Eased entry rules, global tie-ups and NEP-driven reforms fuel surge in international enrolments.

India is fast becoming a preferred higher education hub for international students, capitalizing on stricter visa regimes and admission hurdles in the West. Streamlined e-Student visas, strategic global partnerships and bold policy reforms are positioning Indian universities as serious contenders in the international education race.

“India is not just reforming education, we’re reimagining our role in the global academic community,” said Amruta Ruikar, Head of International Admissions at Symbiosis International University, pointing to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as the springboard for joint degrees, credit transfers and cross-border collaborations. Initiatives such as Study in India, ICCR scholarships and the GIAN program underscore a clear ambition: to make India a destination for quality education, not merely a launchpad for students heading abroad.

World-class curriculum, local advantage

Experts note that Indian institutions now deliver globally benchmarked curricula, interdisciplinary learning and rich cultural exposure—at a fraction of Western tuition costs. Universities such as Mahindra, with alliances with Virginia Tech, CentraleSupélec and Babson College, are building strong international pathways for students.

“The scope for Indian universities to lead global academic innovation is growing, but it must be backed by continuous structural reform,” stressed Dr Kannan of SRM Group, advocating sustained investment in research, digital learning and campus life, alongside policies that foster academic autonomy and international mobility.

Sustained growth on horizon

Government-backed reforms, increased seat capacities and the “Institution of Eminence” status for select universities are driving this transformation. According to ICRA, India’s higher education sector is projected to post 9–11% revenue growth in FY2026, powered by rising enrolments and new courses.

With the right mix of access, affordability and academic excellence, India is no longer just catching up — it’s becoming the place to be.