USA): The first US university to independently award degrees in India. It will offer courses in computer science, engineering, and business. Its signature ‘Elevate’ program — featuring internships, research, and competitions — will also be available.
Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy): One of Europe’s top design schools. It will offer world-class training in fashion, product design, and visual communication.
