University of Bristol opens first international campus in Mumbai

The University of Bristol has officially opened its Mumbai Enterprise Campus at Cignus Powai and welcomed its first batch of students. The campus is the university’s first international campus and marks a major step in its long-term engagement with India’s education, research, innovation and industry sectors.

Located opposite the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, the Mumbai Enterprise Campus will focus on areas including data science and finance. The campus will also benefit from a strategic partnership with IIT Bombay, with collaboration focused on translational research and innovative teaching in line with India’s National Education Policy (NEP).

The campus opening comes as the University of Bristol prepares to mark its 150th anniversary next month. Earlier this week, the university also opened its new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus in central Bristol.

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Bristol Mumbai campus to focus on research, industry

The University of Bristol said the Mumbai campus will create opportunities for students to participate in research collaborations, experiential learning and industry partnerships. Undergraduate students will also have access to global mobility opportunities, allowing selected students to undertake part of their studies at the university’s UK campus.

The Mumbai campus aims to connect academic learning with industry and innovation while providing students with international exposure and opportunities to build professional and cross-cultural networks.

Evelyn Welch, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, said the opening was an important milestone for the university and its relationship with Maharashtra.

Welch 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.”

She added, “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.”

Students to get global mobility opportunities

The university said students at the Mumbai Enterprise Campus will have opportunities to engage with research projects, industry partners and experiential learning programmes.

Selected undergraduate students will be able to spend part of their studies at the University of Bristol’s UK campus through its Global Mobility programme. The initiative is aimed at providing international academic exposure and helping students build cross-cultural and professional networks.

Michelle Jones, Director and Executive Dean of the Mumbai Enterprise Campus, said the university had received a positive response from students and parents during the launch of its first year.

Jones 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.”

She added, “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.”

Further, she said, “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.”

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Bristol Global Futures Lab for first cohort

Academic operations at the Mumbai campus began with a three-week pre-semester programme for the inaugural cohort under the Bristol Global Futures Lab.

The programme included industry-led sessions covering three areas — knowing oneself, understanding individual strengths and building meaningful relationships.

The university said the programme was designed to help students develop skills and connections before beginning their academic journey.

Maharashtra scholarship students join inaugural cohort

The campus opening was also attended by four recipients of the University of Bristol-Government of Maharashtra Scholarship, a scheme launched earlier this year to support students from the state.

Neha Kushe, one of the scholarship recipients, said the scholarship gave her the confidence to pursue a master’s degree in finance and investment after studying physics.

“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,” Kushe said.

She added that studying at the Mumbai Enterprise Campus would allow her to receive a globally recognised education while continuing to live in Mumbai.

University of Bristol confers honorary degree on Shanta Gokhale

During the inaugural ceremony, the University of Bristol conferred an honorary degree on Shanta Gokhale, a Bristol alumna, writer, translator, journalist and theatre critic.

Gokhale graduated from the University of Bristol in 1962 and is known for works including Rita Welinkar and Tya Varshi.

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British Council welcomes Bristol Mumbai campus

Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council, congratulated the University of Bristol on opening its first international campus.

Barrett said, “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.”

She added, “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.”