As one of the world’s top 100 universities, Southampton’s presence in India marks a significant step toward providing students with high-quality education while maintaining strong international connections. In an exclusive interaction with The Free Press Journal, Professor Deborah Gill, Vice-President Education, and Kieron Broadhead, Deputy Vice-President Operations at the University of Southampton, shed light on the institution’s expanding global footprint with its newly launched India campus.
During the conversation, they addressed key aspects such as the benefits of studying at the India campus, global recognition of degrees, exchange opportunities, employability prospects, and the university’s commitment to student safety. They also shared insights into AI integration in education, research opportunities, and the future of UK immigration policies for Indian students.
FPJ: What opportunities does the University of Southampton’s new India campus offer to Indian students?
Deborah Gill: It offers a truly global degree from a top 100 university but in India. For many families, this is the right choice, providing quality education closer to home. Students will receive the same degree and experience as those studying at our campuses in England or Malaysia. This includes employment and employability opportunities, co-curricular activities, and research-centred education at global standards—all within India.
FPJ: Do you prefer Indian students to study at the India campus or the England campus?
Deborah Gill: We want students to study where they will thrive and reach their full potential. Our goal is to provide the best education, whether in India or the UK. We already have over a thousand Indian students in Southampton, and we look forward to welcoming more.
FPJ: How do you address concerns that degrees from international universities’ India campuses may not be viewed equally by global companies compared to those earned on the UK campus?
Deborah Gill: Students will receive a University of Southampton degree—that’s what their transcript will say—and that’s the quality of education they will experience. Our international campus will have global faculty and a diverse student body, ensuring a well-rounded education. Our curricula incorporate global perspectives through case studies, projects, and literature. Placement and work experience opportunities will be extensive, even more so in India, recognising their importance to students and families. We select high-performing, critical thinkers who challenge us, and they will help shape their academic experience.
Kieron Broadhead: From a technical standpoint, our three-year degree is recognised as equivalent under the memorandum of understanding between the Indian and UK governments. It holds the same weight as degrees from India’s premier institutions, ensuring global recognition.
FPJ: What new opportunities are there for Indian students at the UK campus?
Deborah Gill: We have campuses in the UK, Malaysia, and now Delhi, offering full mobility. Students can spend a semester or a year abroad if they choose. Some students from Delhi may continue their studies in Malaysia or the UK, and vice versa. Since it’s the same degree, the ability to move between locations is a great advantage. However, even if students complete all their studies in Delhi, they will still receive a world-class, globally focused education.
FPJ: How many Indian students are currently at the UK campus?
Kieron Broadhead: Around 1,200. Our overall male-to-female ratio is about 50-50, and Indian students are enrolled across various programmes.
FPJ: What courses do Indian students prefer at the University of Southampton (UK)?
Deborah Gill: Indian students enrol in a wide range of subjects, including business management, accounting and finance, engineering, and computer science—areas with clear employability outcomes. Many also study law, economics, and social sciences. A few are even pursuing music.
FPJ: What funding and scholarship opportunities are available for Indian students?
Deborah Gill: At the Delhi campus, about 20% of students will receive scholarships or bursaries, primarily merit-based, though some will be need-based. In the UK campus, every Indian student is eligible for a £2,500 scholarship, regardless of the program. Additional scholarships are available based on the field of study, such as the Deeds Award for business school students and subject-specific awards in other disciplines.
FPJ: How does the university ensure employability for Indian students?
Kieron Broadhead: 95% of our graduates are employed within 15 months. We have a strong reputation for producing top graduate talent, with students entering leading firms or starting their own businesses—42% express interest in entrepreneurship. To support this, we offer internships, placements, and career guidance. Our Successful Futures programme helps students reflect on their skills through real-world experience. In Delhi, we have partnerships with several employers, including Investec, which guarantees employability opportunities for students.
FPJ: What safety measures does the university have for Indian students at the UK and Delhi campuses?
Deborah Gill: The university takes student safety very seriously, implementing both preventive and responsive measures. These range from training and support to practical initiatives like a 24/7 safety bus. If students are studying late in the library, they can use this free service to get home safely. We recognise that students have complex schedules and want to ensure their well-being.
In India, we carefully selected our Delhi campus location with safety in mind, including security measures and the surrounding environment. During a recent walkthrough, we prioritised female safety, considering how comfortable both students and their parents would feel. I am confident the campus provides a secure space where students can focus on their studies and social life with peace of mind.
