A Queen’s campus in India: Success or Scandal?
By Kerryann White
As of 30th January, Queen’s University announced that they are establishing a new campus, set to open in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in India. The university wishes to welcome a new cohort of students to the campus as early as January 2026, with online applications already available for those who want to study at this institute. Yet, across news platforms this announcement was deemed completely scandalous following the 270 redundancies at its Belfast campus in October, equating to more than 5% of the universities workforce. [1] This measure was implemented in response to the university facing a financial deficit exceeding £11 million for the 2024-25 academic year. This deficiency is directly attributed to the “sharp decline” in international student enrolments, as in previous years QUB has been criticised for using these student’s fees as a means of balancing their budget. [1&2] However, the immediate shock of this news has had the opportunity to settle over the past month, and today we will be rationally analysing the various aspects of this new venture for QUB.
A Look on the Bright Side
To look at this decision on the surface level, having our very own QUB expanding all the way to India is quite exciting. By setting up in GIFT City, the hub of finance and technology, it is a step forward in establishing their global presence and positioning the university itself as a truly international institution. This expansion improves the reputation of QUB but it also extends its ever-growing academic influence beyond the UK, and will now attract a diverse student body. As the cost of studying abroad can prohibit many students from coming to study here, a campus in India opens doors for many of the talented individuals who might otherwise be unable to access the institution thus making greater inclusivity possible in higher education. The university themselves spoke to their excitement, claiming the expansion will “reinforce partnerships and opportunities for innovation with local industry, government and business sectors across India and Northern Ireland”. [1]
Additionally, while universities across the UK face financial challenges, this is a strategic opportunity to ease some of the economic pressures they are facing currently. Establishing the overseas campus generates an alternative source of income and thus reduces their reliance on student fees and government funding to maintain the standards of the university. It will ultimately allow for a larger budget to potentially reinvest into the Belfast campus, focusing on a better work environment for the faculty, perhaps more research programs as well as the overall improvement of student facilities and resources. Moreover, this choice from QUB has the capability to become the best way for building financial resilience against any future uncertainties in the funding for higher education whilst also enhancing the university’s excellence and substantial reputation.
A Reality Check
While this can sound almost foolproof and inspiring on paper, financial prosperity is not a guarantee with this decision. Expanding internationally requires a weighty amount of funding and investment, as Alistair Finlay estimates the new campus will cost between £5m – £7m [1]. This figure is particularly striking given the university’s previous claims that these are finances that did not come sparingly to them. This investment may not be worth it, as failure to attract enough students could lead to financial losses rather than gains, due to the fact that they are not alone in this venture. Coventry University also announced their plans to open a campus in GIFT City [3], thus with universities pursuing similar expansions, QUB may see a loss in applicants as students will have more choice of courses than what they have to offer. With this increase in competition, the risk of stretching finances on an uncertain venture makes room for much criticism of QUB’s rationality.
Another important concern to reflect on is the priorities of the university. Critics are repeatedly raising issues with the university’s focus on expansion and potential financial gain rather than the improvement of their current education system at home. The move coming shortly after significant job cuts has left many of their employees feeling undervalued and completely disposable. It could be worth considering that this move is adding to the increasing commercialisation of education, where financial opportunities takes precedence over the staff and student experience and academic integrity. Staff and students alike have expressed their frustration over this, and the University and College Union’s (UCU) very own Katharine Clarke spoke to this, expressing that Queen’s is “prioritising expansion abroad rather than safeguarding jobs in Belfast.” [1] The backlash against these decisions highlights a growing disconnect between the higher-ups in the university and the staff and students who make it what it is today, and that is a problem that needs addressing before they venture off onto new affairs.
The Final Verdict
All things considered, Queen’s decision to establish the new India campus is a bold step towards achieving a larger global presence and potentially relieving financial concerns. However, it comes at a time when the staff in Belfast are facing cutbacks and job losses, and students are finding it much harder to access the resources they deserve given their financial struggles also. The prioritisation of growth and global branding is a regrettable course of action given the circumstances and it is without a doubt that the staff and students stand together in their disappointment in the university at this time. Do better, QUB!
References
[1] Flanagan, Emma. “‘Scandalous’ Move by University to Open India Campus Amid Job Cuts.” BBC News, 4 Feb. 2025 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c4gwq7e4l5zo
[2] Meredith, Robbie. “Queen’s University to Cut Jobs as It Faces £11m Deficit.” BBC News, 25 Oct. 2024 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cwy54v5lg45o
[3] Nair, Avinash, “After Australia, two UK universities plan international campuses in Gujarat’s GIFT City”. The Hindu Business Line, 26 December 2024. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/education/after-australians-two-uk-universities-plan-international-campuses-in-gujarats-gift-city/article69029369.ece
