For many Indian students, the aspiration to study abroad is synonymous with top-tier education and enhanced career prospects. No wonder, recent figures from the Ministry of External Affairs reveal that over 13.35 lakh students are currently pursuing higher education abroad. Yet, for many students financial constraints and various socio-cultural factors often pose significant obstacles in the way of pursuing their higher studies in top-tier global universities. But what if foreign universities could bring their campuses to India? This seemingly distant dream is now a reality, thanks to the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which allow Foreign Higher Education Institutions (FEIs) to establish campuses in India. Leading the way, the University of Southampton has become the first international university to receive approval from the Indian government to set up a full-fledged India campus in the country in line with the NEP provisions.
The University of Southampton has now opened its registration window for this offshore campus, with applications accepted until November 29, 2024. Interested candidates can apply via the official website at southampton.ac.uk/in. Admission results will be announced by mid-January 2025, with two more rounds planned for August 2025 entry. The application fee of INR 5,000 is waived for the first round, and further information about scholarships and accommodation will be shared shortly.
Applying to the University of Southampton Delhi: Steps and documents
The University of Southampton has partnered with Oxford International Education Group (OIEG) to establish its new campus in India, which will include services for admissions and enrolment. Candidates can visit the official website and locate the application link for admission to the University of Southampton Delhi and read the instructions carefully.
Alternatively, applicants can click on the link provided here to submit applications to the University of Southampton Delhi.
Documents Required to Submit Application
Candidates looking forward to submitting their applications to the University of Southampton Delhi must keep these documents handy before starting to fill in the application.
• Photo-Identity Card (such as Adhaar card/passport)
• Academic Certificates (certificates from previous study)
• Academic Transcripts (transcripts from previous study)
• Proof of English Language proficiency (or alternative)
• Personal Statement (250-500 words)
• Resume (postgraduates only)
What programmes can you apply for at the University of Southampton Delhi?
The courses available at the University of Southampton’s India campus will mirror those offered in the UK, maintaining identical modules, assessments, and academic standards. Students graduating from the India campus will receive the same degree as those completing their studies in the UK. The degree certificate and transcript will be identical, with no indication that the degree was obtained from a specific campus. Here’s the list undergraduate and postgraduate programmes you apply for:
Undergraduate Programmes
- BSc Computer Science
- BSc Economics
- BSc Accounting & Finance
- BSc Business Management
Postgraduate Programmes
- MSc Finance
- MSc International Management
University of Southampton Delhi: Eligibility criteria
It is essential for the candidates to have a comprehensive understanding of the eligibility criteria of courses they are aspiring to take admission in before submitting their applications. Here is a generic outline of the entry requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, for subject-specific eligibility criteria, students are encouraged to check on the official website.
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the undergraduate (bachelor’s) programmes, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- A Higher Secondary Certificate/Standard 12 with a minimum of 75% from CBSE, CISCE, or Metro State Boards (Delhi, Maharashtra, Chennai, Kolkata, and Karnataka).
- Strong performance in UK A Levels.
- A score of 28 to 38 points in the International Baccalaureate (IB).
Master’s Programme Entry Requirements
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or an equivalent professional qualification approved by the institution, with an overall score of at least 60%.
UK First-Class degree equivalent: 55 – 70%, depending on the awarding institution
UK 2:1 degree equivalent: 55 – 65%, depending on the awarding institution
PhD Programmes Entry Requirements
Candidates should have strong academic records in both their bachelor’s and master’s degrees from recognized universities, along with a well-developed research proposal.
English Language Proficiency Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate the necessary level of proficiency in the English language. Indian students who have scored 70% or higher in English in their Class XII exams from CBSE or CISCE may be exempt from additional English language requirements.
Southampton University: Expansion plan for the India campus
Southampton University in the United Kingdom will introduce 30 courses and enroll more than 5000 students in the next eight years at its first offshore campus in India, reports PTI.
PTI has quoted Andrew Atherton, Vice President of International and Engagement saying, “The aim is to grow up to 5,500 students in the first eight to 10 years. So the first year will start small. We will start with six courses, including four undergraduate and two postgraduate programmes. The four UG programmes will be in computing with a focus on AI and data science and also in business with a focus on entrepreneurship. The postgraduate programmes will be in computing as well as technology. And then each year, we will introduce between two and four new programmes so that we will build up to over 30 different programmes, about 20 undergraduate and 12 postgraduate taught programmes.”
According to the PTI report, the fees at the Indian campus will be approximately 60 percent of the tuition fees at the UK campus. However, the admission requirements will remain the same as of the main campus.
