7 foreign universities, one Mumbai room on Oct 24: what to ask before applying
By TUF News Desk · Published 17 October 2026 · 4 min read
Fact-checked against 2+ independent sources · Editorial policy
Seven universities that are setting up campuses in India will be in the same room in Mumbai next Saturday. Students who show up can sit across the table from their admissions teams and ask the questions no brochure answers.
The International Branch Campus University Fair and Open House takes place on October 24, from 10 AM to 4 PM, at Taj Lands’ End. It is organised by Emeritus and covers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the 2027-28 intake.
The lineup is split across four cities. The University of Aberdeen, Illinois Institute of Technology, the University of York and the University of Bristol have Mumbai campuses. Victoria University is in Delhi NCR, the University of Liverpool is in Bengaluru, and the University of Colorado Denver is planning its campus in Hyderabad.
Six of the seven say they already hold approval letters from the UGC and have campuses up and running, with students enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Colorado Denver is the outlier: it recently received a UGC Letter of Intent and is preparing its first cohort. The announcement describes it as the first public American university to offer US degrees on Indian soil.
Why this is happening now
Four of the Mumbai campuses started operations only in September, when Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis called them an important milestone in the state’s plan to become a global destination for higher education. The regulatory route opened up with the National Education Policy 2020 and the UGC’s 2023 regulations, which allow foreign universities to set up campuses in India.
Avnish Singhal, who heads the international branch campus initiative at Emeritus, said families in metros and smaller cities are reconsidering overseas plans as visa uncertainties grow and costs rise abroad, which makes studying at a foreign university inside India more attractive. Ashwin Damera, the CEO and co-founder of Emeritus and Eruditus, called the arrival of the campuses a significant moment for Indian higher education. Emeritus is the universities’ strategic joint venture partner in India, handling the non-academic side of setting up and running the campuses.
It is also the second edition of the series: Singhal said the first open house ran in April, and this one responds to what organisers heard from families then.
What to ask if you go
The open house covers programmes in biomedical sciences, engineering, business, creative industries and technology, with one-on-one discussions on programme selection, eligibility, admissions, scholarships and applications.
First, ask about the degree itself. Which university awards it, and is the curriculum the same as the one taught at the home campus? Second, ask about fees and funding options, since these programmes are priced differently from most Indian private universities. Third, ask what happens if you want to transfer to the home campus abroad midway. Fourth, check placement and internship support in India, because employer recognition of these new campuses is still building.
It also helps to compare them against the rest of your options before committing. Our guide to choosing a university in India walks through how to weigh rankings, costs and outcomes rather than brand names.
Two of the campuses have already been in the news this year. Liverpool’s entry came with its announced Bengaluru campus, and Colorado Denver’s Hyderabad plans moved forward after the UGC’s Letter of Intent.
Registration for the open house is open through the official registration form. Parents, school counsellors and educators are invited too.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the open house?
The International Branch Campus University Fair and Open House runs on Saturday, October 24, from 10 AM to 4 PM IST at Taj Lands’ End in Mumbai. It covers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the 2027-28 intake.
Which universities are attending?
The University of Aberdeen, Illinois Institute of Technology, the University of York, Victoria University, the University of Liverpool, the University of Bristol and the University of Colorado Denver, all with campuses in India.
Are these universities approved to operate in India?
Six of the seven say they hold UGC approval letters and have campuses already running with students enrolled. The University of Colorado Denver has a UGC Letter of Intent for its planned Hyderabad campus and is preparing its first cohort.
How do I register for the open house?
Through the official registration form linked in the event announcement. It is open to students in Grades 11 and 12, current undergraduates, working professionals, parents and school counsellors.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the open house?
The International Branch Campus University Fair and Open House runs on Saturday, October 24, from 10 AM to 4 PM IST at Taj Lands' End in Mumbai. It covers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the 2027-28 intake.
Which universities are attending?
The University of Aberdeen, Illinois Institute of Technology, the University of York, Victoria University, the University of Liverpool, the University of Bristol and the University of Colorado Denver, all with campuses in India.
Are these universities approved to operate in India?
Six of the seven say they hold UGC approval letters and have campuses already running with students enrolled. The University of Colorado Denver has a UGC Letter of Intent for its planned Hyderabad campus and is preparing its first cohort.
How do I register for the open house?
Through the official registration form linked in the event announcement. It is open to students in Grades 11 and 12, current undergraduates, working professionals, parents and school counsellors.
Sources: BusinessFortnight, India Education Diary, Entrepreneur India