FPJ: Does the UK campus offer on-campus accommodation, and what is the application process?
Kieron Broadhead: Yes, we have 6,534 rooms across three halls of residence. Additionally, there are large private accommodation providers in Southampton. Many international students prefer living with other international students to build relationships and friendships.
Applications open in March for students holding an offer, with a deadline in May. Students can apply directly to the university or choose private housing options. We guarantee accommodation for all first-year international students who wish to stay in university housing. Southampton has a long history of welcoming international students, so many choose housing based on family connections or established communities in the city.
FPJ: How do Indian students contribute to the University of Southampton community and the UK economy?
Kieron Broadhead: The Delhi campus will play an essential role in shaping our university’s global ecosystem. We expect students in Delhi to contribute to student clubs, societies, and mobility programmes, strengthening connections between our campuses. International students help the economy of the UK by contributing tuition fees, NHS surcharges, and accommodation fees. In addition to economic contribution, they contribute to the cultural diversity of the UK. The Indian diaspora is already prominent in Southampton, and our Indian students become part of this community, with their values and outlooks. Their presence adds to the diversity and cosmopolitan approach of the university as well as the broader society.
FPJ: Will University of Southampton Delhi campus students be offered exchange programmes or study abroad opportunities at the UK campus?
Deborah Gill: Yes. Our Delhi students will get to study at our UK campus, and vice versa. UK students and students from our Malaysia campus will be able to visit Delhi as part of an inter-campus mobility programme. Students can undertake either a semester or a full year abroad, seamlessly transferring their credits, as all campuses follow the same academic regulations and degree structure.
FPJ: How can Indian students at the University of Southampton access research opportunities and leverage them for career advancement?
Deborah Gill: Being a Russell Group university, we are a research-led institution. Research skills are the focus of all our programmes, and independent research projects are encouraged among the students. They will be taught by world-leading researchers and develop research and analytical skills through major projects, coursework, and dissertations. The students can also join research groups and apply for research internships so that they gain valuable experience that opens doors to better career opportunities.
FPJ: In what ways does the University of Southampton implement AI in teaching, learning, and admissions?
Deborah Gill: We understand that students will be stepping into an AI-powered world, and therefore we want to provide them with the competencies necessary to incorporate AI effectively while sustaining a robust human touch. AI is deeply integrated as a tool within our curriculum, and we invite students to utilise generative AI as a part of their learning. AI considerations are built into assessments by faculty members, so students gain the capacity to apply AI critically and ethically. Given our long-standing expertise in AI research—over two decades of leadership in this field—we see AI as an essential employability skill rather than something to be restricted.
FPJ: Will the UK impose visa restrictions or limits on Indian students based on international immigration patterns?
Deborah Gill: Immigration is a debated issue at universities across the globe. We’ve seen recent policy changes in Canada and Australia, as well as discussions in the U.S. regarding restrictive lists. The UK, too, has faced uncertainty in the past, especially regarding the post-study work visa. However, we take pride in this visa and in the high-quality students we attract. At the current juncture, the UK is still an open and secure destination for foreign students. The new government is quite supportive of international education—Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson released a statement within days of her ministerial stint to reassure that this will continue. The government in the UK is aware of the significant contribution international students make, and while they are true students, they are most welcome.
Contrary to some other nations, there are no quotas for international students in the UK. Although the world policy change might affect mobility among students, the most significant factor that prevails is quality. The University of Southampton consistently appears in the world’s top 100, making it one of the top choices irrespective of the changing visa policies in other places.
FPJ: What qualities does the University of Southampton look for in Indian students?
Deborah Gill: We seek the same qualities in Indian students as we do in all our students worldwide—academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, strong ethical values, and a willingness to tackle global challenges. We value students who have an international outlook and an open mind, as we are shaping future global leaders.
FPJ: What advice would you give to Indian students applying to the University of Southampton?
Deborah Gill: I would encourage them to be brave—embrace the idea of being a global citizen, challenge conventional perspectives, and push beyond what they’ve learnt in school. Studying at the University of Southampton can open doors to opportunities they may not have considered before, whether through the people they meet, the subjects they explore, or the experiences they gain.
Kieron Broadhead: I would also advise students to thoroughly research our programmes. Every subject we offer is designed to address real-world challenges, and sometimes, the best fit for a student isn’t the most obvious choice. Exploring the full range of programmes can help them find something that truly aligns with their ambitions. Ultimately, Southampton offers something for everyone, and we encourage students to make the most of their journey.
