Karnataka to offer reservation for local students in foreign universities in state

Karnataka's Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar has announced plans to provide reservations for underprivileged and talented students in foreign universities setting up campuses in the state. The move is aimed at increasing opportunities for local students in internationally recognized institutions.

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Discussions with Lancaster University of the UK

The government has already initiated discussions with Lancaster University of the UK, which is set to establish a campus in Bengaluru by 2026. The university has shown a positive response to the proposal, agreeing to offer reserved seats for Karnataka students. However, Lancaster has requested that these students be provided with scholarships, a condition the state government has accepted.

Lancaster University will initially operate from a temporary campus in Electronics City, occupying a 50,000 sq. ft. area. In the coming years, it plans to move to its permanent site. The university will offer courses in Cyber Security, Business, Finance, and Accounting. This marks Lancaster's entry as the second foreign university in Karnataka, following the University of Liverpool's agreement to open a campus at KWIN city. Additionally, Imperial College London has established a research center at Bengaluru City University.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, addressing an event at Nrupatunga University, emphasized the importance of basic science education for societal progress and called for the elimination of caste-based discrimination to create an equal, secular society.