Five Foreign Universities Set to Open Campuses in Mumbai’s Edu City by 2026

In a major leap toward internationalizing higher education in India, five prominent foreign universities have formally received Letters of Intent (LOIs) to establish independent campuses in Mumbai’s upcoming Edu City, a 250-acre academic hub near the Navi Mumbai International Airport. The move is part of India’s broader strategy to position Mumbai as a global education destination.

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The announcement was made during a high-profile event titled ‘Mumbai Rising: Creating an International Education City’, attended by Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, UGC acting chairman Vineet Joshi, vice-chancellors, and foreign diplomats.

The five institutions include:

• University of York (UK)
• University of Aberdeen (UK)
• University of Western Australia
• Illinois Institute of Technology (USA)
• IED Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy)

These universities are expected to begin operations within 18 months, with most aiming to launch their admission cycles before December 2026.

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“The government’s larger goal is to have at least 10 international universities in this region,” said CM Fadnavis, emphasizing plans to make Mumbai a vibrant academic destination backed by major transport infrastructure.

Affordable Global Education, Locally

Notably, tuition fees at these Indian campuses are projected to be 25–30% lower than what Indian students currently pay abroad. This makes world-class education more accessible while potentially slowing outbound student migration.

However, while the UGC has encouraged institutions to offer scholarships, a senior official confirmed that it remains voluntary. This raises concerns, especially in Maharashtra, where students have previously faced delays in disbursement of public-funded scholarships.

Why Mumbai? The Backstory

According to Ashwin Damera, CEO of Emeritus, Mumbai was not initially on the radar for many of the foreign institutions due to the city’s high real estate costs. The breakthrough came when the government committed to developing Edu City as a dedicated education zone, fundamentally changing the value proposition for foreign universities.

“It was usually the institutions chasing the state. This time, the state chased them. That shift matters,” Damera wrote on LinkedIn.

What Will Be Offered?

The five institutions will provide a mix of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with each bringing unique academic strengths:

• Illinois Institute of Technology: Computer science, engineering, and business
• University of York: AI, cybersecurity, economics, creative industries
• University of Aberdeen: Computing, data science, psychology, film studies
• University of Western Australia: Business and STEM
• IED (Italy): Fashion, interior design, digital arts, visual communication

According to Sachin Jain, Country Manager for ETS India & South Asia, this diversity is a “watershed moment” for Indian higher education. The universities may also offer credit-based interdisciplinary programs within and outside Edu City.

Global Recruitment Plans

According to Sushil Sukhwani, Director of Edwise International, institutions are already exploring agent-based recruitment, targeting not only Indian students but also international applicants. Some programs could begin as early as September 2026.

Still, experts caution against over-optimism. Dr. Vincenzo Raimo, a former leader at the University of Reading and Nottingham, warned that universities often underestimate the financial and academic complexity of setting up overseas campuses.

“India’s student market is unique. It’s not just about the degree, but access to post-study work and migration pathways, which won’t apply for those studying domestically,” Raimo noted.

He added that UK institutions, in particular, must ensure they contribute equitably to these partnerships beyond branding especially in areas like faculty involvement, quality assurance, and curriculum design.

Why Focus on “Soft” Courses?

Former IIT Madras professor A. Jayakrishnan observed that most institutions are choosing to offer soft courses like IT, computer science, and business programs with high demand and logistical ease. He also emphasized the pedagogical benefits, highlighting the shift from rote learning to critical inquiry and real-world engagement.

“Institutions like Illinois Tech offer a fundamentally different approach. That could be a game-changer for Indian students,” he said.