Lancaster University is one of the UK's leading research universities, ranked QS #141 globally and consistently placed in the top 10-15 of UK national league tables. Founded in 1964 by royal charter, Lancaster received a Gold rating in the inaugural Teaching Excellence Framework (2017) and was named University of the Year by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide in 2018 and International University of the Year in 2020. The university is particularly strong in Management, Physics, Maths, Computer Science and Medicine. Lancaster is also a sector leader in Transnational Education, with a trusted global network of campuses and partnerships spanning Germany, Ghana, China, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Lancaster University announced in October 2025 that India's University Grants Commission has granted permission to progress with proposals for a new branch campus in Bengaluru, in Karnataka State. Following the public announcement of a successful application for a Letter of Intent, made during a special ceremony as part of UK Prime Minister Starmer's trade mission to Mumbai with Indian Prime Minister Modi, the University will seek to create study and research opportunities by supporting local partners and fostering shared innovation. Programmes, fees, intake dates and exact location are still being finalised. Initial programmes are likely to focus on business, management and computing with potential for expansion into broader disciplines.