The University of Manchester plans to establish a centre in Bengaluru, seeking to connect students and researchers with Indian industry as UK universities expand their presence in the country.
The proposed centre will support educational partnerships, research collaboration and practical learning through internships, work placements and employer-led projects.
The university intends to draw on its Partner-Enabled Learning model, which integrates projects with businesses, public bodies and community organisations into degree programs in the UK.
Through credit-bearing projects and micro-internships, the approach aims to develop skills including problem-solving, adaptability and teamwork alongside academic knowledge. The Bengaluru centre is intended to extend opportunities for that practical experience through engagement with employers.
Manchester identified Bengaluru as its preferred location in India for its concentration of universities, research institutes and technology companies, with existing ties to businesses including Reliance, Tata and Infosys providing a foundation for further industry engagement.
The plans were announced at Science Gallery Bengaluru during the Great North Mayoral Mission to India, held from October 12–16, which brought together universities, businesses and civic and cultural leaders from northern England.
There is an incredible depth to Manchester’s relationship with India across education, business and culture. Our new Centre will be at the heart of deepening those relationships and I’m very excited to see what we can give, and what we can learn over the coming years
Duncan Ivison, University of Manchester
Manchester’s move comes as UK institutions pursue different models of expansion in India, ranging from full teaching campuses to offices supporting research and partnerships.
During former UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s India visit last year, the government highlighted nine university campus commitments, with Southampton already operating in Gurugram and Bristol, York and Liverpool preparing to follow.
Bristol and York have since opened their Mumbai campuses, while Liverpool has opened in Bengaluru. Further projects remain in development, including Lancaster’s Bengaluru campus and Surrey’s GIFT City venture, which currently plans its first intake for summer 2027.
Research and partnership hubs offer another route to a permanent presence. Imperial College London launched its Bengaluru hub in May 2025, following Coventry University’s opening of an India Hub in New Delhi in 2024.
Alongside plans to expand provision in India, the latest northern England mission also highlighted opportunities for Indian students to study in the UK.
The British Council announced that Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, the Royal Northern College of Music and the University of Salford would participate in GREAT Scholarships 2027.
Each scholarship will provide at least £10,000 towards tuition fees for an eligible Indian student taking a one-year taught postgraduate course in 2027/28.
For Manchester, the Bengaluru proposal builds on existing academic partnerships in India, including a dual award PhD launched with IIT Kharagpur in 2021 and collaborations with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), BITS Pilani and Manipal Academy of Higher Education.
The university already operates international centres in Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Singapore.
“There is an incredible depth to Manchester’s relationship with India across education, business and culture,” said Duncan Ivison, its president and vice-chancellor.
“Our new Centre will be at the heart of deepening those relationships and I’m very excited to see what we can give, and what we can learn over the coming years.”
