The University of Surrey has unveiled plans to set up an International Branch Campus (IBC) in Gujarat's GIFT City. The move marks a significant step forward in international cooperation in higher education. The partnership was announced by Professor GQ Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, and Dr Sharad Mehra, Regional CEO – Asia and Australia, Global University Systems (GUS) Asia Pacific, at the QS India Summit 2025 in Goa.
The proposed campus is at a pre-delivery stage with Gujarat's International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) under International Branch Campus Regulations. This policy would like to take GIFT City as the international higher education providers' hub in the country. As an appetizer to meet with IFSCA officials, Professor Lu, along with officials from GGS, is scheduled to meet the officials of IFSCA on 31st Jan in GIFT City.
The University of Surrey's India campus will be one offering the world's best education in business, international finance, computer science, cybersecurity, and more, to be able to complement GIFT City's strategic vision. The curriculum and teaching will be led by Surrey academics for ensuring high levels of educational standard. GGS will support the initiative by providing strategic advisory services, student enrollment, campus establishment, and operational management, ensuring smooth execution.
The initiative is being designed in collaboration with the British High Commission and the British Council in India, wherein bilateral collaboration between India and the UK will be enhanced. It therefore aligns with India's interest in becoming a leader in global education and represents a commitment by the UK government toward partnership-building in science, technology, and higher education.
This will provide the opportunity for the University of Surrey to contribute to this emerging education landscape in India while creating new paths for academic excellence and the potential for industry collaboration within one of India's most dynamic financial and technological hubs.
