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The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
To win over foreign students, India must fix the post-study employment gap
India's ambitious and well-articulated goal of attracting 500,000 foreign students to its universities is beset by operational and structural inadequacies as well as a dearth of excellent placement chances in the nation's industrial sector. Still, India is undoubtedly of interest to international students. According to research in the American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Development, reasons for choosing to study in India include the chance to learn in an academic setting where English is the primary language, as well as the affordability of tuition and living costs. The promise of cultural immersion and the availability of a variety of academic programmes are also important draws. The 'Study in India' campaign, launched officially in 2018 to establish India as a major international center for higher education, was administered by the Ministry of Education and carried out by EdCIL (India) Limited. It sought to draw foreign students to Indian colleges by providing top-notch instruction at reasonable prices. But after almost five years, it's clear that intent is insufficient on its own. The numbers are self-evident. According to figures from the Ministry of Education, India hosted less than 47,000 international students in 2023. Even if there are some examples of institutional advancement, structural and operational inefficiencies plague the larger ecosystem. For the record, a majority of international students are from nearby countries like Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and the UAE, and others. Rwanda, Nigeria, Sudan, and other eastern African countries make up a respectable portion. Internationally speaking U.S., Canada, and the U.K. together account for almost 40% of the worldwide international student flow. France, Australia, and Germany are the most alluring study abroad locations in comparison to the big three. China today has around 200,000 international students. Also Read: Trump Effect : Opportunities for internationalisation of Indian universities The Study in India programme is an interdepartmental endeavor to establish a clear path for international students to apply to and be admitted into India's most prestigious universities while offering them all the social and cultural assistance they need. Some top-ranked U.S. and Australian Universities are already talking about setting up campuses in India. It remains to be seen if these campuses can attract international students in the way Study in India seeks to grow. However, the aforementioned AGMRD report lists several important obstacles, including excessive bureaucracy, safety worries, language problems, and doubts about academic quality. Students have identified a lack of support services, poor campus facilities, and inconsistent English education as the main barriers to their learning and integration. Ways to attract students Today, not many companies in India offer competitive remuneration that is comparable to what students in the U.S. or Europe would have received. R. Subrahmanyam, a former Secretary in the Indian government, says, 'Why do students travel abroad to further their education? It encompasses more than just an institution's calibre or the degree it offers. Crucially, it is for well-paying jobs that are commensurate with the level of study, time, and money a student spends on their higher education.' According to him, this basically suggests that working in India after completing your studies is not seen as a desirable option. According to student comments, delays and communication gaps persist even after the establishment of a dedicated portal. Furthermore, even though colleges have been invited to take part in the programme, many of them are ill-equipped or unmotivated to offer a globally competitive academic and cultural environment. This stands in stark contrast to successful international education destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and even up-and-coming hubs like Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates. These nations offer international students comprehensive orientation, mentorship, and alumni support services in addition to strong infrastructure and highly regarded universities. Even when it is reasonably priced, India's existing product frequently lacks the ecology needed for long-term reputation-building and retention. Despite the government's best efforts, such as bilateral education agreements and scholarship programmes, these structural weaknesses have not been sufficiently addressed. Better execution is what's needed. Areas that require attention First and foremost, India needs to implement a cohesive, well-thought-out foreign marketing plan that not only advertises its colleges but also presents a hospitable and uniform image throughout the world. In this narrative-building effort, embassies, Indian cultural centers, and alumni living abroad can all be quite important. Starting with a 'Semester in India' is one of the calibrated methods to make studying in India a reality. This calls for an institute-to-institution collaboration in which the curriculum is exchanged and students from both sides have the chance to study in India for a semester, notes Mr. Subrahmanyam. And, indeed, online learning is a fantastic strategy to draw international students to Indian universities, particularly when combined with institutions like IITs and IIMs. An online programme from the