At a celebration event in Mumbai this week, the Russell Group university announced plans to grow enrolment in undergraduate and postgraduate programs –including data science, economics, finance and immersive arts – to more than 2,500 students by year five, with a new scholarship scheme in partnership with the government of Maharashtra in the pipeline.
The scholarship scheme for local students will offer up to 10 awards, with the University of Bristol and the government of Maharashtra working with schools to identify talented students facing significant personal challenges across the state.
Successful recipients will receive a 100% tuition waiver for their entire undergraduate programme, financial support, and an internship with the government of Maharashtra, aimed at offering direct exposure to public policy and governance.
We are honoured to work with the government of Maharashtra to widen access to international education and create lasting impact for students in India
Evelyn Welch, University of Bristol
“The Mumbai Enterprise Campus will bring together world-class research, outstanding education and meaningful industry collaboration in one of the world’s most dynamic cities,” stated Evelyn Welch, vice-chancellor and president at the University of Bristol.
“We are honoured to work with the government of Maharashtra to widen access to international education and create lasting impact for students in India.”
Moreover, with the Mumbai campus set to open in Powai’s Cignus Powai development, opposite Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay), and partner with firms including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) and ICICI Bank, employability outcomes will be a key focus – an area branch campuses in India are already investing heavily in.
The MoU signed with TCS will support collaboration in AI, with University of Bristol contributing its research and teaching expertise, including work linked to its Isambard-AI supercomputer.
Headquartered in Mumbai, TCS is expected to offer students industry placements, live project experience, and exposure to real-world challenges, with the collaboration aimed at strengthening employability and industry readiness.
Moreover, the University of Bristol has received a £1.5 million donation from the Shanta Foundation to support research collaborations and enable student exchanges between Mumbai and Bristol – a notable development as organisations like the British Council push to increase study opportunities in India for UK students.
To enhance learning and research collaboration, the University of Bristol has also launched the Isambard global visiting professorship scheme to support partnerships, public lectures, and student mentoring. The first appointee is Kushe Bahl, a partner at McKinsey & Company leading AI, digital, and analytics work in India.
The university has also partnered with the British Council on its climate skills program, supporting 80 young people across Bristol, Mumbai, and Thane with green skills training, mentorship, and grants.
“We are delighted to forge a new meaningful partnership between University of Mumbai and Bristol University, through the climate skills global collaboration grants,” stated Alison Barrett, country director, British Council India.
“The partners will mentor talented young people in the UK and India to develop green skills, strengthen climate resilience and employability. Such meaningful education partnerships strengthen institutional capacity and create sustained, two-way growth aligned to National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Vision 2035.”
