University of York Plans to open Campus in Mumbai; Signs MoU with Maharashtra Govt; To welcome first cohort in 2026
Russell Group University to Offer Degrees in AI, Cybersecurity, Business, Economics & Creative Industries
The University of York which is also a member of the elite Russell Group—has announced plans to open a new campus in Mumbai. University of York Vice-Chancellor, Professor Charlie Jeffery, discussed the initiative with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the ongoing World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in Mumbai.
A formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed with the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, paving the way for the new campus.
The proposed campus, expected to welcome its first cohort in 2026, pending final regulatory approvals from the University Grants Commission (UGC), will offer cutting-edge undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, Business, Economics, and the Creative Industries. Programmes in emerging fields - AI, cybersecurity, creative industries - will be designed with global industry input, boosting job readiness in high-demand sectors and opening career pathways for Indian learners.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis, said: "It is a privilege to welcome the University of York to Mumbai as we expand world-class educational opportunities in India. The opportunity to connect our students with the academic excellence of a Russell Group institution is particularly valuable and will offer significant academic and research benefits to students and scholars alike, while further enriching the educational landscape. Built on a strong foundation of shared innovation and aligned priorities, we remain dedicated to advancing a relationship that reinforces national development objectives and enriches the global exchange of knowledge."
Vice-Chancellor of the University of York, Professor Charlie Jeffery, said: “This is a truly exciting new venture, and we are committed to building and strengthening our connections in India and contributing to the education of its future leaders and entrepreneurs. York's global reputation rests on its outstanding achievements in teaching and research and is one of only four universities in the UK - alongside Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial College London - which is both in the top 10 in the UK for the quality of its research and has a gold ranking for the quality of its teaching. We have research strengths that align with India’s priorities, especially in the areas of digital technologies, creative industries and the real-world applications for AI systems. We look forward to working with our partners in India to welcome students and establish new research opportunities.”
The University of York offers a number of programmes at the undergraduate and undergraduate levels. International students can apply for undergraduate programs at York University through UCAS. However, for postgraduate programmes, the admission deadlines vary from each other. The application deadline to study a postgraduate taught course at York University in 2025/26 is Aug 29, 2025, for international students.
The University of York offers a number of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. For undergraduate programs, the university takes admissions through UCAS. Therefore, all international students are advised to apply through UCAS for undergraduate courses. For postgraduate programs, international students can apply directly through the admission portal of the university. Before applying make sure that you meet the minimum eligibility for your course.
The initiative also deepens research collaboration between India and the UK. Research and teaching in the creative industries is a key part of the plans for the University of York, Mumbai, and follows the launch of the University’s Co-Star Live Lab, a research and development facility based in Yorkshire which offers technological solutions to enhancing live performance experiences. CoStar Live Lab will present new opportunities for researchers in the UK and India to collaborate on new technologies that will enhance the gaming, TV, film, performance and entertainment sectors. The high-tech facilities will create immersive, multisensory and interactive technologies, incubate startups, train future leaders in the industry while empowering diverse voices and new talent across the sector.
Initially housed in a prominent business district in Mumbai, the University of York plans to develop a state-of-the-art campus over the coming years. All programmes will be delivered in line with York’s academic standards, with students graduating with a University of York degree, enabling York to bring its world-class academic model directly to one of the fastest-growing education markets in the world.
Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director British Council India, added: “It is exciting to hear that the University of York is planning to open an international campus in Mumbai, India. The strong emphasis on research and innovation alongside high-quality teaching and learning will catalyse research partnerships between innovators from India and the UK. It is especially good to see the focus on the creative industries as well as courses in computer science, AI, cyber security, business and economics, all high potential sectors which will support India and UK growth. This new venture will be testament to the shared commitment between India and UK towards the internationalisation of education.”
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The University of York does not officially publish the acceptance rate. However, as per EduRank, the University of York acceptance rate is 20%. With an acceptance rate of 20%, it is very selective for admissions. It is very hard to get into the University of York because of the very selective admission process and high demand for its courses.