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Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations Internationalisation of
Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations
Policy Brief
December, 2025 2
Research and Analysis Team
NITI Aayog
Dr. Sonia Pant Programme Director, Education
Dr. Shashank Shah Director and Senior Specialist, Higher Education (shashank.shah@gov.in)
Oshin Dharap Consultant, Higher Education
Upragya Kashyap Young Professional, Higher Education
Arunima Goyal Young Professional, Higher Education
Copyright
Copyright@ NITI Aayog, 2025
Disclaimer
1. This document is not a statement of policy by the National Institution for Transforming India
(hereinafter referred to as NITI Aayog). It has been prepared by the Education Division of
NITI Aayog in collaboration with a consortium of knowledge partners led by IIT Madras and
including the Association of India Universities and Acumen, for the purpose of independent
academic and policy-oriented research.
2. Unless otherwise stated, NITI Aayog, in this regard, has not made any representation or
warranty, express or implied, as to the completeness or reliability of the information, data,
findings, or methodology presented in this document. While due care has been taken by
the author(s) in the preparation of this publication, the content is based on independently
procured information and analysis available at the time of writing and may not reflect the
most current policy developments or datasets.
3. The assertions, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this report are those of the
author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NITI Aayog or the Government of
India, unless otherwise mentioned. As such, NITI Aayog does not endorse or validate any
of the specific views or policy suggestions made herein by the author(s).
4. NITI Aayog shall not be liable under any circumstances, in law or equity, for any loss,
damage, liability, or expense incurred or suffered as a result of the use of or reliance upon
the contents of this document. Any reference to specific organisations, products, services,
or data sources does not constitute or imply an endorsement by NITI Aayog. Readers are
encouraged to independently verify the data and conduct their analysis before forming
conclusions or taking any policy, academic, or commercial decisions. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 21 Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 2 Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 23
INTRODUCTION
NEP 2020 has identified ‘internationalisation at home’ as a cornerstone for transforming India’s
higher education and research ecosystem. It envisions a globally integrated education system,
emphasising student and faculty mobility, academic and research collaborations, offshore and
onshore campuses, and quality enhancement to drive knowledge exchange and innovation and
create world-class institutions.
This focus of NEP comes at an opportune time because while 3% of India’s student population
goes overseas for different kinds of academic programmes, 97% of the students continue to
study in Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). These students will be a part of India’s
workforce, contribute to the global talent pool, and hence must receive high quality education.
Outbound student mobility from India has surged in recent years, with over 13 lakh Indian
students studying abroad in 2024. Top destinations are the Anglophone countries of Canada,
USA, UK, and Australia. Meanwhile, the number of foreign students in the country was
~50,000 in 2021-22, with nearly 30% of students coming from Nepal. This imbalance between
inbound and outbound student mobility reflects India’s challenges in retaining domestic talent
and attracting international students.
The purpose of the study report on ‘Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential and Policy Recommendations’ is to study the patterns of international
student mobility, both globally and in India, assess the impact of international collaborations in
research and curriculum development, examine global approaches to institutionalise faculty and
student exchange and talent attraction, study various models of onshore and offshore campuses,
and provide a policy roadmap for shaping future internationalisation strategies that are rooted
in India’s strengths, while responding to global challenges.
To become the global destination for higher education and research, India requires an increase
in the inflow of international students. To provide estimates for these in the short-term (2030),
medium-term (2035), and long-term (2047), the study has provided time bound projections
based on two distinct forecasting models. The Global Benchmarking Approach based on the
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) has projected the range for international student
enrolment in India between 85,000 and 1.3 lakh in 2030, 1.23 lakh and 2.44 lakh in 2035, and
3 lakh and 11 lakh in 2047. The Internationalisation Intensity Approach based on the strategic
intensity model has estimated international student enrolment at 1.5 lakh in 2030, 3.59 lakh in
2035, and 7.89 lakh in 2047. These projections provide a data-driven roadmap for achieving
the aspirational goals of NEP 2020 and positioning India as a higher education and research
destination of choice.
This policy brief provides a snapshot of the 22 Policy Recommendations and 76 Action
Pathways that could be followed by Central and State Governments, leading Central and State
Public Universities (Top 100 NIRF - ‘Overall’ ranked institutions) and all Institutes of National
Importance (INIs). Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 4
1. STRATEGY
1.1 Design a Comprehensive Strategy for implementation of Internationalisation
Policy Recommendation 1: Develop a Comprehensive Strategy for implementation of
Internationalisation of Indian Higher Education and Research in accordance with the
vision of NEP 2020.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Establish an Inter-Ministerial Task Force
Action Pathway: Establish an Inter-Ministerial Task Force anchored
by the Ministry of Education and including Ministry of External Affairs,
Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Ministry of Finance to design
and oversee the strategy. Launch the strategy with dedicated systemic and
institutional funding and key deliverables.
(ii) Create a Unified International Degree Equivalence System
Action Pathway:
• Establish central equivalence architecture for professional and non-
professional degrees with discipline-wise protocols and statutory clarity.
• Create a working group with representation from all statutory councils
to develop a single-window online clearance mechanism in the form of
a National Foreign Degree Equivalence Portal with category-specific
eligibility, documentation and recognition norms.
(iii) Identify deliverables for internationalisation as envisioned in the NEP
2020 and develop a monitoring dashboard and progress indicators
Action Pathway: Create a real-time dashboard to track the progress of HEIs
against internationalisation deliverables. In accordance with NEP 2020
Section 12.7 and 12.8, indicators may include student and faculty mobility,
academic collaborations, credit transfers, and the presence of support
systems like international student offices and alumni cells.
