Mumbai: The city of Mumbai has emerged as a global higher education hub with four international universities beginning operations in the city, bringing globally recognised academic programmes and new opportunities for students, research and industry collaboration in Maharashtra.

The University of Bristol, University of York, Illinois Institute of Technology and University of Aberdeen have established their presence in Mumbai and welcomed their first cohorts of students as part of the State’s efforts to expand global access to higher education.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening Mumbai’s position as a destination for education, innovation and research by connecting Indian students with international curricula and academic ecosystems.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “The campuses marked an important milestone in the State’s vision of becoming a global higher education destination. He said the institutions would provide students access to globally benchmarked education while enhancing Mumbai’s research and innovation landscape.”

Ashwin Damera, CEO and Co-founder of Emeritus and Eruditus, said, “The arrival of the universities would bring global education closer to Indian learners and create opportunities for stronger academic, research and industry engagement.”

Emeritus, the universities’ strategic joint venture partner in India, will support their establishment and growth through expertise in non-academic functions.

The campuses are expected to strengthen knowledge exchange, research partnerships and industry links while offering academic strengths in technology, computer science, business and creative disciplines.