Foreign Student Enrolment in India: International Student Numbers Rise 47% in a Decade

India is gradually becoming more globalized in its higher education sector, as seen in the latest All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) report. The study revealed that the international student enrollment has grown by a substantial 47 percent over the last decade. The results indicate that India is improving its reputation as a country known for providing quality education, reasonable tuition fees and welcoming cultural environment. 

Among all countries, the most number of students who come to India come from Nepal, which proves that the two neighboring countries maintain strong educational partnerships with each other. At the same time, students who come from UAE, Bangladesh, the USA, Nigeria and Zimbabwe account for a significant number of enrolled international students in Indian higher education institutions. 

However, the increase is not only related to numbers, it reflects a change of opinion on higher education in India. International students are becoming more open to studying in less conventional destinations, such as India, instead of the US, UK, Australia and Canada. The rise of tuition fees, stricter immigration policies in some countries, as well as increasing faith in Indian educational institutions make many foreign students think about the possibility of coming to India to study.

International Student Enrolment in India: AISHE Highlights

The new report from AISHE indicates a consistent growth of the international student base in India for the last decade.

Key Findings

While local students still represent the bulk of the learners acquiring higher education, the increasing figures of foreign students are demonstrating India's growing international role in the education segment. 

Furthermore, it can be noted according to the AISHE report that educational establishments in India are drawing students from more international places than ever before. While students from neighbouring countries keep forming the majority of the international student base, more and more learners are coming from Africa, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, as well as from other developed countries.

Top Countries Sending Students to India

The education linkages that exist between India and its bordering nations are particularly strong. The leadership continues to be taken by Nepal while nations from Asia as well as Africa show a keen interest in taking up higher studies in India.

In these countries, one can spot different preferences of education, but they seem to have a common preference regarding the affordability and availability of education.

Why Does Nepal Send the Highest Number of Students to India?

Nepal has consistently remained India's largest source of international students, and the reasons go far beyond geography.

1. Traditional and Cultural Connections

As far as India and Nepal are concerned, these countries have a history of deep-rooted ties, cultivating mutual interests in religion, language and culture. Many students from Nepal have friends or relatives already studying or working in various institutions in India, thus making it easier for them to settle here.

2. Easy Accessibility

India has also emerged as one of the most accessible countries from Nepal, thanks to the availability of both roadways and airways. The open border between the two nations facilitates easy travel and communication between the nations ensuring connected families and lesser expense.

3. Affordable Higher Education

Students from Nepal choose to study in India primarily because of the affordability factor. When compared with the high costs involved in studying at universities/colleges in North America, Europe and Australia, Indian universities are known to offer:

• Relatively lower tuition
• Affordable accommodation 
• Lower daily cost of living 
• Acceptable healthcare costs

This means that students are able to enjoy an internationally recognized degree without incurring huge educational debts.

4. Wide Range of Course Options

Indian universities provide students with a variety of courses in a wide range of fields.

Some of the popular courses chosen by students from Nepal comprise the following:

• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Nursing
• Pharmacy
• Business Studies
• Computing
• Hospitality
• Agriculture
• Allied Health
• Law
• Humanities

With the availability of professional and academic courses, students have been given more choices for deciding on careers more in line with modern-day industries.

5. English-Medium Education

Most of the universities in India deliver education in English.

This results in two main advantages for international students:

• Effective communication in class
• Globally accepted degree

Education in English increases employability chances in multinational companies and international organisations.

International Student Numbers Have Increased by 47% in a Decade

The 47% increase in international students has been one of the best indicators that higher education in India is becoming popular throughout the world.

The increase in international students in recent years has been possible due to many reasons.

Improved Academic Infrastructure

Indian universities have spent a lot of money in order to build:

• Modern labs
• Digital classrooms
• Research centers
• Innovation centers
• Smart campuses

Now, many universities collaborate with international educational institutions and carry out research. Thus, the universities attract more and more foreign students.

Government Initiatives

The Indian government is putting a lot of effort in promoting higher education through initiatives like the Study in India programme.

This initiative is directed towards:

• Increasing the worldwide reputation of Indian universities.
• Facilitating simpler admission processes.
• Making international study affordable through scholarships.
• Increasing the number of international partnerships.
• Taking India ahead of many countries in the competition for student choices.

Thanks to these activities, it has become much easier for foreign students to find Indian universities.

Growing Global Recognition

Several Indian universities are improving their rankings worldwide while increasing the number of partner institutions from Europe, North America, Asia and Africa.

Indian graduates continue to receive global attention as they get hired by international companies, making higher education in India more persuasive.

Popular Courses Chosen by International Students

The diversity of courses offered in India plays a huge role in increasing its popularity as an option.

Students can choose from traditional degrees, professional courses and industry-integrated programmes across almost every discipline.

Most Popular Courses

It is noticeable that the areas of healthcare and engineering remain the most popular ones among foreign students. They are especially popular among students from the neighbouring countries and Africa.

At the same time, the demand for technical courses like Artificial Intelligence, data analytics, cyber security and cloud computing is high. Hospitality, tourism and management courses are becoming more and more attractive for those students whose aim is to get jobs and to build a successful career right after graduation.

Why Are Career-Oriented Programmes Becoming More Popular?

Today’s students are interested in more than just degrees and want an education that provides skill enhancement as well as global career preparation. 

Thus, universities that provide the following are becoming increasingly popular among international students:

• Practical experience
• Internships
• Research experience
• Skill enhancement
• Job placement assistance
• Global partnerships

This trend is a part of a bigger tendency which has become more common among students, whereby they want career achievements in addition to educational ones. Medhavi Skills University is one such university that demonstrates this trend by offering industry-integrated programmes that allow students to acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Various courses offered by MSU in management, commerce, technology, healthcare, hospitality and academic disciplines allow students to gain practical skills required as per industry standards and formulate meaningful career paths.

Why International Students Choose India

Benefits of Studying in India

India as a destination for studying abroad has many benefits that are beyond the limits of academic level.

The Future Outlook: India as an Emerging Global Education Hub

The recent AISHE report indicates a remarkable change in global education trends, especially an increase in international enrolment by 47% in the last ten years indicating that people are becoming more confident in the quality of Indian higher education.

By investing in research, development, digital learning and collaboration with industries, universities in India are ensuring that the country becomes one of the major educational hubs of Asia.

Government campaigns aimed at internationalisation of education and affordable education in India is expected to bring even more international students in the coming times. India is becoming more attractive for students looking for good education, practical skills, rich culture and good career prospects.