(iv) Initiate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Mutual Recognition of
Qualifications (MRQ), and Migration & Mobility Agreements (MMPA)
POLICY
RECOMMENDATIONS Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 45
Action Pathway:
• Expedite the review and signing of all pending MoUs through a
coordinated and time-bound process.
• Initiate the MRQs/MMPAs with top 10 host and source countries and
ratify global conventions for recognition of qualifications concerning
higher education to facilitate global mobility, providing an inclusive and
reliable framework.
• Constitute a committee of experts to draft and vet the agreements to
ensure quality, alignment with global standards, integration with NEP
2020 and its aim of ‘internationalisation at home’.
• Establish a central repository of MOUs/MRQs/MMPAs and other G2G
and Institutional Level Agreements under the Ministry of Education to
serve as a single platform for all higher education-related international
agreements.
(v) Establish Country Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Central Universities
to serve as host institutions
Action Pathway:
• Designate every Central University to host a Centre of Excellence for a
specific country. This will enable the University to emerge as the host
institution and nodal point for the said country, develop expertise on
that country through multidisciplinary research, and align thematic or
disciplinary strengths (e.g., technology, humanities, agriculture) of the
said country with India’s requirements.
• Currently, there are 54 Central Universities in India. Each of them can
focus on 1 of the 54 countries with which the Government has signed
MoU in higher education.
• These CoEs should receive dedicated funding, policy guidance, and
staffing support to facilitate bilateral programmes, joint degrees and
research collaborations. This will enable them to develop country specific
expertise over the decade, which will help India with in-house expertise
across 54 countries.
• Develop joint academic programmes and design credit-bearing, high-
quality short-duration courses for international students in popular
domains under CoEs. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 6
(vi) Design Institutional Strategy for Internationalisation
Action Pathway: INIs and Top 100 NIRF ‘Overall’ ranked HEIs may
transition to structured, long-term strategic planning for internationalisation.
In the medium-term, institutions require a comprehensive strategy with
focus on conferences, marketing, single window admission procedures,
dedicated budgets, among others.
1.2 Promote creation of Global Higher Education Hubs through an Ecosystem
Approach
Policy Recommendation 2:
(a) Develop regional higher education hubs focused on STEAM3 sectors through
an ecosystem approach involving universities, industry, government, and
civil society. These hubs should serve as education-led regional innovation
ecosystems through structured collaboration among universities, industry,
R&D labs, local governments, and society.
(b) Replicate the GIFT City approach by creating global higher education,
research and innovation hubs based on strengths of state/regional ecosystems.
(c) Provide special incentives and policy/regulatory enablers to establish high
potential Indian and international universities in these clusters.
(d) Create international innovation and entrepreneurship sub-clusters via
partnerships between Indian and global HEIs. These partnerships should
institutionalise international innovation centres with shared IP policies,
cross-border mentoring networks, and funding/financing access.
(e) Align Hubs with National Missions by strategically positioning hubs in
alignment with Digital India, Startup India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in
India, and Gati Shakti.
(f) Leverage existing sectoral expertise available in existing innovation clusters
e.g. fintech in GIFT City, biotech in Genome Valley, AI in Bengaluru.
2. REGULATION
2.1 Ensure Ease of Regulation for Inbound and Outbound Mobility
Policy Recommendation 3: Streamline administrative procedures to enable the
seamless movement of students, faculty, and institutions across borders. This includes
simplifying visa processes, reducing documentation burdens, and addressing regulatory
bottlenecks that impede international collaborations and academic mobility. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 67
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Streamline Data Repository (for outbound international students):
Action Pathway: A centralised platform may be developed for accurate data
collection and monitoring, leveraging immigration, university, and consular
records. This system may enable real-time analytics and inform funding,
scholarship targeting, and capacity building.
(ii) Improve Regulatory Transparency for Teaching Partnerships
Action Pathway: A tax moratorium for international faculty engaging in
long-term teaching or collaborative research in Indian universities may be
considered to attract global talent to Indian universities.
(iii) Introduce Licensing Processes for Recruitment Agencies
Action Pathway: Establish a Verified National Agent Registry, and license
and monitor agents through a rigorous compliance framework. This
will include clear registration criteria, periodic audits, grievance redress
mechanisms, and collaboration with immigration departments to track agent
practices.
(iv) Transform the Visa Process for International Students, Researchers
and Faculty in India
Action Pathway:
• A centralised visa facilitation system with dedicated education visa
desks at major Indian Missions abroad and integrated post-admission
visa approval protocols may be developed.
• The complete list of required documents for each application type
should be clearly listed on the e-FRRO (Electronic Foreigners Regional
Registration Office) portal prior to submission. A copy of this list may
also be shared with the institute to facilitate accurate guidance and
support for applicants.
• Long-term research and faculty visas must be prioritised. Currently, the
processing time for receiving FRRO certificates typically ranges from 7 to 10
working days and, in some cases, may extend to 15–20 days. Streamlining
the review and approval process could help minimise this duration.
• Provide upfront visibility of all applicable charges for visa-related
services such as registration, extension, or exit permits on the e-FRRO
portal before submission, to support transparency and allow applicants
to plan and complete payments efficiently Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 8
• For students who are required to obtain Police Clearance upon arrival,
a prior notification may be provided to both the student and the host
institute (Nodal Officer).
• Clear communication and simplification of the associated procedures
would be beneficial in ensuring timely compliance and a smoother
onboarding experience.
