University of Surrey unveils plans for International Branch Campus (IBC) in GIFT City, with GUS Global Services as strategic partner
Goa, 28 January 2024: The University of Surrey is set to open a world-class International Branch Campus in GIFT City, Gujarat, India, delivered in collaboration with experienced transnational education group GUS Global Services (GGS). Professor GQ Max Lu, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Surrey, and Dr Sharad Mehra, CEO of Global University Systems (GUS) Asia Pacific, announced the collaborative project on the side lines of the QS India Summit 2025 in Goa today.
Dr Sharad Mehra and Professor Max Lu
The project, which is at an advanced stage of pre-delivery, is contingent on regulatory approval from Gujarat’s International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) under the International Branch Campus Regulations, in place to position GIFT City as an Indian hub for international higher education providers. Professor Lu and representatives from GGS will be meeting with IFSCA in GIFT City on Friday 31 January to progress discussions.
Delivery of the new India campus will be a partnership combining the University of Surrey’s teaching and research excellence in business, international finance, computer science, cyber-security and other areas aligned with the strategic vision of GIFT City with GGS India’s proven capabilities as a strategic partner for higher education providers. All teaching and academic assurance will be delivered and led by University of Surrey staff. Ancillary services, such as strategic advice on India entry, student enrolment, campus establishment and operations management, will be provided by GGS, ensuring a seamless setup and operational excellence.
The University of Surrey and GGS are working closely with officials from the British High Commission and the British Council in India. The project will help cement ties between the two countries and is closely aligned with Government of India priorities to expand education and become a global knowledge superpower. The UK Government has expressed its appetite for collaboration across a range of scientific priorities and opportunities to drive greater growth for both countries.
This initiative seeks to expand world-class academic standards and global learning experiences available in India. It will offer Indian students the opportunity to access transformative education without leaving the country. The collaboration aligns with India's higher education goals, such as improving global competitiveness, offering world-class education locally, and contributing to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020’s emphasis on internationalisation.Dr Sharad Mehra, CEO of Global University Systems (GUS) Asia Pacific
This strategic alliance between the University of Surrey and Global University Systems in GIFT City represents a significant milestone in transnational education. The collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of transforming lives through education while supporting India's ambitions to become a global knowledge hub. By bringing together international expertise and local knowledge, we're creating pathways that will empower students and strengthen communities. It combines Surrey's academic excellence with Global University Systems’ proven expertise in educational services, creating new opportunities for students in India to access world-class British education.Aaron Etingen, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Global University Systems
The University of Surrey and GGS delegations will be travelling together from the announcement at the QS India Summit in Goa to GIFT City on January 31 for high-level meetings to accelerate progress on the project, which is designed to grow a talent pool in GIFT City, ready to thrive in a globally-connected world.
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About GUS Global Services (GGS)
GGS is a pioneer in Indian higher education providing consulting and services to universities and institutions in several areas including academic strategy, product development, growth initiatives, research, enrolments, HR, Legal and technology support.
GUS Global Services (GGS), a subsidiary of Global University Systems (GUS), has strategic partnerships with Pearl Academy, a leading creative education institution, and UPES, a research-focused multidisciplinary university.
Global University Systems (GUS) is an international education group equipping tomorrow's students with the tools for success, transforming careers, lives and society. It is a global network of 30 higher education institutions offering diverse educational opportunities across multiple disciplines. It serves more than 122,000 students worldwide and reaches 20 million unique subscribers through its online courses.
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