Final UGC approval allows Bengaluru campus to open

Birkbeck, University of London has received a Letter of Approval from India’s University Grants Commission, giving formal clearance to establish and operate its Bengaluru campus.

That approval completes the final regulatory step under the UGC’s 2023 rules for Foreign Higher Educational Institutions. Earlier in 2026, Birkbeck received a Letter of Intent.

With that clearance, Birkbeck can begin admissions and start academic operations in Bengaluru. The campus is at Sattva Tech Park.

Students will be able to enrol in undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in business management and business analytics. The University of London will award the degrees, with Birkbeck overseeing academic delivery.

Tuition is estimated to cost up to 60% less than studying in the UK. Birkbeck also plans research-led teaching and an industry-connected curriculum.

UGC approval clears Sattva Tech Park launch

UGC approval confirms the Bengaluru campus meets the academic, regulatory and quality standards required for foreign universities operating in India.

Founded in 1823, Birkbeck is opening its first overseas campus through the Bengaluru project. The move places the London institution in India for the first time after more than two centuries.

Birkbeck established the campus with Education Centre of Australia, or ECA. ECA has more than two decades of transnational education experience and has provided financial backing and operational infrastructure.

Professor Sally Wheeler, vice-chancellor of Birkbeck, said: “Receiving the Letter of Approval from the UGC is a landmark moment for Birkbeck, University of London – Bengaluru and brings us to the threshold of welcoming our first students in India.”

Meanwhile, the university links the campus to India’s National Education Policy 2020, which aims to expand access to higher education. It also describes the approval as part of closer education ties between India and the United Kingdom.

A senior UGC official said the Letter of Approval process is designed to give students confidence that overseas campuses in India meet required standards.

Rupesh Singh, CEO of ECA Group, said the approval lets the partnership move to student delivery in Bengaluru. Birkbeck did not give student numbers for the first intake or a class start date.