Prestigious Italian Institute, Istituto Marangoni, Eyes Campus Expansion in India under New UGC Regulations
Renowned globally as one of the top 100 art and design institutes, Istituto Marangoni, known for shaping talents like Moschino’s Franco Moschino and Woolmark Prize winner Rahul Mishra, is considering establishing a branch campus in India. The move comes as the University Grants Commission (UGC) unveils new regulations, allowing foreign universities within the top 500 globally to set up campuses in India.
Representatives of Istituto Marangoni have reportedly been in talks with the UGC, exploring potential locations for the campus, with Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram among the options being considered. The institute already operates independent branches in Milan, Paris, London, and Shanghai, with a vocational institute in Mumbai offering certificate courses.
The UGC’s recent regulations empower foreign universities to manage admission processes, fee structures, and fund repatriation. The application portal for these initiatives has recently gone live.
Stefania Valenti, Managing Director of Istituto Marangoni, welcomed the UGC regulations, stating, “UGC regulations are a welcome move by the Indian education system to open its doors to international Higher Education institutes of excellence and will help students from India and from the neighbouring countries in the long term.” The institute is expected to formalize its application to the UGC in the coming months.
In a parallel development, Western Sydney University (WSU), globally ranked at 375, expresses interest in establishing an independent campus in Bengaluru by 2025. Six Australian universities, including Flinders University, Griffith University, James Cook University, La Trobe University, University of Canberra, and Western Sydney University, are also planning a joint campus in India, with applications likely to be filed early next year.
Amidst these plans, the University of Queensland (ranked 43 globally) has indicated it is not currently seeking to establish a physical campus in India, having concluded discussions with the UGC about international partnerships.
