The limits of international branch campuses

The Hindu Editorial

The editorial examines the recent push by several British universities to set up branch campuses in India.

It analyses the motivations behind this move, questions about quality and investment, and the risks for Indian students.

It also evaluates whether these campuses will truly add value to India’s higher education system.

a. More Opportunities for Students

Provides access to foreign-branded education without the cost of travelling abroad.

Supports India’s need for expanded higher education capacity.

b. Possible Improvement in Standards

May introduce better governance, teaching practices, and international exposure.

Could help modernise India’s often slow and bureaucratic university system.

c. Stronger India–U.K. Relations

Fits within the India-U.K. Vision 2035 and the Comprehensive Economic Partnership.

Symbolises deeper strategic and educational cooperation.

a. Financial Motive of U.K. Universities

British universities are facing a severe financial crisis.

Falling international student numbers have pushed them to look for income abroad.

Raises doubts about whether quality or profits are the main aim.

b. Quality and Faculty Issues

Global experience shows branch campuses rarely bring full-time home-campus faculty.

Heavy reliance on local teachers may dilute the “foreign” academic experience.

Risk of offering only a few popular programmes rather than full-fledged universities.

c. Risk of Campus Shutdowns

Several international branch campuses have closed in recent years.

India lacks strong contingency plans or safety nets for affected students

d. Weak Investment Commitments

Building real campuses is expensive; most foreign universities prefer renting spaces or partnering with local institutions.

Unclear whether British universities will invest meaningfully in infrastructure.

e. Limited Research Contribution

Most branch campuses globally act purely as teaching centres.

Unclear whether they will participate in India’s research ecosystem or remain isolated.

f. Regulatory and Accreditation Gaps

India lacks clear rules on quality assurance, accreditation, fee regulation, and student protection.

Without strong oversight, students may pay high fees for lower-than-expected standards.