USA Ivy-League’s UK Rival Reaches India–5 Things to Know Before Applying | Admissify

Last Updated on November 14, 2024

Big News Alert! The University of Southampton—a prestigious Russell Group powerhouse, has just launched admissions for its first-ever Delhi Campus. Ranked among the Top 100 universities worldwide, Indian students can now have a globally recognized UK degree without ever leaving home. This marks a significant milestone for those seeking a quality UK education without the hefty price tag of living abroad. Imagine getting a top-tier education minus the hefty price tag. Sounds like a dream, right? But wait–before you dive in, there are some essential factors you need to consider. Do not make a move until you read the full scoop from Admissify!

A Global Degree, Closer to Home?

Starting August 2025, the university is bringing its world-class education straight to Gurugram! The brand-new Delhi Campus will offer both undergraduate and post-graduate programs that mirror those at their UK counterpart, ensuring that students receive the same curriculum, assessments, and academic standards. And guess what? The degrees earned will be 100% UK-certified, with no hint of distinction from those conferred in the UK! Talk about getting the best of both worlds! 

Without the experience of studying in Southampton, of course. But that only means a theoretical “leveling of the playing field”–for those who may not have the means to relocate to the UK.  

Nevertheless, that will be a talk later. For now, courses available for the first intake include undergraduate programs in Business Management, Accounting and Finance, Computer Science, and Economics, as well as postgraduate programs such as MSc in International Management and Finance. 

Aligning with India’s National Education Policy

The University of Southampton’s expansion into India is part of a larger trend of international universities setting up campuses in the country, aligned with India’s National Education Policy (NEP). This makes Southampton the first foreign university granted a license by the Indian government to operate a full-scale campus, developed in partnership with the Oxford International Education Group (OIEG). 

The campus promises state-of-the-art facilities, aiming to provide a rich student experience akin to that of its UK counterpart. Professor Andrew Atherton, Vice-President of International and Engagement, expressed enthusiasm over the inaugural application round. “We are excited to see the interest from high-achieving students across India,” Atherton said, hinting at the overwhelming response the university has already received.

Limited Spots, But Even Tighter Deadlines

For those still unaware of the news, the University of Southampton’s official application window is officially open, but with a twist! For you see, it closes on November 29, 2024—or even sooner if spots fill up fast! This is because of the surge of eager students scrambling to grab seats in the first-ever cohort. And here is the kicker: The University is waiving the usual 5000/- application fee for this round. 

But that brings up an important question: Is this just another clever marketing ploy to boost applications, or is it actually a golden opportunity for top-tier talent? 

Unanswered Questions–Scholarships, Accommodation & More

Despite the excitement of a Top 100 ranked University opening up its premises in India, some critical details remain unclear. The University, to this end, has yet to announce the specifics of any potential scholarships, accommodation options, or support services–all of which are vital for students making their decision. As such, most potential applications, although enthusiastic, have been left wondering whether the new campus can deliver on its promises of a world-class education–that too without the full UK experience. 

Student Experiences—A Glimpse of What’s to Come? 

Both current and graduate students from the University of Southampton have shared positive experiences during their time at the institution. Praising the university’s focus on hands-on learning and a supportive campus culture, students, more often than not, have also commended the university’s efforts to foster both academic and personal growth. 

However, these testimonials only serve to raise further questions, about whether the experience at the Delhi Campus will truly match the vibrancy and resources available abroad. Will it be able to replicate the same level of student engagement, international exposure, and academic support? 

Final Thoughts: A Game-Changer or a Gamble?

Given all that said, prospective students should also consider the possible drawbacks. A) Will the employers view degrees from the Delhi Campus with the same regard as their UK counterparts? B) Is the rush to apply worth the potential compromises on the university experience? 

The Jury is still out on that.  

Therefore, before you apply, weigh in all options (not just that the university is based in India), and then commit to this potentially life-changing decision. 

And if you wish to have a more nuanced perspective on the same, you can contact Admissify. Avail our FREE counseling sessions to look into all the possibilities–including the full picture of domestic and international education. Dive into the most extensive range of assured scholarships, with some covering up to 100% of your tuition fees! Plus, get step-by-step guidance tailored for the 2025 intake.