For the first time in its history, the Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit is coming to India. Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) has been chosen to host the 2027 edition of the prestigious summit, with the announcement made on Thursday. The three-day event will run from April 20 to 22, 2027, at the MAHE Bengaluru campus in Govindapura, Yelahanka.
- What is on the agenda
- A landmark moment for Indian higher education
- Why Bengaluru, and why now
- Key facts at a glance
- FAQs
- When and where is the THE Asia Universities Summit 2027 being held?
- What will be the theme of the 2027 summit?
- Will the THE Asia University Rankings 2027 be announced at the summit?
- Why was MAHE chosen as the host?
- Who will attend the summit?
The decision places Bengaluru firmly on the global higher-education map. University leaders, policymakers, researchers and industry representatives from across Asia and beyond are expected to gather for what has become one of the most closely watched events in academic circles. The summit carries extra weight because it will also host the live reveal of the THE Asia University Rankings 2027 and the winners ceremony for the THE Asia Awards 2027.
What is on the agenda
The 2027 summit will run under the theme “Talent, transition and scale: Leading in an era of expansion”. Organisers say the programme will tackle the big questions reshaping universities right now: how to build and retain academic talent, how institutions adapt to rapid technological change, and how to scale quality education in countries with large, young populations.
Discussion tracks will cover talent development, the internationalisation of campuses, research and innovation, demographic change and climate resilience. For Indian institutions, the sessions are an opportunity to showcase how the country’s universities are responding to the National Education Policy and the push towards multidisciplinary learning.
A landmark moment for Indian higher education
Hosting a summit of this scale is a first for India, and the choice of MAHE is no accident. The university was awarded Institution of Eminence status by the Ministry of Education in 2020, and it currently ranks 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025. With over 400 specialisations across health sciences, management, law, humanities and technology, and campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur and Dubai, MAHE is one of the most recognised private universities in the country.
Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE, said hosting the summit highlights India’s growing role in global higher education and puts MAHE at the centre of conversations that could shape the future of universities across Asia.
Dr Sharath K. Rao, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, said the university looks forward to welcoming university leaders, academicians, policymakers and industry representatives to Bengaluru, calling it an important opportunity for knowledge exchange, collaboration and innovation.
Why Bengaluru, and why now
Bengaluru’s selection as the venue underlines the city’s standing as India’s knowledge capital. Home to research institutes, a dense startup ecosystem and a deep bench of technical talent, the city gives international delegates a direct window into how education, industry and innovation interact in India.
The timing also fits a broader trend. Indian universities have been climbing international rankings steadily over the past few years, and Indian students remain among the most sought-after cohorts for universities worldwide. Having the rankings revealed on Indian soil adds a symbolic edge to the 2027 edition.
Key facts at a glance
- Event: THE Asia Universities Summit 2027
- Host: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
- Venue: MAHE Campus, Govindapura, Yelahanka, Bengaluru
- Dates: April 20 to 22, 2027
- Theme: Talent, transition and scale: Leading in an era of expansion
- Highlights: Live reveal of THE Asia University Rankings 2027 and THE Asia Awards 2027
- First: The summit is being held in India for the first time
FAQs
When and where is the THE Asia Universities Summit 2027 being held?
The summit will take place from April 20 to 22, 2027, at the MAHE Bengaluru campus in Yelahanka. It is the first time the event is being hosted in India.
What will be the theme of the 2027 summit?
The theme is “Talent, transition and scale: Leading in an era of expansion”, with discussions on talent development, technological transformation, internationalisation and research.
Will the THE Asia University Rankings 2027 be announced at the summit?
Yes. The summit will feature the live reveal of the THE Asia University Rankings 2027 along with the winners ceremony for the THE Asia Awards 2027.
Why was MAHE chosen as the host?
MAHE is an Institution of Eminence and is ranked 3rd in NIRF 2025. Its Bengaluru campus offers a strong technology and innovation environment that the organisers want to showcase to international delegates.
Who will attend the summit?
University leaders, scholars, policymakers, researchers and industry representatives from across Asia and other regions are expected to attend.
Bengaluru gets to host the world’s university elite in 2027. For Indian higher education, it is a moment that has been a long time coming.
