Queen’s University Belfast to Establish First UK Russell Group Campus in GIFT City, India

Queen’s University Belfast is set to become the first UK Russell Group institution to open a campus in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), India. The first batch of students is expected to begin their studies in January 2026.

This initiative, spanning an initial five-year period, reinforces Queen’s reputation as a globally engaged university committed to fostering international academic collaborations. The new campus will launch with five postgraduate programs tailored to the Indian economy’s evolving needs, with future plans to expand course offerings and introduce PhD opportunities. The initial Master’s programs will focus on finance, technology, and business analytics, equipping students with in-demand skills through Queen’s industry-aligned curriculum and renowned teaching methodologies.

Leadership & Diplomatic Endorsements

Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University Belfast, emphasized the institution’s commitment to global education, stating:

"Bringing Queen’s world-class education to India is an exciting step. Our GIFT City campus will create opportunities for students while delivering social and economic benefits to the region. This expansion strengthens our partnerships across India and Northern Ireland, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange."

Lindy Cameron, British High Commissioner to India, welcomed the move, highlighting the value Queen’s will bring to Indian students. She added a personal note, sharing her deep ties to the university:

"As a Northern Irishwoman and Queen’s alumna, I can personally attest to the value of a Queen’s education. This collaboration strengthens UK-India academic ties and will contribute to scientific breakthroughs, economic growth, and lasting connections between our nations."

Stephen Hickling, British Deputy High Commissioner to Gujarat and Rajasthan, commended Queen’s on its ambitious expansion, stating:

"Queen’s is the first UK university to open a campus in GIFT City, marking another milestone in UK-India collaboration. We look forward to supporting this exciting initiative."

Dr. Dipesh Shah, Executive Director of IFSC Authority, also welcomed the university, noting that the IFSC’s regulations enable smooth onboarding of top foreign institutions, making Queen’s the first UK university to establish itself in GIFT City.

This strategic expansion aims to create a hub for research, innovation, and high-quality education, bridging expertise between the UK and India for mutual academic and economic growth.