News / University of Bristol
Bristol Uni to launch its first international campus
With the opening of the new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus firmly on the horizon, the University of Bristol has been given the green light to launch its first ever international campus.
The announcement comes less than two weeks after the launch of Isambard-AI, the fastest supercomputer in the UK, at Emersons Green – hosted and facilitated by the University of Bristol.
The new international campus will be located in Mumbai and is scheduled to open in summer 2026.
Approval for the campus was formally granted at a special ceremony in Delhi marking the fifth anniversary of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, a framework designed to modernise India’s education system.
Professor Evelyn Welch, vice-chancellor and president at the University of Bristol, was presented with a letter of intent by Vineet Joshi, secretary of higher education and acting chairman of the university grants committee.
The Mumbai Enterprise Campus is expected to offer a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, particularly in areas where the University of Bristol holds global distinction—such as data science, economics, finance and investment, immersive arts, financial technology, AI and management.
The opening of the Mumbai campus will also coincide with the University of Bristol’s 150th anniversary, an occasion Professor Welch welcomed.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted to announce our intention to create a new campus in Mumbai, which marks a pivotal transformation in our 150-year history and a powerful, globally inclusive future we’re proud to build in partnership.
The announcement of University of Bristol’s first ever international campus comes less than two weeks since the launch of Isambrad-AI, hosted and facilitated by the University of Bristol – photo: Milan Perera
“Developing an in-country base has long been part of our international strategy and supports our ambition to be a top 50 global university.
“Less than two weeks ago, we launched the UK’s most powerful supercomputer in Bristol, and next year we will be opening the doors to our new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus. At such an important time for the university, we are pleased to develop partnerships across the globe which will have meaningful impact.”
The University of Bristol comes off a standout year, having been named the ‘AI university of the country’ in 2024. It also climbed three places in the QS World University Rankings 2026, currently sitting at 51st.
With the opening of the £500m Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus scheduled for September 2026, the inaugural international campus is expected to further amplify the university’s global reach and collaborative engagement ambitions.
The University of Bristol has been given the green light to launch its first ever international campus – photo: University of Bristol
Professor Michele Acuto, pro vice-chancellor for global engagement at the University of Bristol, said: “This is far more than a new location; it’s a purposeful extension of our vision to meet our learners and communities where they are, and to do so with respect, integrity, and deep local engagement that sets us apart as a global civic institution.”
With India rapidly becoming a global leader in innovation and technology, Acuto welcomed the opportunities ahead.
“We will do so from day one together with our local partners,” he continued.
“to co-create a campus that stands as a global gateway, connecting with the vibrant energy and innovation of Mumbai—where business, technology and the arts converge. It will reflect and amplify the international vision, interdisciplinary strengths, and outward-facing spirit of our home institution. We look forward to sharing more details on these exciting plans as they develop.”
The £500m Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus is scheduled to open in 2026 alongside Mumbai Enterprise Campus – photo: FCB Studios
Christina Scott, acting British high commissioner to India, said: “I am delighted Bristol University has received their letter of intent to launch a comprehensive branch campus in India, opening new opportunities for students to access high-quality UK education right here in India.
“The prime ministers of the UK and India have committed to nurturing the next generation of global talent through our education and skills partnership, and today’s announcement will further deepen collaboration between our countries.”
Main photo: University of Bristol
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