Queen’s University Belfast has launched its first campus in India at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, becoming the first Russell Group university to do so. The move is aimed at strengthening academic and research partnerships between the UK and India.

Talking to ET Online, Prof. M. Satish Kumar, Dean of the GIFT City campus, said, “Being the first Russell Group university at GIFT City, Queen’s is creating a bridge between India and the world — where excellence meets innovation.” He added that the campus represents a step toward shaping the future of higher education, innovation, and talent mobility in one of India’s most dynamic economic zones.

The campus will focus on areas including Fintech, artificial intelligence, health, sustainability, and smart cities. Prof. Kumar explained, “By bringing to India, the Russell Group’s tradition of world-class research, academic excellence, and industry engagement into India’s leading financial and technology hub, Queen’s creates opportunities for students, researchers, and industry leaders to access global expertise and develop solutions.”

Russell Group Education: Research and Global Recognition

Prof. Kumar highlighted the distinguishing features of a Russell Group education. “In today’s Indian higher education landscape, what sets a Russell Group education apart is its unmatched research strength, global prestige, and influence. At GIFT City, Queen’s University Belfast brings this distinctive value into the heart of India’s most dynamic innovation hub, making us not just another foreign campus, but a university with proven global leadership in research, teaching, and impact.”

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He pointed to the research credentials: “Russell Group universities command nearly three-quarters of all UK research funding and award over half of the UK’s doctorates. Their research excellence is evident in global rankings, with 65% of the UK’s ‘world-leading’ (4*) research coming from Russell Group members.” He added, “Members consistently occupy top positions in global rankings such as QS, THE, and ARWU. In contrast, while other international universities in India have strong reputations, few match the consolidated research capacity and recognition of the Russell Group.”

Prof. Kumar said the teaching approach is also distinctive: “Russell Group institutions offer research-driven teaching, giving students direct access to faculty at the forefront of their fields. Non–Russell Group universities often place greater emphasis on professional, vocational, or regionally tailored approaches.” He further added, “Russell Group education stands apart because it doesn’t just prepare students for jobs, it prepares them to lead, innovate, and shape the future.”

Integration with Belfast and Student Mobility

The GIFT City campus will be closely integrated with Queen’s main campus in Belfast. “Provisions are in place for faculty exchange between the two campuses, allowing students in India to benefit from global expertise and perspectives. Students can participate in a three-week Immersion Programme in Belfast, offered at an additional cost and subject to visa regulations, though not linked to post-study work,” Prof. Kumar said. Undergraduate programmes are expected to include a study abroad option by September 2028, and the curriculum will be fully aligned with Belfast’s standards.

On the possibility of semester or year-long transfers, he said, “At this stage, the option for students at the GIFT City campus to transfer or spend a semester or year at Queen’s main campus in Belfast will be explored once the campus is fully established and operations are settled.”

Employability and Industry Collaboration

To ensure students gain both global exposure and strong employability, Queen’s has launched the Queen’s Graduate Jobs scheme in India. “This collaboration connects students with industry opinion leaders and equips them with the practical skills, insights, and networks required to thrive in a competitive workforce,” Prof. Kumar explained. The university is actively engaging with leading employers within GIFT City to shape programmes and employment pathways.

Fees, Scholarships, and Degree Recognition

Tuition at the GIFT City campus will be significantly lower than at Queen’s Belfast and structured to be competitive with private universities in India. “Indian students at the GIFT City campus can expect scholarships during their first year of study, and a financial aid starting with an initial award of £2,000, with additional awards to be introduced in the future,” Prof. Kumar said.

Degrees awarded from the GIFT City campus will be identical to those issued in Belfast, carrying the same international recognition and prestige. “Queen’s is building bridges with India, uniting education, research, and industry to create a shared future of innovation and opportunity,” Prof. Kumar stated.