UK's University of Surrey to set up offshore campus in Gujarat's GIFT City

The University of Surrey has announced plans to open a campus in Gujarat's GIFT City in collaboration with GUS Global Services, a well-established transnational education provider. This development makes Surrey the third UK institution to establish an offshore campus at the financial hub, joining Queen's University Belfast and Coventry University, both of which have received approval from the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA).

Two Australian universities, Deakin and Wollongong, already operate campuses in GIFT City, making the region an emerging hub for global education initiatives.

Announcement at QS India Summit

The partnership was officially unveiled during the QS India Summit - 2025 held in Goa. GQ Max Lu, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Surrey, highlighted the significance of this collaboration. "The University of Surrey campus at GIFT City will be a shining example of British education excellence and impact, contributing to transnational education in a more globalised world," Lu said.


He emphasized the synergy between India's strengths in the global financial sector and the University's expertise in business, finance, and computer science.

"This initiative seeks to expand world-class academic standards and global learning experiences available in India. It will offer Indian students the opportunity to access transformative education without leaving the country," Sharad Mehra, regional CEO (Asia and Australia) of GUS Global Services, said.

Strategic Collaboration

The new campus will leverage the University of Surrey's academic strengths in areas such as business, international finance, computer science, and cybersecurity. GUS Global Services will provide ancillary support, including strategic advice on India entry, student enrolment, campus establishment, and operations management.

All academic instruction and quality assurance will be managed by the University of Surrey. Representatives from both the University and GUS Global Services are set to meet with IFSCA officials at GIFT City for further discussions.

Alignment with India's Education Goals

The collaboration aligns with India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes internationalization and improving the global competitiveness of the nation's higher education sector.

"This partnership underscores the importance of bringing world-class education to India, enhancing the educational landscape while contributing to the country's long-term goals," Mehra added.

The new campus is expected to provide Indian students with international-standard education and global exposure, further strengthening GIFT City's position as a hub for education and finance.