The University of Manchester has announced plans to establish a major new centre in Bengaluru, India, which will create new opportunities for students to gain industry experience, make professional connections and engage with global employers.

The proposed Centre will bring together students, researchers, businesses and innovators, strengthening the University’s long-standing links with India, one of the world’s fastest-growing education, research and technology sectors.

A key focus will be creating opportunities for students through internships, work placements and industry-led projects. The Centre will build on Manchester’s Partner-Enabled Learning (PEL) approach, which helps students gain practical experience alongside their studies through real-world projects with employers, public organisations and community partners.

The announcement was made during the first Great North Mayoral Mission to India, which brings together universities, businesses and civic leaders from across the North of England to develop new partnerships and collaborations.

Professor Duncan Ivison, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said:”There is an incredible depth to Manchester’s relationship with India across education, business and culture. Our new Centre will be at the heart of deepening those relationships and I’m very excited to see what we can give, and what we can learn over the coming years.

“The proposed Centre forms part of the University’s wider plans to strengthen international partnerships and create new opportunities for students, researchers and external partners around the world.

Manchester already works closely with a number of Indian institutions, including the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, IIT Kharagpur, BITS Pilani and the Manipal Academy of Higher Education. The new Centre will build on these existing relationships and provide a permanent base for future collaboration.