UK’s First Buckinghamshire Campus Coming to Ravi City

In a landmark step toward revolutionizing Pakistan’s higher education sector, the Ravi Urban Development Authority (RUDA) has partnered with the UK’s Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) and the International Center of Excellence (ICE) to establish an international university campus in Lahore’s Ravi City. The tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed on Thursday April 03, 2025 at RUDA’s headquarters, promises to deliver world-class academic programs, foster global collaboration, and position Pakistan as a regional hub for innovation and skill development.

The signing event brought together key stakeholders, including RUDA CEO Imran Amin, BNU Pro-Vice-Chancellor Sarah Williams, British High Commission representatives Ben Warrington and Ghufran Abbas, Punjab Higher Education Commission (HEC) Director Dr. Mumtaz Ali, ICE officials Usman Akram and Ejaz Ashraf, and education leaders such as Prof. Dr. Gulfam Khan Khalid of Skillsrator.

Imran Amin, CEO of RUDA, highlighted the transformative potential: “This campus will be more than an educational institution—it’s a catalyst for socio-economic progress. By equipping our youth with globally recognized qualifications, we’re investing in a future where Pakistan’s talent drives national and global innovation.”

Ben Warrington, British High Commission Lahore Head, noted diplomatic synergy: “This collaboration strengthens UK-Pakistan ties and reflects our shared commitment to empowering youth through education. It’s a milestone in bilateral cooperation.”

The campus will offer dual-degree programs, faculty exchanges, and industry partnerships, reducing reliance on overseas education. Dr. Mumtaz Ali of Punjab HEC stated, “This addresses brain drain by retaining top-tier talent locally while elevating Pakistan’s academic standards.

RUDA officials also hinted at additional partnerships with European and Asian universities, envisioning Ravi City as a beacon of international education.

As Lahore prepares to host its first UK university campus, the project not only elevates Pakistan’s global standing but also ignites a renewed sense of possibility, where education becomes the cornerstone of national progress.