(v) Create Study-based Stipend-based Internships
Action Pathway:
• Introduce Study-based Stipend-based Internships for a duration of 1-2
years for international students studying in Leading Indian HEIs.
• Develop specialised education-linked visa categories with streamlined
processes for international students.
2.2 Ensure Ease of Regulation for establishing Standalone Onshore Campuses in
India
Policy Recommendation 4: Broaden institutional eligibility criteria and streamline
regulatory processes to make India an attractive global destination for setting up
onshore campuses of leading global universities through systematic simplification,
digitalisation and clarity.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Facilitate the Evaluation of Institutions that may not appear in the Top
500 Global Rankings
Action Pathway: To facilitate the evaluation of institutions that may not
appear in the Top 500 global rankings but still maintain high standards,
an expert review panel may be constituted. This panel may include
academic leaders, internationalisation experts, and representatives from
regulatory bodies, tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment
of the institution’s credentials through research impact, teaching quality,
infrastructure, governance standards, employability, faculty and student-led
innovation and entrepreneurship.
(ii) Strengthen Single Window Clearance for Onshore Campuses
Action Pathway: Develop an integrated single-window digital platform
to streamline all necessary approvals and regulatory clearances for foreign Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 89
institutions. Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve
transparency, efficiency and accountability in decision-making.
(iii) Enable Full Digitalisation of Legal and Academic Processes
Action Pathway:
• India has been the pioneer of the best UPI platform. Similar efforts
are recommended for fostering digital credentials and verification
systems, which are the backbone of successful mobility. These could be
enhanced through blended mobility programmes combining online and
physical presence and cross-border virtual internships, enabling remote
participation.
• Host joint webinars between universities across countries to foster diverse
perspectives by bringing together participants from varied cultural and
academic backgrounds.
• Modernise legal and regulatory procedures to accept digital
documentation, contracts, certifications, and e-signatures.
• Introduce legal reforms recognising digital and cross-border e-signatures,
ensuring parity with international norms.
• Fully digitalised academic workflows, including institutional registration,
MoUs, credit recognition, and faculty/student exchange mechanisms.
(iv) Provide Clarity on International Tax and Financial Frameworks for
Onshore Universities
Action Pathway: Release comprehensive FAQs, guidance documents,
and standard compliance procedures to address the fiscal and operational
concerns of foreign universities. Institutionalise tax incentives and clearly
outline financial obligations (e.g., repatriation, royalty payments, taxation on
revenue) to improve predictability. Set up a centralised help desk to address
real-time queries and support international institutions.
2.3 Permit “Campus Within a Campus” Model with Sunset Clause for Foreign Higher
Education Institutions (FHEIs)
Policy Recommendation 5: Establish integrated or co-located campuses within Indian
public and private HEIs with a brownfield investment approach governed by a 10-year
sunset clause and commercial rent-based models to ensure sustainability. Thereafter,
the IBC may be mandated to have its own greenfield campus. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 10
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Permit Building Co-located Campuses with Sunset Clause
Action Pathway:
•
Establish co-located HEIs that leverage the existing land and other
ecosystemic resources in existing public and private HEIs to significantly
lower capex for the FHEI.
• Introduce a 10-year sunset clause for “Campus Within a Campus”
partnerships, with mandatory performance evaluations after 5 yearsbased on enrolment, research output, institutional capacity building,academic and research collaborations with host HEI, and impact onstudent outcomes.
(ii)
Explore Commercial Rent-Based Lease Mechanism
Action Pathway: Structure co-location models on a commercial rent basis,enabling host Indian HEIs to generate revenue while offering affordableglobal credentials to Indian students.
(iii)
Create Pathway Programmes for Equity and Access
Action Pathway: Allow FHEIs to run pathway centres for language training,academic bridging, and digital learning.
2.4
Promote GIFT IFSC as a Global Hub for Onshore Campuses
Policy Recommendation 6: Establish GIFT IFSC as a model international education zone by expanding academic disciplines beyond finance, widening the pool of eligible universities, and ensuring regulatory and infrastructural readiness. This may be achieved by aligning policies with global standards and ensuring a conducive operational and living environment for students and faculty.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i)
Expand Permissible Subject Areas
Action Pathway: The permissible subject areas in GIFT IFSC may be
expanded to include related disciplines such as Business and Management
Studies, Economics, Law and Legal Studies, Architecture and Urban Design,
Sports Science, and other in-demand sectors.
(ii)
Earmark Special Education Zone within GIFT SEZ
Action Pathway: A dedicated zone within the GIFT SEZ-IFSC may bereserved for IBCs and OECs, including common infrastructure such asconference halls, libraries, and auditoriums, with modern teaching andresearch facilities. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 1011
(iii) Develop World-Class Sports and Recreation Facilities
Action Pathway: A common sports and recreation centre may be developed
in GIFT City through PPP model, offering world-class amenities.
(iv) Promote Affordable and High-Quality Student Accommodation
Action Pathway: Promote the development of high-quality student
dormitories and service apartments in and around GIFT City through PPP.
(v) Clarify Applicability of FCRA for IBCs/OECs in GIFT IFSC
Action Pathway: A policy clarification may be issued to IBCs and OECsset up in GIFT IFSC regarding the applicability of FCRA provisions andcompliance obligations with respect to their unique non-resident status.This clarification would enhance ease of doing business and improve theattractiveness of GIFT IFSC for foreign educational institutions.
(vi)
Expand the eligibility criteria for Foreign Universities
Action Pathway: IFSCA may consider expanding the eligibility criteria toinclude other globally recognised University Rankings including region anddiscipline specific rankings.
