HYDERABAD: Telangana, already a preferred destination for multinational companies in the IT, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors, is now poised to emerge as a major hub for foreign universities. Around 15 universities from the US, UK, Australia and New Zealand have expressed interest in establishing offshore campuses in the state, particularly in and around Hyderabad.
Sources in the state govt said, the University of Colorado from the US and the University of London from the UK have already submitted applications to the University Grants Commission (UGC) to set up campuses in Hyderabad. Besides these, representatives of nearly a dozen other foreign universities have approached the Telangana govt, with discussions underway on suitable locations.
Among the institutions exploring opportunities are Purdue University (US) and Northeastern University (Boston, US), whose representatives are in talks with state officials. The University of Birmingham (UK) and the University of Western Australia have proposed setting up sports-focused campuses, while Newcastle University, University of Chichester and University of Hertfordshire from the UK are also engaged in discussions. The University of Waikato in New Zealand has likewise shown keen interest in establishing a presence in Hyderabad.
Sources said one American university is considering leasing few floors in a commercial tower in Gachibowli to begin operations quickly, with plans to admit its first batch of students in the 2027 academic year.
“The foreign universities are ready to purchase land from private owners if govt land is unavailable in the identified locations. Some institutions are also interested in establishing campuses in Bharat Future City,” a senior official in the CMO said.
Officials attributed the growing interest to the Central govt’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the UGC’s new regulations, which allow reputed foreign universities to establish campuses in India.
“The entry of these universities will create opportunities for knowledge transfer, research collaborations and innovation. It will also generate employment, attract investment and strengthen Telangana’s higher education ecosystem in the long run,” the official said.
The govt believes the offshore campuses will bring experienced international faculty and researchers to Hyderabad while creating large-scale employment opportunities for qualified local professionals.
“These universities are expected to bring senior professors, faculty members and researchers from their home countries. At the same time, talented local youth with PhDs and other advanced qualifications will find significant opportunities in teaching, research and technical fields, helping build a globally competitive academic ecosystem,” officials added.
