The University of Liverpool has officially opened its Bengaluru campus, welcoming nearly 300 students for its inaugural academic year. The opening marks the first Russell Group university campus in Karnataka, creating new opportunities for students seeking a UK university education in India.
Located at Alembic City in Whitefield, the campus offers programmes across Computer Science, Game Design, Business Management, Accounting and Finance, and Biomedical Sciences.
The development also strengthens higher education links between India and the UK. Furthermore, it gives students access to international academic expertise, industry engagement and research-led learning without having to leave India.
The campus officially opened on 15 October 2026, with government representatives, university leaders, industry partners and special guests attending the celebrations.
University of Liverpool Bengaluru Welcomes Its First Students
The inaugural cohort includes nearly 300 students beginning their studies at the new campus.
Initially, students can choose from programmes in five subject areas,
- Computer Science
- Game Design
- Business Management
- Accounting and Finance
- Biomedical Sciences
The University has designed its programmes around practical application, critical thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Additionally, students will have opportunities to engage with industry leaders and researchers. This approach aims to connect academic learning with the skills employers seek.
The purpose-built campus features smart classrooms, research and innovation spaces, collaboration hubs and specialised laboratories. Students will also have access to Bloomberg terminals.
These facilities provide a setting for academic study, practical projects and collaborative learning. Moreover, the campus aims to connect students with research and professional opportunities.
First Russell Group University Campus in Karnataka
The Bengaluru campus represents a significant development in the University of Liverpool’s international presence.
It is the first Russell Group university campus in Karnataka. The Russell Group is an association of 24 research-intensive universities in the UK.
For Indian students, the campus offers another opportunity to access a UK university’s academic programmes locally. It also creates opportunities for closer engagement with international researchers and industry partners.
The opening ceremony brought together several prominent guests. These included the Hon’ble Shri M. B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development, Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, and University of Liverpool alumnus and Liverpool Football Club legend Robbie Fowler.
Harshbir Sangha MBE FRSA, British Deputy Commissioner to Karnataka, and Alison Barrett, Director of British Council India, also attended.
Liverpool and Bengaluru Strengthen Education and Industry Links
The opening celebrations also highlighted opportunities for collaboration between the Liverpool City Region and Bengaluru.
Shilpa Nag, Special Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority, and Tim Games, Executive Director for Investment and Delivery of Liverpool City Region, signed a Joint Declaration of Intent.
The agreement signals an intention to strengthen cooperation between the two regions. Meanwhile, an economic panel explored opportunities following the India-UK Free Trade Agreement.
The University also signed new strategic agreements with the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bell Integration and Sai Life Sciences.
These organisations join a wider network of potential collaborators, including Wipro Limited, TiE Bangalore, Axis Bank, the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG), YouWeCan, Dream11 and AstraZeneca.
Together, these partnerships aim to support research, innovation, knowledge exchange and skills development. They also create opportunities for students to connect with organisations across different industries.
Campus Celebrates University’s Historic Links With India
The celebrations also recognised the University’s longstanding academic connections with India.
A lecture theatre at the Bengaluru campus has been named in honour of Professor Har Gobind Khorana, the Indian-born Nobel Laureate. He completed his PhD at the University of Liverpool in 1948.
His original doctoral manuscript was also displayed during the opening event, recognising his contribution to scientific research.
Additionally, Robbie Fowler joined discussions on community impact and social development. He also met representatives from Bengaluru’s Liverpool Supporters Club.
The celebrations concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by music and cultural performances.
University Leaders Highlight Opportunities for Students
Hon’ble Shri D. K. Shivakumar, Chief Minister of Karnataka, said,
“The University of Liverpool Bengaluru campus is a fantastic addition to our thriving knowledge and innovation ecosystem, providing a world-class teaching and learning experience for students.”
He highlighted the campus’s potential to develop graduate-level skills needed in Karnataka. He also noted the University’s wider ambition to contribute economically, socially and culturally through research partnerships and community engagement.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said,
“This is a massive moment for the University of Liverpool and for our relationship with India.”
He emphasised the importance of strengthening links between Liverpool and India through research, innovation, trade and investment. He also highlighted the role of international university partnerships in creating opportunities for future generations and businesses.
Professor Tim Jones, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Liverpool, said,
“We are incredibly proud to have officially opened our first international campus in over 20 years in Bengaluru and to have done so in such distinguished company.”
He highlighted the University’s commitment to working with universities, industry and not-for-profit organisations to create positive outcomes for communities. He also welcomed the inaugural cohort of nearly 300 students, noting that their programmes combine research-connected learning with employer-informed curricula.
What the Bengaluru Campus Means for Students
The opening gives students in India another route into an international university environment. They can pursue programmes across technology, business, finance and biomedical sciences within Bengaluru.
Furthermore, the campus’s industry partnerships and research facilities could provide valuable opportunities to connect academic study with professional experience.
For families considering international higher education options, the development also adds a new choice within India’s growing higher education landscape.
The University of Liverpool Bengaluru aims to build on these foundations through collaboration with local institutions, employers and communities.
