
University of Bristol Announces New Mumbai Campus in Historic Move

- University of Bristol to open its first international campus in Mumbai by summer 2026, marking a historic step in transnational education as the university nears its 150th anniversary.
- The Mumbai Enterprise Campus will offer globally aligned programs in data science, AI, fintech, immersive arts, and business blending UK academic excellence with India's innovation hub.
- Backed by India’s NEP 2020 and UK-India education ties, the campus aims to create career-ready graduates, foster industry partnerships, and expand Bristol’s global civic presence.
In opening in summer 2026, the Mumbai Enterprise Campus will represent the University's first international campus. It is a moment of history and a first for transnational education at the University, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary next year and also welcome the opening of its Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus.
The University collaborated tightly with collaborators and the Indian government to recognize Mumbai as the best location because the city had a good reputation for technology, innovation and the arts sectors which have significant overlap with Bristol's own expertise.
Formal approval was given in New Delhi at a festival marking the fifth anniversary of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 - a revolutionary framework that can modernize India's education system.
Professor Evelyn Welch, University of Bristol Vice Chancellor and President, was officially handed over a Letter of Intent by Vineet Joshi, Honourable Secretary Higher Education and Acting Chairman of the University Grants Committee.
Professor Welch said: "We are absolutely delighted to announce our intention to create a new campus in Mumbai which marks a pivotal transformation in our 150-year history and a powerful, globally inclusive future we’re proud to build in partnership".
Developing an in-country base has long been part of our international strategy and supports our ambition to be a top 50 global university.
"Less than two weeks ago, we inaugurated the UK's most powerful supercomputer in Bristol, and next year we open the doors to our new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. With the University at such a significant point in its history, we are delighted to forge partnerships around the world which will have real significance".
Reflecting the University's new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus, Mumbai Enterprise Campus will combine industry, academic, student and local community partners within a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Early undergraduate and postgraduate subjects will cover areas of global excellence for Bristol like data science, economics, finance and investment, immersive arts and financial technology, extending to computer science and AI, business and management.
Another set of scholarship awards is also part of the University's award-winning Think Big programme.
The graduates from the Mumbai campus would benefit from curricula and strong industry links that are at par with the global level, creating seamless pathways to international careers and strengthening India's skilled workforce.
By this growth, the University of Bristol - recently ranked the 51st best university in the QS World University Rankings 2026 - will aim to combine transnational education with its cutting-edge research and international civic engagement. It will expand the University's international presence while adding tangibly to its long-term viability and resilience.
Professor Michele Acuto, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement at the University of Bristol, added: "This is much more than a new place; it's a intentional extension of our vision to engage our learners and communities where they are, and to do that with respect, integrity, and profound local connection that distinguishes us as a global civic institution".
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"We will do this from day one in partnership with our local partners, to co-create a campus that is a global gateway bridging with the vibrant energy and innovation of Mumbai where business, technology and arts intersect reflecting and amplifying the international vision, interdisciplinary strengths and outward-facing spirit of our home institution. We are excited to share more detail on these plans over the coming months as they evolve".
Acting British High Commissioner in India, Christina Scott, added: "I am thrilled that Bristol University have accepted their Letter of Intent to establish a full branch campus in India, providing new opportunities for students to get access to high quality UK universities right here in India".
The UK and Indian Prime Ministers have pledged to develop the future leaders of the world through our skills and education partnership, and today's announcement will further enhance cooperation between our nations.
Alison Barrett MBE, British Council Country Director India, stated: "The University of Bristol getting a letter of intent to set up a campus in Mumbai is another milestone and highlights the success of the National Education Policy 2020. Growing as part of the UK-India Vision 2035 shared ambition, this development demonstrates a true commitment to engaging learners where they are, advancing innovation, interdisciplinary learning, and inclusion. It is great to see Bristol being ranked number 51 in the world, sharing its world-class capabilities in data science, AI, economics, financial tech and immersive arts with India. This is going to create new opportunities for bright students and give them future-proof skills".