The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has ushered in a transformative era for India’s higher education, enabling elite foreign universities to establish branch campuses on Indian soil. At the vanguard of this shift is GIFT City—India’s budding international education hub—where institutions like Queen’s University Belfast are forging a global academic footprint.
NEP 2020 and Foreign University Campuses: A New Chapter
NEP 2020 underscores “internationalisation at home,” paving the way for foreign institutions to open independent campuses in India. The University Grants Commission’s 2023 regulations now allow top global universities (QS top 500) to establish branches with full autonomy over curriculum, fees, and admissions.
As of mid-2025, the UGC has issued seven Letters of Intent for foreign campuses, including approvals already granted to the University of Southampton in Gurgaon, and multiple universities in GIFT City.
GIFT City: India’s International Education Nexus
Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is emerging as India’s premier international education hub. The IFSCA’s 2022 regulations allow foreign universities ranked in the QS top 500 to launch full-fledged campuses, offering degrees recognized equivalently to those in the home country.
Two Australian universities—Deakin University and University of Wollongong—have already launched campuses in 2024. Following them, Queen’s University Belfast and Coventry University are set to begin operations in early 2026.
Queen’s University Belfast: GIFT City’s Flagship UK Institution
Queen’s University Belfast, the first UK Russell Group institution to enter GIFT City, will begin its academic session in January 2026. • It will offer five postgraduate programmes initially—focusing on finance, business analytics, technology, and sustainable leadership—and plans to expand into PhD and research offerings. • The university has appointed its first Dean for the GIFT City campus, marking a major milestone in its India expansion.
That’s where 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝗲𝗻’𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗱𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝗯𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 (𝗤𝗚𝗝𝗜) steps in.
We help forward-looking companies cut through the clutter by offering direct access to a curated talent pool — globally-educated Indian postgraduates from Queen’s University Belfast, pre-vetted for skills, mindset, and potential.
- ✔️ Reduce screening time
- ✔️ Hire with confidence
- ✔️ Build for the future
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗤𝗚𝗝𝗜 — 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻.
To know more, reach out to: g.arora@qub.ac.uk
Other Notable Campus Approvals at GIFT City
Apart from Queen’s, Coventry University has also received in-principle approval to launch its GIFT City campus—initially offering BSc degrees in International Business Management and Business & Finance—with student intake expected around 2026. Further, the University of Surrey has announced plans to establish a campus at GIFT City in collaboration with GUS Global Services.
What Comes Next: Opportunities & Strategic Insights
Key implications for stakeholders:
- Global Access at Home: Indian students gain access to world-class degrees without travel, while foreign universities tap into India’s vast talent pool.
- Strategic Location: GIFT City offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, tax incentives, and integrated lifestyle amenities—ideal for immersive academic ecosystems.
- Ease of Entry: The IFSCA’s regulatory framework, aided by Academic Infrastructure Service Providers (e.g., GUS), facilitates seamless campus setup.
- Diverse Offerings: From business analytics and cybersecurity to sustainable leadership, educational offerings will grow steadily, catering to evolving industry needs.
- State-Level Momentum: While GIFT leads, other regions like Navi Mumbai are also expanding the foreign campus ecosystem—with five additional universities recently awarded LoIs under NEP 2020.
Role of T&A Consulting
At T&A Consulting, we help foreign universities and Indian policymakers navigate this evolving education landscape. Our services include regulatory advisory (UGC, IFSCA), partner identification, market-entry strategy, and campus operations support—maximizing the impact of institutions like Queen’s, Coventry, Surrey, and others in India.
Building India’s Global Education Future
NEP 2020’s push for global education led by GIFT City is redefining India’s higher education. Institutions such as Queen’s University Belfast, gearing up for 2026, signal a pivotal shift toward a borderless academic future. As more global campuses emerge, students stand to benefit from world-class programs delivered locally.
Contact us at: hananth@taglobalgroup.com to learn how T&A Consulting can support your institution in navigating India’s internationalisation journey.
Sources: Queen’s University Belfast (news release), Indian Express, Times of India, PIB, IFSCA, India Today, The Guardian—cited within the text.