The University of Surrey announced the opening of its International Branch Campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, India, as part of an agreement between it and GUS Global Services, a leading transnational education group. The university announced the project at the QS India Summit 2025 held in Goa, which will offer world-class teaching and research skills in such key areas as business, international finance, computer science, and cyber-security, significantly enhancing India’s tertiary education structure.

Prof. GQ Max Lu, President and Vice Chancellor of University of Surrey has called the campus ‘a shining light of Britain’s education at home in this world’. “Transformative education from Britain – the students never need to go elsewhere”, said Professor Lu. Highlighting the importance of the collaboration, Professor Lu said, “Students can look forward to a world-class education delivered at the heart of a thriving new international finance and technology powerhouse for the region. Together, we’ll be contributing to the skills and growth agendas of both our countries.”

The launch of the campus is in line with India’s strategic vision for education and development as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which focuses on the internationalisation of higher education. Sharad Mehra, CEO of GUS Asia Pacific, emphasized the need for this collaboration in adding global competitiveness to the Indian education system. He said, “This initiative looks for the increase in world-class academic standards and global learning opportunities available in India.”. It exactly aligns with India’s higher education goals as transformative education becomes accessible to Indian students.

This partnership is a great leap for educational development, and it strengthens the bilateral relations between India and the United Kingdom. Aaron Etingen, executive chairman and CEO of GUS, elaborated on the wider implications of the partnership:. This strategic partnership between the University of Surrey and Global University Systems in GIFT City is one of the great milestones for transnational education, as international experience and local wisdom are combined, creating pathways which will empower the students and bring strength to communities,” he added.

The project is supported by the British High Commission and the British Council in India, which highlights the bilateral educational and scientific collaborations between the two nations. Etingen further added that the initiative perfectly aligns with the vision of transforming lives through education while contributing to India’s ambition to become a global knowledge hub.

The University of Surrey’s campus in GIFT City is expected to contribute to the educational and professional landscape of the region by offering specialisation courses in business and technology-driven fields. Since GIFT City is conceptualised as India’s international financial and technology hub, the location was considered fitting for such a venture, bridging the gap between education, research, and collaboration between industry.

This is expected to enhance the educational scene in Gujarat. This will be a chance for Indian students to achieve international academic standards and draw knowledge from international leading educators and researchers. This collaboration will spur innovation, excellence in research, and academic advancement to contribute toward the overall growth of the economy of the region.

The enthusiasm of Professor Lu about the project is echoed by many educationalists, as they are convinced that this cooperation would have a long-term positive influence for both the Indian and British education sectors. It is also due to the joint efforts of the University of Surrey and GUS Global Services in the formation of the campus that will prepare Indian students for succeeding better in a more globalized world.

One great example of a growing importance for transnational education partnerships is with the expansion by the University of Surrey into India, supported by the British High Commission and the British Council. The IBC in GIFT City is something that other institutions around the globe will be seeking to emulate for it will have the potential for transformative education in the country. It will emphasize research excellence that will strengthen India’s educational and professional landscape. This landmark project not only bolsters bilateral educational ties between India and the UK but also positions GIFT City as a pivotal hub for world-class education in South Asia.