Illinois Tech becomes first US university to establish degree-granting campus in India

In a landmark development for global higher education, the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) has become the first US university approved by India’s University Grants Commission (UGC) to establish an independent, degree-granting campus in India.

Scheduled to open in Mumbai by 2026, this campus will offer undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in high-demand fields such as computer science, engineering, and business.

This initiative aligns with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to position the country as a global education hub by facilitating the entry of foreign higher education institutions. The policy envisions India as a knowledge-driven society by the centennial of its independence in 2047.

Illinois Tech’s move is part of a broader trend of foreign universities establishing campuses in India. The UGC has approved the establishment of campuses by five prestigious foreign universities, including:

Additionally, the University of York (UK) plans to open a campus in Mumbai, offering courses in computer science, AI, cyber security, business, economics, and creative industries, starting in the 2026/27 academic year.

Imperial College London has also launched a science hub in Bengaluru to strengthen research and innovation collaborations with Indian institutions in areas like AI, telecommunications, semiconductors, health tech, and clean tech .

These developments offer Indian students access to global educational standards without the need to study abroad. By bringing international curricula and teaching methodologies to India, these campuses aim to enhance the country’s academic landscape and provide students with expanded academic choices.

UGC’s guidelines for global universities include autonomy in curriculum design, freedom to set admission criteria and fee structures, and awarding internationally recognised degrees within the country.