2.5
Expand NIRF to include Internationalisation Metrics for Global Competitiveness
Policy Recommendation 7: Revise the NIRF criteria to incorporate dedicated
internationalisation metrics for alignment between domestic performance evaluations
and global benchmarks.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Integrate International Student and Faculty Ratios
Action Pathway:
Include sub-parameters within the “Outreach and
Inclusivity (OI)” or a new “Globalisation and Partnerships (GP)” category
to measure the percentage of enrolled international students and globally
recruited faculty.
(ii)
Track International Research Collaborations
Action Pathway: Expand the “Research and Professional Practice (RP)”metric to include co-authored international publications, internationalresearch grants, and collaborative projects with FHEIs.
(iii)
Measure Student and Faculty Mobility
Action Pathway: Develop indicators to track short-term student/facultyexchanges, and dual/twinning degree programme participation. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 12
(iv) Track Utilisation of Supernumerary Seats
Action Pathway:
•
Include the utilisation of supernumerary seats allocated for international
students as a performance metric for NIRF rankings in order to incentivise
HEIs to ensure greater inward student mobility.
• Maintain a database of HEI-level utilisation of supernumerary seats for
international students.
2.6 Create a Framework for Multilateral groupings to encourage Regional Mobility
Policy Recommendation 8: Create a multilateral academic mobility framework similar to the European Erasmus+ Programme, tailored for regions such as ASEAN, BIMSTEC, BRICS, or any others. Dialogues may be initiated to develop multilateral agreements enabling systematic student and faculty exchanges—including PhD and postdoctoral levels. The framework could also be named after Rabindranath Tagore, Asia’s first Nobel Laureate, and called the ‘Tagore Framework’.
3.
FINANCE
3.1 Establish a National Research Sovereign Wealth Impact Fund
Policy Recommendation 9: Establish a National Research Sovereign Wealth Impact
Fund - Bharat Vidya Kosh,
a diaspora-led, government-matched public trust fund
with a sovereign wealth fund-like architecture to finance research, innovation, and
capacity building in Indian higher education and skilling.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Fund Design and Governance
Action Pathway:
•
Create a USD 10 billion corpus: 50% from diaspora/philanthropy and
50% matched by the Government of India.
• Governance Structure:
»Legal Entity: Not-for-profit (Section 8 Company/Trust) under the
relevant Ministry with FCRA approval; local tax-compliant nonprofits
abroad (e.g., 501(c)(3) in the US).
»Chapter Chairs: Indian Ambassadors/High Commissioners incountries with
significant diaspora such as USA, UK, Canada,
Australia, Japan, France, Switzerland, etc. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 1213
(ii) Identify Core Investment Areas
Action Pathway:
• Research Grants: For frontier tech and AI, climate change and green
transition, medicine and public health, among other high impact areas.
• Global Talent Collaboration: Joint research chairs, fellowships, and
visiting professorships.
• Digital Infrastructure for Education and Skilling: Investment in tier II/III
city institutions.
• Internationalisation: Funding Indian Branch Campuses (IBCs) abroad
and globalised curriculum domestically.
• Medical R&D: Develop clinical research hubs and AI-led diagnostics for
underserved areas.
(iii) Foster Diaspora Engagement Mechanisms
Action Pathway:
• Diaspora Impact Councils in each global chapter, coordinated by Indian
Embassies.
• Matched Giving Platforms with government matching (1:1 or 2:1), plus
awards and naming rights.
• Thematic Working Groups on Health, AI, Startups, Climate, Skills.
• Flagship Vehicles:
»Viksit Labs in Indian universities led by diaspora faculty.
»Bharat Innovation Fellows embedded in Indian R&D teams.
»Smart Skill Districts co-designed with diaspora and industry.
3.2 Establish a Comprehensive Flagship Scholarship Programme to Enhance
International Student Mobility to India
Policy Recommendation 10: Launch a prestigious scholarship programme ‘Vishwa
Bandhu Scholarship’ for international students for 2-year master’s programmes
modeled after global benchmarks. Provide study-based internships and financial support
by offering competitive stipends, tuition support, research grants, accommodation and
travel allowance, and health insurance. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 14
3.3 Revamp Global Talent Attraction Programmes to Strategically Engage World Class
Researchers, Faculty and Professionals through a Flagship Fellowship Programme
Policy Recommendation 11: Launch a prestigious international fellowship programme
‘Vishwa Bandhu Fellowship’ to create globally competitive, streamlined, and flexible
frameworks for attracting and retaining top researchers, faculty and professionals,
especially from the diaspora. Offer diverse engagement models, seamless onboarding
processes, and tangible incentives to facilitate high-impact research and long-term
collaboration.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Introduce Permanent and Tenure-Track Academic Pathways
Action Pathway:
• International faculty selected under the programme may be eligible for
5-year renewable contracts, with tenure-track conversion after 3 years
based on performance (research, teaching, mentorship).
• Host Indian Universities may be empowered to create Programme
Faculty Tracks within their sanctioned faculty strength with fast-track
confirmation and promotion processes.
• Faculty can progress to Chair Professorships and Deanships through
national competitive processes.
(ii) Provide Globally Competitive Compensation and Research Support
Action Pathway:
• Salary packages and one-time signing bonus matching international
benchmarks and may be given.
• Research Grants over 5 years may be provided based on high impact and
cutting edge project proposals with fast-track approval processes and
dedicated fund disbursement mechanisms.
