India’s higher education system is expanding its international footprint, with significant developments recently taking place. The University of Southampton has become the first foreign university to establish an offshore campus in India under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While earlier, Australian universities like Deakin University and University of Wollongong set up campuses in GIFT City, Ahmedabad, Southampton’s campus marks a new phase under the University Grants Commission (UGC) norms. This milestone further strengthens NEP 2020’s internationalisation agenda, which aims to position India as a premier “study abroad destination.”
Despite being one of the largest education systems globally with around 40 million students, India currently attracts only 50,000 foreign students, accounting for just 0.1% of its student population. In contrast, countries like China and the US host much larger numbers, with 500,000 and 1 million foreign students, respectively. This points to an untapped opportunity for India to increase its share of international students, especially with the Study in India initiative setting an ambitious target of 500,000 international students by 2047.
Boosting Foreign Student Enrolment
To increase international enrolments, the UGC has introduced policies allowing higher educational institutes (HEIs) to create up to 25% supernumerary seats specifically for foreign students. Coupled with the global recognition of institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), India’s education system holds great potential for attracting students from abroad.
However, significant improvements are still needed in infrastructure, faculty availability, and the integration of digital technology to make Indian institutions more attractive to international students. These gaps are being addressed through various NEP-driven reforms aimed at boosting research, innovation, and internationalisation across campuses.
Improving Global Rankings
In recent years, several Indian universities have seen improvements in global rankings. For example, IIT Bombay climbed 31 spots in the QS World University Rankings 2025, ranking 118th globally, and IIM Ahmedabad and IIM Bangalore have also made strong showings in business and management studies. These advancements underscore the progress of Indian institutions toward becoming world-class centres of learning.
Advantages Over Traditional Study Destinations
India offers several key advantages over traditional study destinations like the US, UK, and Australia. With rising costs in these countries, India’s lower tuition fees, affordable living expenses, and post-study work opportunities provide a strong alternative for international students. Furthermore, the cultural experience and proximity to regions like West Asia, North Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia make India a compelling option for students from these areas.
The acceptance of global assessment criteria, such as GRE scores, across Indian institutions could also facilitate smoother applications from international students, particularly from countries that already value Indian education.
A Strategic Path Forward
For India to achieve its goal of becoming a global education hub, the Study in India initiative must be complemented by policy changes around global assessments, increased public-private partnerships, and strategic promotion in key regions. Streamlined visa processes, targeted outreach efforts, and increased awareness of India’s education offerings will be critical in attracting international students and securing India’s place as a global study destination.
By focusing on these areas, India can unlock its potential to host a larger number of international students and become a central player in the global higher education landscape.
