Birkbeck, University of London has entered India with a major announcement that places affordability and future-ready learning at the centre of its global expansion.
The 200-year-old university will set up its first-ever overseas campus in Bengaluru, with fees nearly 60% lower than its London campus, making it one of the most significant international education moves in recent years.
Speaking about the development, Vineet Joshi, Chairperson, UGC said, “The students will now be able to access world-class international education at significantly lower costs, nearly 60% less compared to studying abroad. This is critical to ensuring equity and expanding opportunities.”
The Bengaluru campus will offer globally recognised University of London degrees while keeping the same academic standards, research-led teaching and industry-integrated curriculum as the UK campus.
The move is aimed at making international education accessible to more Indian students without the high cost of studying abroad.
60% LOWER COST, GLOBAL DEGREE
The biggest highlight of the announcement is affordability. Students in India will be able to access the same degree that is offered in London, but at nearly 60% lower cost.
This positions the campus as a strong alternative for students who want global exposure but cannot move overseas due to financial or visa barriers.
The development aligns with India’s goal of becoming a global education hub under the National Education Policy 2020, which aims to raise the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education to 50% by 2030.
SCHOLARSHIPS TO OPEN MORE DOORS
While responding to India Today’s query, Vice Chancellor of Birkbeck, University of London, Sally Wheeler, confirmed that the university will introduce merit-based scholarships for students who cannot afford the fees.
She said the details are still being worked out, including whether scholarships will cover the full course duration and whether academic performance conditions will apply.
However, she stressed that students learn at different speeds and universities must avoid creating pressure through rigid conditions like scholarships to continue based on marks.
The aim, she indicated, is to ensure that financial constraints do not block access to education.
AI-READY CLASSROOMS FOR THE FUTURE
Birkbeck is also planning to integrate artificial intelligence into both teaching and learning. Wheeler said the university had revised its AI policy six times in a year to keep pace with rapid changes in technology.
She explained that the university follows two AI strategies:
- one focused on building AI into the curriculum to improve student and staff confidence, and
- another focused on making assessments more authentic.
Instead of relying only on traditional unseen exams, students will be encouraged to reflect on how they use AI and ensure their work remains original and meaningful.
She added that students are both excited and anxious about AI, which is why the university is running workshops and building tools that support responsible use.
AI is already being used for essay feedback, and more applications are being explored. “Saying we’re not going to use it, it’s like saying there’s no internet, there’s no calculator, so let’s talk,” she responded.
GLOBAL EDUCATION, DESI ADDRESS
Founded in 1823, Birkbeck is known for flexible, career-focused education. Its entry into India marks its first overseas campus anywhere in the world, highlighting India’s growing importance in global higher education.
Joshi said, “The handing over of the Letter of Intent marks a gateway to global learning for Indian students. It reflects the confidence that leading international institutions have in India’s rapidly evolving higher education ecosystem.”
The Bengaluru campus is expected to strengthen India–UK academic collaboration and support India’s ambition to become a global education destination by 2030.
It will also give students access to international degrees, industry-linked learning and global opportunities, all within India.
