A new five-year higher education scheme titled CM-SRISTHI (Scheme for Research, Innovations and Technological Hubs in Higher Education Institutions) may see public universities in Maharashtra play host to branch campuses of top foreign universities. The scheme, which will be implemented for five years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, covers state public universities, the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, COEP Technological University, Pune, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, and government higher and technical education institutions and polytechnics.

The government is keen on attracting universities which hold top spots in the QS World University Rankings and international research organisations working in state-of-the-art domains. The proposed collaborations could offer dual and joint degrees, joint research, faculty and student exchanges, shared research facilities and international academic programmes. The government will provide financial assistance for infrastructure and research facilities while projects will be implemented on a viability-gap funding model, with substantial contributions expected from foreign universities or through public-private partnerships.