A trade union has branded Newcastle University’s proposed expansion into India a “risky business venture” and calls for improved higher education funding.
Expansion into India
On 26 August, Newcastle University reasserted its plans to expand into India, 18 months on from the vice chancellor and president Professor Chris Day’s speech to the British Council last year, stating such a move was a case of “when” not “if”.
The move would add another international campus to the university, with institutions already operating in Malaysia and Singapore.
Union concerns
The plans, first reported by the LDRS in January 2025, sparked concern among the University and College Union amid Newcastle University’s (UCU) plan to slash £30mn from its budget and cut jobs, ultimately leading to strike action. In September 2024, Newcastle University was also facing a £35mn black hole due to a decline in international students.
Newcastle University UCU said: “Many of our members were understandably annoyed when the University announced in January 2025 that it was looking to expand in India at the same time as jobs were at risk in Newcastle. As a union, we maintain that the sector needs a sustainable funding model rather than relying on risky business ventures to generate income.
“We hope any plans put forward by management are properly scrutinised by the university’s governance bodies. In the meantime, we would call on VCs everywhere to support UCU’s campaign for a fairer funding settlement for Higher Education.”
University comment
A Newcastle University spokesperson said: “We are in the early stages of exploring new education partnerships in India. We are keeping staff informed of our plans and how they will help to strengthen our future as one of the world’s top universities.”
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