The University of Bristol has officially opened its Mumbai Enterprise Campus and welcomed its inaugural cohort of students. It’s the University’s first international campus and reflects the University’s long-term commitment to India and its growing engagement with the country’s education, research, innovation and industry ecosystem.

It’s a historic moment for the University, which earlier this week opened the doors to its new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus in the centre of Bristol and celebrates its 150th anniversary next month. Although some 4,500 miles apart, both campuses focus on equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed in fields that are advancing rapidly, such as data science and finance.

The official opening of the Mumbai Enterprise Campus at Cignus Powai reflects the University’s confidence in India’s talent, innovation ecosystem and growing role in the global knowledge economy. Situated across from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, the campus will benefit from a strategic partnership with this world-renowned partner, aligned with the NEP and focusing on translational research and innovative teaching.

In attendance at the opening event was Professor Evelyn Welch, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol; Professor Michelle Jones, Director and Executive Dean of the Mumbai Enterprise Campus; Alison Barrett, Country Director India at the British Council India; members of the University leadership team, faculty, industry partners, alumni and scholarship students.

Professor Evelyn Welch, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, said: “Today marks a defining moment in the University of Bristol’s 150-year history and an important milestone in our relationship with Maharashtra. We are confident in India’s extraordinary talent, ambition and growing role in shaping the future of education, research and innovation. 

“Through our Mumbai Enterprise Campus, we aim to create new opportunities for research, innovation and knowledge exchange while providing students with a world-class Bristol education that is focused on the opportunities and challenges of the future.”

Joining the celebrations were the four recipients of the University of Bristol-Government of Maharashtra Scholarship – a landmark scheme launched earlier this year to support promising students from the state.

Neha Kushe, recipient of the University of Bristol–Government of Maharashtra Scholarship, said: “Receiving the Chief Minister’s Scholarship is a moment that I am extremely grateful for. For me, it is not just an opportunity, but also it fuels my belief that my aspirations are worth investing in. Coming from a background in Physics and choosing to pursue a Master’s in Finance and Investment is a completely new direction for me, and this scholarship has given me the confidence to take that step.

“Being able to study at the University of Bristol’s Mumbai Enterprise Campus allows me to gain a globally recognised education while remaining in Mumbai. I am grateful to the Government of Maharashtra and the University of Bristol for this opportunity and see it as an investment in young people and what we can contribute in the future.”

The commencement of academic operations was accompanied by a three-week pre-semester journey with the inaugural cohort as part of the Bristol Global Futures Lab. The programme featured a series of industry-led sessions focused on three essential foundations: knowing yourself, understanding your strengths and building meaningful relationships.

Professor Michelle Jones, Director and Executive Dean of the Mumbai Enterprise Campus, said: “We are committed to India and to a more globally connected model of higher education in the country, and have received such a positive response from students and parents as we embark on our first year.  

“The activities that marked the opening of the campus, including industry dialogues, leadership conversations and experiential learning opportunities, are an early example of how we intend to connect academic excellence with industry, innovation and society. We look forward to building a vibrant community that strengthens collaboration between India and the UK while preparing students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world.”

During the inaugural ceremony, the University of Bristol conferred an honorary degree on Bristol alumna Ms Shanta Gokhale, an esteemed writer, translator, journalist and theatre critic and a University of Bristol alumna who graduated in 1962. She is best known for her works Rita Welinkar and Tya Varshi.

The Mumbai Enterprise Campus received strong interest from students across India, reflecting growing demand for globally recognised education delivered closer to home. Students will benefit from opportunities to engage in research collaborations, experiential learning and industry partnerships with organisations such as IIT Bombay. These collaborations reinforce the University’s commitment to combining academic excellence with real-world impact and global opportunities.

Undergraduate students will also have access to the University’s Global Mobility opportunities, enabling selected students to undertake part of their studies at the University’s UK campus. The programme will provide international academic exposure and opportunities to build cross-cultural and professional networks, further connecting the Mumbai campus with Bristol’s global community.

The Mumbai Enterprise Campus will build on the University of Bristol’s academic strengths while creating new opportunities for collaboration across India and the UK. Through research, industry engagement and experiential learning, the campus aims to prepare students to contribute to an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council, said: “Congratulations to the University of Bristol on the launch of its Mumbai Enterprise Campus, its first international campus globally.  

“This milestone reflects the growing momentum of India–UK education collaboration and the shared ambitions of India’s National Education Policy 2020 and India-UK Vision 2035.  

“By bringing Bristol’s research excellence and strengths across finance, technology, creativity and enterprise closer to students in India, the campus will expand access to globally recognised education, strengthen connections with industry and research, and equip learners with the skills and international perspectives needed for the future.”