top institute with a chance of immersive learning for a week or more, including exposure to Indian culture and society, is a great proposition. This needs structured and scalable protocols. A streamlined and time-bound visa and admissions procedure is crucial, according to those participating in Study in India. For international student admissions, establishing a single-window clearance process might greatly reduce wait times and improve the entire experience. By hiring the top industries that can provide competitive compensation packages for qualified international students, we can create a more reliable work visa system that pays well. Third, support networks and academic quality need to be strengthened. Universities must make investments in language labs, infrastructure, and cultural acculturation initiatives. This is an area where some of the best private universities are performing well. Classroom diversity and academic rigour will be enhanced by providing professors with cross-cultural teaching training and encouraging international cooperation. Lastly, safety must be given top priority as it is an unavoidable component of international movement. Building trust will be greatly aided by gender-sensitive campus programs, grievance redressal procedures, and visible safety measures. Benefits of Indian education A few months ago, writing in a newspaper from Delhi, Sachin Jain, an expert on international student, gave a strategic idea: presentl,y there are currently 400,000 GRE test takers from 190 countries. If we focus on the GRE test takers from West Asia, North Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia—countries that are closer to India and where there is a desire for and appreciation of Indian higher education—we can simply begin pitching Indian institutions and their programmes. Cost and other considerations appear to favor India as we examine its potential to become a global center for education. India addresses many of the worldwide challenges faced by conventional study abroad markets, such as the lack of post-study employment possibilities, the cap on student visas, and the rising cost of living. India has a competitive edge over more conventional travel locations like the U.S., U.K., Australia, or Canada in terms of tuition costs, housing costs, post-study employment prospects, and even cultural experiences. In sum, the Study in India programme has genuine promise. India has the potential to play a significant role in the global education scene because of its extensive English-speaking population, centuries-old academic traditions, and expanding economy. However, by tackling the major systemic problems and placing the needs of the students at the forefront of the reform process, can be a great way forward.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Lucknow Univ receives record 2,379 applications from foreign students
Lucknow: Lucknow University (LU) received a record 2,379 applications from foreign students for admissions to various courses in the 2025-26 academic session. The figure has increased by over three times in the past five years. In previous sessions, the university received 1,769 applications in 2024-25; 1,365 in 2023-24; 814 in 2022-23 and 637 in 2021-22. "We are committed to offering international students a structured and inclusive academic environment. Over the past five years, we have aligned our educational practices with NEP to meet global benchmarks. Our efforts are reflected in the growing interest from students across the world. We have made arrangements for safe and comfortable accommodation in separate international hostels for boys and girls," LU vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai said Of the 2,379 applications received so far, 2,153 came through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), 176 under the Study in India and EDCIL programmes, and 50 via direct admission. The figures may rise further as the application window remains open till June end. Applicants represent about 76 countries, including Poland, France, Spain, Belarus, Russia, Sierra Leone, Angola, Botswana, Thailand, Cambodia, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Kazakhstan, Iraq, Kenya, Laos, Lesotho, Madagascar, Nepal, Nigeria, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Mexico and Ukraine. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch Bitcoin và Ethereum - Không cần ví! IC Markets BẮT ĐẦU NGAY Undo For the first time, applications have been received from students in Poland and Taiwan. Applicants have sought admission to programmes across all faculties, including MBA, engineering, pharmacy and PhD courses. Explaining the reasons behind this surge, LU officials said the university entices international students with a clear, supportive academic setup. "By updating its programmes to match the National Education Policy, the university has raised its global profile and received more applications from abroad. International students enjoy secure, comfortable housing in separate hostels for boys and girls. Beyond academics the university helps newcomers settle in through regular counselling and workshops on language, communication, and cultural adaptation. Every application follows govt rules, ensuring a fair and transparent process," an official said. "Alongside academics, we focus on helping students adjust to a multicultural setting through regular counselling and workshops that address language, communication and social integration. Every application is screened according to govt norms to ensure transparency and compliance," the LU VC said.
