On whether British universities have shown interest in setting up campuses in India, “UK universities are interested in setting up campuses in India. Once the details in the regulations are announced, many universities are expected to take advantage of these ‘light but tight’ regulations, and establish their campuses.”

Asked how British universities view the opportunity to set up campuses in India against the backdrop of the ongoing British Council-led India-UK higher education conference, Professor Sir Steve Smith, however, said the “devil is in the details”. 

Smith, who was appointed UK’s first International Education Champion in June 2020, said whether British universities will consider opening campuses in India “really depends on the exact regulation, how you fund it, who owns the land, who holds the intellectual property, what happens to the capital investment, the fees, the quality assurance etc.”

He added, “I don’t think we should expect anything immediately. And the reason for this is that we first need to see the exact regulations.” 

A former vice-chancellor of Exeter University, Smith said that “about 27 British universities have international branch campuses in some form,” but will consider coming to India depending on whether it is “right for them”.

“They need clarity on all key aspects like whether the process of education will be Indian or British? Or will the degree be recognised etc.? Governing bodies of universities can only decide to invest if they see the regulations first,

A delegation of 31 British universities and colleges, represented by their vice-chancellors or pro-vice chancellors, are currently in India to promote Transnational Education (TNE) between the two countries, as well as the British Council’s Going Global Partnerships (GGP) programme. The delegation also comprises officials from the UK government’s education and business departments.