UP Govt Approves 3 Private Universities, UK Scholarship for Atal scholarship Scheme
LUCKNOW :In a landmark move for higher education, the Uttar Pradesh government has approved the establishment of three new private universities and launched an international scholarship scheme called Atal Scholarship Scheme for postgraduate study in the United Kingdom.
The decisions were taken during a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday. Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said these measures aim to expand global opportunities for students and boost private sector participation in education.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee Scholarship for UK Studies
The Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee–Uttar Pradesh State Government Scholarship Scheme will support five meritorious students each year for one-year master’s degrees in any recognised UK university.
This initiative, launched in collaboration with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom, will start from the 2025–26 academic year and run for three years initially.
The scholarship covers tuition, examination and research fees, a monthly allowance for living expenses, and a one-time economy-class return airfare. The estimated cost per student ranges from £38,048 to £42,076. The Uttar Pradesh government will contribute £19,800 (about ₹23 lakh) per student, while the remainder will be funded by the FCDO.
Minister Upadhyay said the scheme honours the legacy of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, promoting excellence and enabling Uttar Pradesh’s youth to compete on a global stage.
Three New Private Universities Approved
Alongside the scholarship launch, the cabinet approved in-principle proposals for three new private universities across the state.
- Vedanta University, Muzaffarnagar – To be established by Fateh Chand Charitable Trust on 23.33 acres in Hussainpur Bopada, Tehsil Khatauli, District Muzaffarnagar.
- Bodhisattva University, Barabanki – Proposed by Bodhisattva Charitable Trust, Lucknow, on 25.31 acres in Gadiya village, Pargana Deva, Tehsil Nawabganj, District Barabanki. This will be formalised under the “Uttar Pradesh Private University (Third Amendment) Ordinance, 2025” before receiving its operational authority letter.
- K.D. University, Mathura – Planned by Rajiv Memorial Academic Welfare Society on 50.54 acres in Akbarpur village, Tehsil Chhata, District Mathura.
According to Minister Upadhyay, these universities will address the growing demand for quality higher education and create specialised academic hubs in different regions.
Boosting Education Quality and Global Exposure
The minister emphasised that the state government is committed to enhancing educational infrastructure and creating pathways for global exposure. The scholarship programme is designed to attract top talent, while the new universities will promote innovation and skill development.
“This is a decisive step toward qualitative improvement in higher education,” Upadhyay said. “Our vision is to prepare youth for the challenges of a competitive global environment.”
The move is expected to create more seats for professional and research-oriented courses, while also attracting investment in academic facilities.
Strategic Vision for Uttar Pradesh’s Education Sector
The government’s decisions align with its broader goal of making Uttar Pradesh an education hub in North India. By combining international scholarships with private sector expansion, the state aims to strengthen both academic diversity and research capabilities.
Experts say the integration of private universities into the state’s higher education ecosystem will bring in modern teaching methodologies, industry linkages, and global collaborations.
The first batch of scholarship recipients will likely begin their studies in the UK by late 2025.