• Dedicated funding may be provided to establish advanced labs, recruit
international researchers, and purchase equipment through simple and
timely procurement mechanisms.
(iii) Create a Single-Window Administrative Portal
Action Pathway: Unified Portal may be created to integrate Visa clearance,
Bank accounts, PAN, tax IDs, housing allotment, research grant disbursement,
institutional onboarding, among other key processes for ease of research and
transition into the Indian University ecosystem. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 1415
(iv) Create Institutional Autonomy with Accountability
Action Pathway: T
op 50 NIRF ‘Research Institutions’ category HEIs may
be given delegated authority to hire faculty through international searches,
offer compensation within defined bands and fast-track processing of
contracts and promotions.
(v)
Provide a Relocation and Family Integration Package
Action Pathway:
• Housing subsidy or on-campus housing may be provided.
• Spousal employment, admission support in international schools for
children, and subsidised healthcare packages for dependents.
• Annual home visit allowance for non-resident foreign nationals.
(vi) Curate special fellowships for early- and mid-career professionals:
Action Pathway:•
Stipend and other facilities may be provided at par with the benchmarked
programmes.
• No post-study work opportunities would be permitted.
3.4 Leverage Bilateral and Multilateral Joint Research Funds to advance
Internationalisation
Policy Recommendation 12: Leading Indian Central and State Public Universities
may proactively tap into bilateral and multilateral joint research funding programmes
to support internationalisation. This may be achieved by developing institutional
capacities to access and manage such funds, building global academic consortia, and
aligning institutional priorities with national and international funding opportunities.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i)
Tap into Bilateral Joint Funding Platforms
(i)Action Pathway:
Leading Indian Central and State Public Universities may
identify and pr
ioritise relevant bilateral funding opportunities and create
internal task fo
rces or designated research offices to develop proposals, manage
compliance, and support faculty engagement. Capacity
building workshops may
b
e conducted to enhance proposal-writing and partnership development skills.
(ii)
Strengthen Institutional Preparedness and Visibility
Action Pathway: Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 16
• Gain membership in international programmes and platforms:
Membership in organisations such as the Association of Commonwealth
Universities (ACU), International Association of Universities (IAU),
Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), and professional platforms
like NAFSA, EAIE (European Association for International Education),
and APAIE (Asia-Pacific Association for International Education) for
joint research, co-branded programmes, and policy dialogue on global
education priorities.
• Join Reputable Global Networks: Prioritise engagement with
international academic associations to strengthen institutional visibility,
credibility, and collaboration potential.
• Promote Faculty Mobility and Joint Research Degrees: Develop
consortium-based models that support faculty exchanges, collaborative
research projects, and joint Ph.D. or dual degree programmes.
• Appoint Dedicated International Partnership Officers: Establish
roles or teams responsible for managing global memberships, initiating
proposals, and sustaining long-term engagement in international
alliances.
4. BRANDING, COMMUNICATION, AND OUTREACH (BCO)
4.1 Create country-specific BCO Strategies for high potential source markets
Policy Recommendation 13:
(a) Country/region-specific marketing strategies may be developed for attracting
global students to Indian HEIs.
(b) Strategic partnerships with digital platforms and education fairs may be
leveraged to execute focused marketing campaigns.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Enable Fast-Track Financial Services for International Students
Action Pathway: Facilitate swift and simple processes for foreign students
to open bank accounts, access remittance services, and avail other financial
products.
(ii) Position India as part of a Globally Mobile Study Experience
Action Pathway: Promote India as a component of a global higher education
journey by encouraging credit transfer arrangements like 1+1, 2+2, and other
semester exchange models. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 1617
4.2 Create university-specific BCO Strategies for high potential source markets
Policy Recommendation 14: Each Leading Central and State Public University must
develop a customised global BCO strategy rooted in its academic strengths, research
capabilities, regional priorities, and national and international contributions.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Initiate University-level collaborations for Research and Engagement
Action Pathway: As part of their Institution Development Plan
(IDP), each Leading Central University and State Public University
may formulate an internationalisation blueprint with clearly defined
objectives and timelines. These institutional strategies should focus on
areas of strength and engage in international collaborations, student and
faculty mobility, and global branding. Partnerships may be supported by
cooperation with relevant ministries and overseas diplomatic missions.
(ii) Establish On-Ground Teams to Promote International Collaboration
within Indian Embassies Abroad
Action Pathway: Dedicated on-ground liaison officers may be appointed
within Indian embassies in target countries to promote international
collaboration. These officers may actively engage local universities,
industries, and student bodies to facilitate partnerships and promote Indian
HEIs. Regular promotional events and problem-solving support may be
integrated into their roles.
(iii) Improve Employer Perception of Dual/Degree Programmes
Action Pathway:
• To build global demand for joint and dual degree programmes offered
by Leading Central Universities and State Public Universities, a
communication strategy may be developed that highlights their
international relevance. Multinational companies operating in both
India and partner countries can help co-brand degree programmes, offer
internships, and provide testimonials on employability outcomes.
• Employability metrics such as placement records, alumni success and
impact stories, and skill alignment with global job markets may be
embedded into the programme evaluation process and prominently
communicated through employer-oriented platforms.
• Academic programmes can be co-designed with industry input to ensure
global market readiness. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 18
(iv) Upgrade International Relations Offices (IROs)
Action Pathway: Establish professionally staffed IROs in universities for
global partnership development.
