Foreign Uni Campuses In India: 60% Cheaper Degrees

Foreign universities are setting up branch campuses in India, offering cheaper degrees with global recognition, under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The University Grants Commission (UGC) and the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) GIFT City framework regulate these campuses, only allowing institutions ranked among the top 500 in global rankings to set up shop.

According to the Gen Z Outlook Report 2026, 60% of pre-college students express interest in studying abroad, while 69% of students currently enrolled in or having completed their undergraduate degree and looking for a PG programme prefer an India-based international programme to avoid visa uncertainty. This demand is driven by the significant cost savings, with a one-year postgraduate programme at the University of Liverpool's home campus costing around £30,000 in tuition and £15,000 in living costs, totaling around ₹60 lakh.

In contrast, the same programme at the University of Liverpool's India campus costs around ₹14-15 lakh, plus local living expenses. Similarly, international student tuition for a four-year bachelor's programme at Illinois Tech in the US stands at $35,000 annually, highlighting the cost advantage of studying at a foreign university campus in India.

## What changed The NEP 2020 created a third option between domestic and overseas degrees, allowing foreign universities to set up branch campuses in India. These campuses operate under two regulatory gateways, restricting entry to institutions ranked among the top 500 in global rankings. The Gen Z Outlook Report 2026 reveals strong interest in India-based international programmes, driven by the desire to avoid visa uncertainty and save on costs.

## Why it matters The concept of foreign university campuses in India is still in its infancy, and comes with uncertainties. While the cost advantage is significant, the degree's validity in terms of market demand is a key concern. Students and parents are adopting a wait-and-watch approach, as the satellite campuses are still evolving. However, with top-ranked foreign universities setting up campuses in India, the potential for globally recognized degrees at a fraction of the cost of studying abroad is an attractive option for many.

The financial appeal of an Indian branch campus lies in the significant reduction in expenditure without sacrificing degree legitimacy. According to Ashwin Damera, co-founder and CEO of Emeritus, these satellite campuses are mandated to teach a curriculum similar to that used at their home institutions, and degrees are typically awarded directly by the parent university. Students also retain access to global networks and opportunities, making foreign university campuses in India an attractive alternative to studying abroad.