Foreign university campuses in India- Cheaper but questions remain

Metro India News | Hyderabad

Foreign universities setting up campuses in India are creating a new option for students seeking an international degree without the high cost of studying overseas. The model, enabled by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, could significantly reduce expenses, but education experts are advising families to assess the risks before committing. Studying abroad can involve substantial tuition fees in addition to accommodation, visas, travel and other living expenses. In comparison, branch campuses in India can offer degrees from foreign universities at a fraction of the cost.

For example, a one-year postgraduate programme at the University of Liverpool’s overseas campus can cost around Rs 60 lakh or more when tuition and living expenses are included. Its India-based programme is estimated at Rs 14–15 lakh, excluding local living costs. Similarly, a four-year undergraduate programme at Illinois Tech’s US campus can approach Rs 2 crore, while its Mumbai campus costs roughly Rs 40–50 lakh, including accommodation. The campuses generally follow curricula aligned with their parent institutions, while students may also receive opportunities for international exchanges and study-abroad semesters.

However, experts caution that affordability does not automatically guarantee strong career outcomes. Many Indian branch campuses are relatively new, leaving limited data on placements, employer recognition and long-term alumni performance. Recruiters are also taking a wait-and-watch approach, as established companies already maintain relationships with established Indian institutions. Some experts expect employer confidence to improve only after these campuses produce several graduating batches.

Parents are therefore being urged to examine more than the foreign university's brand name. They should verify the regulatory framework, degree equivalence, faculty composition, placement record, exchange opportunities and the complete fee structure. Financial advisers also recommend checking whether Indian banks are willing to provide education loans for the programme.

Foreign university campuses may ultimately provide a cost-effective middle ground between Indian and overseas education. For now, however, students and parents are being advised to prioritise proven outcomes over the appeal of a global brand.