(v) Leverage Language of Learning as a Window of Opportunity
Action Pathway: Promote India as a global destination for English-medium
higher education, especially to countries in Anglophone Africa, Southeast
and Central Asia and the Global South. Launch initiatives to internationalise
Indian languages and integrate foreign language learning within Indian HEIs
to foster reciprocal cultural and educational mobility, and create world ready
talent to meet the global talent shortages.
4.3 Create an Indian Alumni Ambassador Network (AAN)
Policy Recommendation 15: Launch an Alumni Ambassador Network (AAN): Bharat
ki AAN, to identify and engage top 100 Indian-origin alumni from each Leading HEI
(INIs and Top 100 ‘Overall’ NIRF Ranking Institutions) as brand ambassadors of
Indian Higher Education.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Initiate Identification and Repository Creation
Action Pathway:
• Develop an objective framework to identify the top 100 alumni from
each Leading HEI across diverse sectors.
• Collect data in partnership with HEIs using parameters like professional
achievements, awards, contributions to alma mater, social impact, and
global influence.
• Build a live, dynamic alumni database (with profiles, sectors, geographies)
accessible to institutions, ministries, and international stakeholders.
(ii) Initiate Chapter-wise Alumni Mobilisation
Action Pathway:
• Establish regional alumni chapters in key geographies (North America,
EU, Southeast and West Asia, Africa, Oceania).
• Partner with Indian Missions abroad and leading diaspora organisations
to convene annual AAN meets.
• Assign regional leads to coordinate alumni engagement and represent
India’s higher education at international fora. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 1819
(iii) Leverage Alumni Engagement for Nation Building
Action Pathway:
• Alumni may serve as mentors, guest faculty or R&D collaborators
through a structured onboarding mechanism.
• Organise an annual ‘Bharat ki AAN’ Summit in India to connect these
distinguished alumni with policymakers, institutions, and students.
4.4 Launch a Flagship Annual International Higher Education and Research
Conference
Policy Recommendation 16: Host a flagship Annual International Higher Education
and Research Conference - Bharat Vidya Manthan - to improve India’s global standing
in the higher education and research landscape. The event will serve as a platform for
fostering academic diplomacy, strengthening institutional partnerships, showcasing
India’s academic strengths to a global audience, and conveying India’s potential and
heft in becoming a global hub of knowledge and innovation.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Co-Host Thematic Editions with Global Institutions and Knowledge
Partners
Action Pathway: Each edition of the annual conference may be co-designed
in partnership with a world-class international university or consortium, and
an Indian university with recognised expertise in the thematic focus area—
such as sustainability and climate, frontier technologies, global health and
wellbeing, economics and finance, business and entrepreneurship, among
others. This collaborative approach will foster cross-border academic
exchange and amplify India’s leadership in global knowledge domains.
(ii) Launch an ‘India Knowledge Dialogue’ leading up to the Annual
Conference
Action Pathway: Initiate a year-round “India Knowledge Dialogue”- Bharat
Vidya Samvaad - led by Indian embassies and INIs in key partner countries. This
series will serve as feeder events for the flagship conference, support thematic
planning and foster continuous academic and policy-level engagement.
4.5 Promote Global Academic and Research Exchange Programmes
Policy Recommendation 17: Enhance structured two-way mobility frameworks for
students, researchers and faculty. This includes creating centralised guidelines for credit
equivalence, signing bilateral mobility agreements, and offering grants for outbound
and inbound mobility. Twinning programmes, dual-degree options, and research
sabbaticals must be encouraged. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 20
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Scale Virtual Exchanges and Joint Digital Classrooms
Action Pathway: A percentage of credits that is granted through SWAYAM
portal may be redirected to also include online courses delivered by world
class universities through institutional and systemic arrangements.
(ii) Design an Action Plan to improve international rankings of the Indian
Universities
Action Pathway:
• Design university-led strategic plans (as part of the Institution
Development Plans) focused on elevating Indian institutions’ visibility
and performance in global university rankings (e.g., QS, THE).
• Institutions demonstrating year-on-year improvement in their
international rankings may be provided with financial or other incentives
(e.g., international travel grants, research capacity-building support, etc)
to further accelerate their upward trajectory and global competitiveness.
(iii) Establish International Summer Schools to Attract Global South
Students
Action Pathway: Support Top 5 IITs, Top 5 IIMs, and Top 5 Central
Universities (NIRF Rankings) to organise structured, international summer
schools of 6-8 weeks duration. Each institution may host up to 500 students
annually, with a special focus on attracting participants from Global South
countries. These summer schools should integrate thematic teaching,
research labs, field immersion, and Indian cultural experiences to create
familiarity and boost inward student mobility.
(iv) Launch a National Faculty Mobility Scheme for Global Academic
Exchange
Action Pathway: Create a National Faculty Mobility Scheme to support
250 Indian faculty members annually, selected through a challenge process
across 20 national priority areas (e.g., green transition, frontier technologies,
public health, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing technologies,
space research, defence, among others). The scheme may also enable top
Indian institutions to host international faculty for co-teaching and joint
research.
4.6 Revamp “Study in India” as a One-Stop Solution for International Students
Policy Recommendation 18: Transform the current initiative into a comprehensive,
centrally coordinated and brand-driven campaign to address all international student needs
across the five key stages of mobility: pre-departure, transit, stay, integration and return. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 2021
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Enhance User Experience and Digital Interface (UX/UI)
Action Pathway:
• Develop a unified digital platform as the central portal for international
student engagement, featuring application tracking, programme
comparison and real-time support.
• Ensure multi-language support and region-specific content.
• Integrate chatbot assistance, student testimonials and AI-driven course
matching tools.
