University of York opens Mumbai campus with inaugural cohort

The University of York has opened its first campus in India, welcoming an inaugural cohort of students as the UK university expands its international teaching and research presence.

The University of York Mumbai has enrolled its first students across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in computer science with artificial intelligence and cyber security, business, and the creative industries.

The launch follows a two-week induction programme over the summer and marks the latest development in India’s efforts to attract leading international universities through reforms enabling foreign institutions to establish campuses in the country.

The opening was attended by students and academic staff, representatives from local business and industry, and senior leaders from the University of York and its Mumbai campus, including Professor Ken Badcock, Interim Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, and Professor Lindsay Oades, Provost of the University of York Mumbai.

Research focus on global challenges

Research is set to form a central part of the Mumbai campus, with the university identifying food security, environmental change and future technologies among its initial areas of focus.

The university has also announced a new research and policy institute in Mumbai, which will examine major global challenges including artificial intelligence, urbanisation and climate change.

The institute is intended to strengthen connections between researchers in Mumbai and York, while creating opportunities for collaboration with industry, policymakers and other external partners.

Professor Ken Badcock said the opening was the result of collaboration between teams in India and the UK, as well as the university’s international partners.

“Today marks a major milestone,” he said. “The launch of University of York Mumbai is the result of dedication and collaboration from our teams in India and the UK, our global partners, and the vibrant city of Mumbai itself.”

He said the campus would contribute to India’s ambition to strengthen its position as a destination for international higher education.

Connecting the Mumbai and York research communities

The university is also positioning the new campus as a platform for closer academic and industry links between India and the UK.

Professor Bob Doherty, Director of Research at the University of York Mumbai, and Professor Benjamin Poore, from the University’s School of Arts and Creative Technologies, have begun secondments to Mumbai. Their work will include developing industry partnerships, research projects, public events and student learning opportunities.

Further secondments, joint research programmes and collaboration in teaching and learning are expected to be developed between the two campuses over the coming months.

Professor Lindsay Oades said the university’s aim was to give students opportunities to develop skills relevant to rapidly changing industries while maintaining an international perspective.

“We aim to empower students to thrive in evolving industries by nurturing enquiring minds with a global outlook,” he said.

He added that collaboration with local partners and researchers in both Mumbai and York would help students develop entrepreneurial and creative approaches to complex global challenges.

The opening also drew support from UK representatives in India.

Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India at the British Council, said the campus would give students in India access to a UK university education without requiring them to study overseas.

Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, said the University of York would bring its teaching and research strengths to India.

“Education lies at the heart of UK-India Vision 2035 and our shared commitment to nurture the next generation of global talent,” he said.

The University of York Mumbai is part of a wider expansion of international higher education provision in India, as regulatory changes create new opportunities for overseas universities to establish a direct presence in the country.