It's a historic moment for the University, which earlier this week opened the doors to its new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and celebrates its 150th anniversary next month.
Although some 4,500 miles apart, both campuses focus on equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed in fields that are advancing rapidly, such as data science and finance.
Today's opening of the Mumbai Enterprise Campus reflects the University's long-term commitment to India and confidence in the country's talent, innovation ecosystem and growing role in the global knowledge economy.
Approval was officially granted in July 2025 at an event in New Delhi celebrating the fifth anniversary of India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 - a transformative framework aimed at modernising India’s education system.
The campus is located at the Cignus Powai development near Powai Lake - one of Mumbai's leading innovation and technology hubs. Situated across from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, the campus will benefit from a strategic partnership with this world-renowned partner, aligned with the NEP and focusing on translational research and innovative teaching.
Professor Evelyn Welch, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Bristol, said: "Today marks a defining moment in the University of Bristol's 150-year history and an important milestone in our relationship with Maharashtra. We are confident in India's extraordinary talent, ambition and growing role in shaping the future of education, research and innovation.
"Through our Mumbai Enterprise Campus, we aim to create new opportunities for research, innovation and knowledge exchange while providing students with a world-class Bristol education that is focused on the opportunities and challenges of the future."
Joining the celebrations were the four recipients of the University of Bristol-Government of Maharashtra Scholarship - a landmark scheme launched earlier this year to support promising students from the state.
The scholarship programme, jointly established by the University of Bristol and Maharashtra government, is providing a 100% tuition fee waiver to four students for the duration of their studies and internship opportunities at the Chief Minister's Office.
Neha Kushe, a recipient of the University of Bristol–Government of Maharashtra Scholarship, said: "Receiving the Chief Minister's Scholarship is a moment that I am extremely grateful for. For me, it is not just an opportunity, but also it fuels my belief that my aspirations are worth investing in.
"Coming from a background in Physics and choosing to pursue a Master's in Finance and Investment is a completely new direction for me, and this scholarship has given me the confidence to take that step. Being able to study at the University of Bristol's Mumbai Enterprise Campus allows me to gain a globally recognised education while remaining in Mumbai.
"I am grateful to the Government of Maharashtra and the University of Bristol for this opportunity and see it as an investment in young people and what we can contribute in the future."
The degrees being offered in Mumbai are based on those offered in Bristol, but they have been adapted to ensure the graduates are equipped with the skills employers in India are looking for. Education will be supported by opportunities for global engagement, active engagement in research and innovation, internships, and relationships with industry.
Professor Michelle Jones, Director and Executive Dean of the Mumbai Enterprise Campus, said: "We are committed to India and to a more globally connected model of higher education in the country, and have received such a positive response from students and parents as we embark on our first year.
"The activities that marked the opening of the campus, including industry dialogues, leadership conversations and experiential learning opportunities, are an early example of how we intend to connect academic excellence with industry, innovation and society. We look forward to building a vibrant community that strengthens collaboration between India and the UK while preparing students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world."
During the opening event, the University of Bristol also conferred an honorary degree to Bristol alumna Shanta Gokhale, an esteemed writer, translator, journalist and theatre critic who graduated from the university in 1962. She is best known for her works Rita Welinkar and Tya Varshi.
The University of Bristol's Mumbai Enterprise Campus received strong interest from students across India, which reflects growing demand for globally recognised education delivered closer to home.
Students will benefit from opportunities to engage in research collaborations, experiential learning and industry partnerships with organisations such IIT Bombay, reinforcing Bristol's commitment to combining academic excellence with real-world impact and global opportunities.
Alison Barrett MBE, Country Director India, British Council, said: "Congratulations to the University of Bristol on the launch of its Mumbai Enterprise Campus, its first international campus globally.
"This milestone reflects the growing momentum of India–UK education collaboration and the shared ambitions of India's National Education Policy 2020 and India-UK Vision 2035.
"By bringing Bristol's research excellence and strengths across finance, technology, creativity and enterprise closer to students in India, the campus will expand access to globally recognised education, strengthen connections with industry and research, and equip learners with the skills and international perspectives needed for the future."