(ii) Strengthen International Promotion and Scholarship Management
through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Action Pathway:
• Institutionalise partnerships with specialised agencies to lead international
promotion efforts. Ensure contracts are tied to clearly defined goals, key
performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics to drive accountability
and maximise the impact of international student recruitment campaigns.
• Adopt a PPP approach to enhance the administration of international
scholarships. By collaborating with professional scholarship management
entities through structured PPP models, the process can be made more
efficient
(iii) Align SII with International Branch Campus Objectives
Action Pathway: Mandate foreign institutions, as part of the UGC approval
process, to submit international student recruitment strategies that identify
enabling conditions needed for success. This will allow the government and
other stakeholders to coordinate efforts and develop supportive mechanisms
to meet shared objectives.
(iv) Clearly Define and Align SII with Broader Economic and Diplomatic
Strategy
Action Pathway: Align SII’s target geographies with India’s foreign policy
priorities. For instance, if the goal is to attract more students from the Global
South, this objective should be integrated into multilateral and bilateral
engagements such as BIMSTEC, ASEAN, BRICS or any others. Similarly, to
recruit students from developed nations and upper middle income countries,
leverage trade negotiations and international education agreements to
promote reciprocal mobility—drawing lessons from EU-UK student flows. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 22
5. CURRICULUM AND CULTURE
5.1 Foster Curriculum Innovation and Capacity Building to Enable Global Academic
Integration
Policy Recommendation 19: Promote curricular reforms in Leading Indian HEIs
to embed interdisciplinary coursework, reflective and communication skills, and
international academic standards across programmes. Simultaneously, invest in
comprehensive capacity-building for faculty and academic administrators to foster
global-ready institutions and facilitate the seamless implementation of collaborative
international degree programmes.
Implementation Roadmap
(i) Introduce Interdisciplinary Curriculum Components
Action Pathway: Ensure that every undergraduate and postgraduate
programme includes coursework from outside the primary discipline. For
instance, STEM programmes may integrate management and social science
modules.
(ii) Embed Reflective Writing and Communication Modules
Action Pathway: Mandate foundational communication and reflective
writing modules in the first year of all degree programmes. These
modules will support intercultural competence, classroom inclusivity, and
effective articulation—skills necessary for both domestic and international
engagement.
(iii) Launch Faculty Capacity-Building Programmes for Internationalisation
Action Pathway: Design and implement structured training programmes
for faculty covering international curriculum development, intercultural
teaching and learning, virtual and physical mobility frameworks, and
quality assurance. These may include core and elective training modules,
faculty exchanges, and mentorship platforms. This may be provided through
the iGOT Karmayogi platform of the Capacity Building Commission or
integrated within existing teacher training initiatives such as the Malaviya
Mission Teacher Training Programme.
5.2 Embed Industry Engagement and Internships into Curriculum
Policy Recommendation 20: Integrate employability and industry engagement
into the internationalisation strategies of INIs and top 100 ‘Overall’ NIRF Ranking
Universities’
Implementation Roadmap: Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 2223
(i) Establish Industry Experience Programmes
Action Pathway: Develop structured, credit-bearing internship models
or sandwich-year formats embedded within degree programmes, in
collaboration with industry partners. These may be tailored by sector and
offered across disciplines to enhance practical exposure.
(ii) Establish Applied Research and Innovation Hubs
Action Pathway: Establish joint research centres or applied innovation
clusters within HEIs in collaboration with industry, where students and
faculty can work on live industry projects. These hubs may also serve as
incubators for startups and applied research.
(iii) Design Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)
Action Pathway: Design government-supported Knowledge Transfer
Partnership (KTP) schemes that connect academic researchers and students
with SMEs to work on innovation projects, technology development, and
business process enhancements.
(iv) Invite Industry Participation in Curriculum Design
Action Pathway: Involve industry leaders and professionals in curriculum
advisory boards to co-create course content, offer industry-relevant
certifications, deliver guest lectures, and support upskilling initiatives
aligned with global standards.
(v) Track and Publicise Graduate Outcomes
Action Pathway: Develop institutional mechanisms to track graduate
outcomes including job placements, average starting salaries, and employer
satisfaction. Use these metrics in international outreach, marketing, and
rankings to enhance institutional credibility.
5.3 Enhance Multicultural Experiences at Indian University Campuses
Policy Recommendation 21:
(a) To improve international students’ experiences in India, universities may
adopt baseline global standards for housing, campus safety, academic
support, student and faculty counselling, and cultural orientation.
(b) Provide language assistance, organise mentorship programmes and
multicultural events to facilitate smoother integration in a supportive learning
environment.
Implementation Roadmap: Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 24
(i) Upgrade Student Services and Campus Infrastructure
Action Pathway: Create a uniform infrastructure and safety protocol
framework that is applicable to all INIs and Leading Central Universities and
State Public Universities to ensure a standard experience for international
students, researchers and faculty across Indian HEIs. Develop virtual
learning platforms, e-libraries with high speed internet, modern labs and
student friendly amenities.
(ii) Provide Investment Incentives for Student Accommodation
Action Pathway: Encourage PPP in high-quality international student
accommodation and related facilities.
(iii) Integrate Alumni Networks for Cultural Immersion
Action Pathway:
• Create a standalone Alumni Relations Cell or integrate alumni
engagement functions within the International Students Office (ISO) or
Office of International Affairs (OIA) to ensure structured and consistent
outreach to international alumni communities.
• Create a database by identifying regional clusters of alumni and mapping
their expertise and influence across industries, academia, and geographic
regions. This database can serve as the foundation for targeted
engagement, collaboration, and networking.
