Dear colleagues,
I am writing to share some exciting news about our next steps in global engagement and to invite you to be part of this important journey.
On Saturday we achieved a significant milestone in our international strategy after India's University Grants Commission - UGC - granted approval for us to proceed with proposals to open an international branch campus in Mumbai. A business case will now go to our governing body Court next month seeking full approval for the proposed campus which it’s hoped could open to students in September 2026.
The granting of permission by UGC at a special ceremony at the weekend represents a huge step forward in efforts to enhance our international reach and impact through Transnational Education in line with our Aberdeen 2040 strategy.
At a time of unprecedented challenge in higher education and a decline in international student numbers, the proposed new campus - initially operating from existing premises - would bring in much needed revenue that would also help support University activity and jobs in Aberdeen.
The campus proposal flows from strong academic bonds built over many years with outstanding Indian institutions such as IITs – the Indian Institutes of Technology; AIIMS – All India Institute of Medical Sciences; Manipal Academy, ICAR - Indian Council of Agricultural Research and Delhi University. Partnerships that have already produced hundreds of joint research projects and publications.
What makes this opportunity particularly special is how it aligns with both our institutional strengths and India’s dynamic educational landscape.
Aligned with India’s National Education Policy 2020, the proposed campus would initially offer programmes in Computing and Data Science, Business Management, Economics, Artificial Intelligence and an MBA with future expansion into Mathematics and International Business Management and Information Systems, Public Health, Film Studies and Psychology - strategic areas where Aberdeen and India share common priorities.
A follow up second phase for the proposed new campus would see the University aim to establish a research and innovation office to expand research collaborations and industry partnerships in critical areas such as AI, Energy and Life Sciences.
I would love to hear your thoughts on how we might develop this initiative in ways that could benefit your work and our students.
Perhaps you have existing connections with institutions and industry in India that could inform our approach. Or have ideas for collaborative research projects that a physical presence in India might enable. Maybe you’ve taught students from India and have insights about how we might tailor our offering. Please feel free to email your perspectives directly to me at s.bhattacharya@abdn.ac.uk.
This is more than just an institutional milestone – it’s an opportunity to strengthen our global community of learning and discovery. I am genuinely excited to hear how you think we might shape this venture to reflect the best of what our University represents.
With best wishes
Bhatty
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