Is the world coming to study in India? Signs say yes
In an era where global education dynamics are rapidly evolving, India is emerging as a compelling destination for both domestic and international students. While traditional hotspots like the US, UK, Canada, and Australia are witnessing a dip in desirability due to tightening visa norms, rising living costs, and policy unpredictability, India is quietly but confidently stepping into the spotlight. A unique confluence of pull and push factors is fueling this shift: India's expanding soft power, robust policy reforms like the National Education Policy 2020, and the growing presence of international universities on Indian soil are drawing students inward. Simultaneously, the high cost and increasing uncertainties of overseas education are pushing students to look for quality, affordable alternatives closer to home.advertisementAt the heart of this transformation lies a new narrative-one that sees India not just as a provider of degrees, but as a hub of global collaboration, cultural exchange, and intellectual growth. India today spoke to Dr. Jaskiran Arora, Dean, Education Quality, BML Munjal University to explore the nuances of this shift with a focus on current enrollment trends, India's positioning in the global education map, and how policy, culture, and technology are converging to redefine the student experience.What recent trends do you observe in the enrollment of foreign and Indian students in Indian universities vis-a-vie foreign universities?While on one hand India is strengthening its position as an attractive destination for education, the international trends are dissuading Indian students to seek opportunities abroad for higher education. Canada has tightened post-study job requirements and visa processes, causing anxiety among students who once considered Canada as their go-to option. Australia, despite hosting so many Indian students, has increasingly been witnessing visa rejections and rising living costs. With stricter visa regulations, particularly for the dependents, and for switching to work visas after completion of the study visa, even United Kingdom is diminishing its attractiveness. The United States, long seen as gold standard for education, now seems to be losing its sheen, because of unclear policy direction and uncertain geopolitical situations. The many parents and students, especially those planning long-term academic and career options, this unpredictability raises anxiety - not just about affordability, but also about long-term stability. advertisement
India is witnessing a tectonic shift in its education sector which is driven by both - pull and push factors. Pull factors within India - increasing soft power of our country, focus on internationally aligned outlook, development of conducive technological infrastructure, and affordability because of increasing presence of global universities in India; Push factors from outside with stricter visa norms, higher costs and political uncertainty. This dual dynamic is ushering the shift towards India becoming a magnet for inbound students. The future of higher education lies in embracing this dual narrative. While on one hand, we much continue to reform internally with greater focus on research budgets, institutional autonomy and academia -industry interface, on the other hand we must continue to enhance Indian soft power. Education, after all, is not just about degrees. Its about building bridges - between economies, cultures and generations.What are the key factors that make India an appealing destination for higher education?India's Leadership Factor and Soft Power: It is not possible to fully appreciate India's increasing attraction as a location for education without taking into account its developing soft power. Under the current leadership, India has asserted its presence on the international map. From the G20 summit to bilateral meetings with countries in the Global South and North, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's international outreach has repositioned India as a stable, welcoming, and opportunity-rich country. The idea that education is the new frontier for this soft power is becoming more and more popular and acceptable. advertisementPremier institutions like IITs and IIMs have long had a brand recall, but what's changing lately is government's strategic alignment of education with foreign policy, inviting global students to immerse in India's economic, cultural and intellectual ecosystem. This is further amplifying the global perception of India as a dynamic and promising destination for education.NEP 2020 and focus on Internationalization: The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 marks a significant shift in India's vision for higher education, placing a strong emphasis on internationalization. It encourages deeper global collaboration through flexible learning models, and promotes academic exchange by enabling twinning programs, joint degrees, and dual degree arrangements. Indian higher education institutions are now being actively encouraged to design programs that attract both inbound and outbound students, offering them an authentic experience of Indian education while aligning with global academic standards.As a result, not only are Indian universities revamping their curricula to appeal to a global audience, but they are also embedding international immersion opportunities for Indian students-making cross-border exposure an integral part of the learning journey.advertisementIn what ways do you think the cultural richness of India contributes to its growing popularity among foreign students?India's cultural richness plays a substantial role in attracting foreign students to an immersive and living classroom experience. India provides a rare combination of historical wisdom and contemporary relevance, which attracts many overseas students, particularly from developing countries. Whether it's through yoga, Ayurveda, spiritual philosophy, classical music, or even the variety of festivals and languages, students frequently discover that their cultural learning goes well beyond what they acquire in the classroom.How are India collaborating with foreign institutions to enhance educational experiences and opportunities for students?With the rise of prominent international universities in India, higher education in India is becoming even more globalised. Australian universities, including Deakin University and the University of Wollongong, have announced plans to open campuses in India, providing foreign degrees at a far lower cost. The University of Southampton has already set up their India location.This reverse flow, which allows students to obtain a foreign degree from within India, rather than travelling overseas, solves a significant issue: cost and safety. India today provides students across Asia, Africa, and even Europe with the international recognition and credentials they need, without the exorbitant cost of living or the hassles of obtaining a visa. This model also provides a reassuring middle path to the Indian parents, who are reluctant to send their kids to travel abroad for undergraduate degrees - an international experience, a closer-to-home option.India's developing infrastructure in places like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, where international campuses are being planned or piloted, is contributing to this trend.advertisementHow has technology impacted the Indian education system, and what role does it play in attracting students?Technological developments in the Indian Education system, are reshaping not only how knowledge is being delivered, but also how it is accessed, assessed, and applied, and thereby making it accessible, scalable and personalized. The enhancement of digital public infrastructure and the introduction of the Academic Bank of Credits has made Indian higher education more fungible than ever before. By allowing students to accumulate, store and transfer academic credits across institutions and over time, education options are becoming more modular and learner centric. The portability of credits aligns India's academic structure more closely with global standards, adding to the appeal for both inbound and outbound students. advertisementHow do you envision India's role in the global education landscape over the next ten years?As a growing economic power, a centre of study and innovation, and a place with cultural influence, India is at the brink of significant transition. As a result of both internal factors and shifting global currents, the "Study in India" program is transitioning from a diplomatic effort to a viable choice for students in India and around the world.
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