Politics Home Article | UEL Launches South Asia Careers Hub in Chennai

The University of East London (UEL) has announced plans to open its first South Asia Careers Hub in Chennai, strengthening its long-term strategic commitment to India and the wider South Asia region.

Planned to open in Autumn 2026, the Hub will serve students, alumni, employers, researchers and entrepreneurs across South Asia. It will bring together international academic practice with regional industry and community expertise to create practical, career-focused learning opportunities.

The Hub will support:

• internships and live industry projects
• executive education and workforce development
• applied research partnerships
• support for start-ups and entrepreneurship

Focus areas aligned with regional priorities:

The Hub’s initial academic focus will include:

• Health and Behavioural Sciences
• Engineering
• Business Management
• Psychology

These areas closely align with Tamil Nadu’s priorities in healthcare, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and inclusive development.

Developed in partnership with the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO) and the Government of Tamil Nadu, the Hub will work directly with industry to provide hands-on experience while supporting fast-growing sectors such as advanced manufacturing, health technologies, digital innovation and the creative economy.

Announcement made at India International Higher Education Summit

The announcement was made at the India International Higher Education Summit (IGES), where Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor and President of UEL, is leading the University’s delegation.

Professor Amanda Broderick, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of East London, said, “India is one of the most dynamic education and innovation markets in the world, and Chennai is at the heart of that momentum. The launch of our first South Asia Careers Hub represents a major step in UEL’s long-term commitment to India, bringing our careers-first, enterprise-led education model directly into partnership with government, industry and academia.”

“This collaboration with the Government of Tamil Nadu and TIDCO allows us to co-create globally relevant, industry-embedded education, applied research and workforce development that delivers real impact – for students, employers and society. Together, we are building new pathways for talent, innovation and inclusive growth that will shape the future workforce across India and South Asia.”

The Hub will also support alumni engagement across India and South Asia, strengthening links between education, employers and lifelong learning, while creating new opportunities for academic and research collaboration in the years ahead.

Government of Tamil Nadu statement

The Government of Tamil Nadu welcomed UEL’s decision to establish its first South Asia Careers Hub in Chennai, reinforcing the state’s position as India’s leading destination for global education, advanced skills and innovation-led growth.

Formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding with TIDCO, the initiative reflects international confidence in Tamil Nadu’s governance, talent ecosystem and policy stability, strengthening its reputation as the preferred destination for high-quality global universities.

Planned to open in 2026, the Hub will support high-value job creation, skills development and inclusive economic growth, aligned with the India–UK Vision 2035 and Tamil Nadu’s ambition to act as a global gateway for education, innovation and talent mobility.

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