Telangana Government Aims to Attract Top Foreign Universities, Transforming Hyderabad into a Global Education Hub
Hyderabad: In a strategic move to enhance world-class educational opportunities and elevate the city's global reputation, the Telangana government is actively working to establish foreign university campuses in Hyderabad. The latest development comes with Lincoln University of Malaysia submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) to the University Grants Commission (UGC) to set up its campus on the outskirts of the city.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy has engaged with officials from prestigious institutions, including Stanford University in the United States and Oxford University in the United Kingdom, inviting them to consider establishing branches in Hyderabad. This initiative is part of a broader state strategy to position Hyderabad as an international education hub, complementing its established status as a center for the IT and pharmaceutical industries.
Strengthening Hyderabad's Educational Landscape
Hyderabad is already home to numerous esteemed Indian institutions such as the Indian School of Business (ISB), BITS Pilani, NALSAR University of Law, and IIT Hyderabad, along with several Central universities. The inclusion of globally renowned foreign universities is expected to further enrich the educational landscape of the city, attracting both local and international students.
UGC Opens Doors for Foreign Universities
In November 2023, the Indian government announced new guidelines allowing foreign universities to set up campuses across the country. Under these guidelines, the top 500 global universities are permitted to apply to the UGC for establishment approval. So far, more than ten institutions, including those from Australia, the UK, and Malaysia, have applied for permission.
Australia’s Deakin University was the first to secure UGC approval and is set to open its campus in Gift City, Ahmedabad, for the 2024-25 academic year. The UK’s Southampton University has also received an LOI to start a campus in Gurugram. Meanwhile, several universities from Canada and Malaysia are awaiting approval, with Lincoln University of Malaysia showing interest in setting up a campus near Hyderabad.
Aiming for Global Recognition
Hyderabad's educational ecosystem has rapidly expanded, fueled by institutions like ISB and IIT. The recent establishment of a Skill University by the Telangana government underscores the state's commitment to enhancing higher education. By attracting foreign universities, the government aims to create more opportunities for local students and draw international talent, further solidifying Hyderabad’s status on the global stage.
Every year, around 1.2 million Indian students pursue higher education abroad, many from Telugu-speaking states. By bringing prestigious foreign universities closer to home, the Telangana government hopes to retain this talent and offer world-class education within the country.
As Hyderabad aspires to be a leading global city, the government’s initiatives to attract top-tier educational institutions mark a significant step towards realizing this ambitious vision.
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