Rs 1,000 Crore Scholarship Fund Supports Global Degrees in India

Six international universities—the University of Aberdeen, University of Bristol, Illinois Institute of Technology, University of Liverpool, Victoria University, and University of York—are preparing to open campuses in India, with student intake expected to begin in August-September 2026. This move is backed by a substantial Rs 1,000 crore scholarship pool designed to provide undergraduate and postgraduate students with tuition waivers ranging from 10% to 100%. By making global degrees more affordable, the program aims to broaden access to high-level education for students across the country.

The initiative arrives at a time when India’s educational landscape is defined by a significant outward migration of students. Currently, for every international student who chooses to study in India, 19 Indian students head abroad. By establishing these local campuses and providing financial support, the project seeks to correct this imbalance. The curriculum will focus heavily on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), fields that are vital to the nation's development. This program is the result of a close collaboration between the Indian government, the participating universities, and industry leaders who recognize the need for a new generation of skilled technical professionals.

The impact of these campuses is expected to extend beyond education into the broader economy. Experts project that if 15-20% of students who typically seek degrees abroad choose these domestic options instead, the country could see annual foreign exchange savings of approximately USD 10-14 billion. Such a shift would bolster the Indian economy and help establish the country as a global educational hub, offering students the opportunity for growth and quality training without the need to leave their home country.

Looking forward, the successful launch of these institutions and the accompanying scholarship program may serve as a template for future educational partnerships in India. As the country continues to position itself as a leader in the sector, this initiative could attract further international universities and increase the number of global students coming to India. The next milestones will involve making these campuses fully operational and managing the distribution of scholarships, steps that represent a significant transition for the Indian educational system.