• Facilitate the formation of country-specific and regional alumni
chapters (e.g., North America, Europe, Southeast Asia) to support local
engagement, event organisation, and representation in international
initiatives.
• Build robust digital alumni portals to enable sustained virtual interaction,
knowledge-sharing, and networking opportunities. Features may include
alumni directories, discussion forums, job boards, newsletters, and event
registration.
• Connect current students with international alumni to offer career
guidance, application support, and global exposure. A digital platform
linking international students with alumni mentors may be created in
INIs, Leading Central and State Public Universities.
• Leverage alumni in international university fairs, promotional campaigns,
ambassador programmes, and diplomatic education events. Their
visibility in such settings can boost credibility and student recruitment
globally. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 2425
5.4 Integrate Global Approaches with Indian Culture and Philosophy in Teaching
and Research
Policy Recommendation 22:
(a) Ensure the integration of global approaches with Indian philosophical, ethical,
and cultural dimensions in teaching, research, and management practices.
(b)Promote research in areas that provide solutions to pressing socioeconomic
challenges in India, and create global intellectual visibility for the rich Indian
Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the STEM and non-STEM areas.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i)
Ensure Pedagogical Synthesis of Global and Indian Perspectives for
Educators
Action Pathway:
• Build intercultural competence of faculty and administrators through
capacity-building initiatives that focus equally on global pedagogies and
the integration of
Indian philosophical, ethical, and cultural dimensions
in teaching, research, and management practices.
•
Promote faculty exchange programmes that facilitate mutual learning
between Indian and international educators on culturally responsive
pedagogy.
•
Encourage classroom deliberations on socioeconomic decision making
using perspectives of both the Global South and the Global North such
that the HEIs can create holistic and inclusive mindsets that are required
for creating world-ready talent.
(ii)
Ensure Curriculum Alignment for Inclusivity of Students
Action Pathway:
•
Encourage Indian and Foreign HEIs to embed Indian philosophical,
ethical, and cultural perspectives within globally benchmarked curricula
across disciplines and integrate Indian Knowledge Systems, local case
studies, and regional languages.
•
Academic collaborations may include research on Indian culture and
heritage, history and philosophy, the role of democracy and diversity
that has thrived in the Indian context, the success of cooperative and
competitive federalism, the role of decentralised governance and citizenry
in nation building, the impact of innovation and entrepreneurship in
grassroots growth and development, and such other unique Indian facets
within the global frameworks to strengthen India’s intellectual visibility. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 26
The main study report consists of 22 Policy Recommendations, 76 Action Pathways for
specified stakeholders with 125 Performance Success Indicators, and 30 Indian and Global
Practices currently being implemented by various systemic and institutional stakeholders.
The recommendations are directed towards Central Government, State Governments, leading
Central and State Public Universities (Top 100 NIRF - ‘Overall’ ranked institutions) and all
Institutes of National Importance (INIs). This policy brief provides a snapshot of the policy
recommendations and action pathways, which are based on extensive consultations with over
160 Indian universities, nearly 30 international institutions, officers from the Centre, State and
UT Governments, representatives from 16 countries, and international education experts.
The study report aims to contribute to positioning leading Indian higher education
institutions at the forefront of global academic and research discourse, ensuring India-centric
internationalisation, and creating world-ready talent to enable India to play an influential role as
a knowledge economy. The commitment of systemic and institutional leaders, faculty members,
researchers, and students will be key in translating these ideas into action. It is hoped that the
report will serve as a valuable resource for all concerned stakeholders.
With collective and concerted action, we can position India as a hub for world-class research,
innovation, and talent development and achieve our vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
WAY FORWARD Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 2627
NOTES Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 28
NOTES 28 Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 30
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations Internationalisation of
Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations
Policy Brief
December, 2025 2
Research and Analysis Team
NITI Aayog
Dr. Sonia Pant Programme Director, Education
Dr. Shashank Shah Director and Senior Specialist, Higher Education (shashank.shah@gov.in)
Oshin Dharap Consultant, Higher Education
Upragya Kashyap Young Professional, Higher Education
Arunima Goyal Young Professional, Higher Education
Copyright
Copyright@ NITI Aayog, 2025
Disclaimer
1. This document is not a statement of policy by the National Institution for Transforming India
(hereinafter referred to as NITI Aayog). It has been prepared by the Education Division of
NITI Aayog in collaboration with a consortium of knowledge partners led by IIT Madras and
including the Association of India Universities and Acumen, for the purpose of independent
academic and policy-oriented research.
2. Unless otherwise stated, NITI Aayog, in this regard, has not made any representation or
warranty, express or implied, as to the completeness or reliability of the information, data,
findings, or methodology presented in this document. While due care has been taken by
the author(s) in the preparation of this publication, the content is based on independently
procured information and analysis available at the time of writing and may not reflect the
most current policy developments or datasets.
3. The assertions, interpretations, and conclusions expressed in this report are those of the
author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NITI Aayog or the Government of
India, unless otherwise mentioned. As such, NITI Aayog does not endorse or validate any
of the specific views or policy suggestions made herein by the author(s).
4. NITI Aayog shall not be liable under any circumstances, in law or equity, for any loss,
damage, liability, or expense incurred or suffered as a result of the use of or reliance upon
the contents of this document. Any reference to specific organisations, products, services,
or data sources does not constitute or imply an endorsement by NITI Aayog. Readers are
encouraged to independently verify the data and conduct their analysis before forming
conclusions or taking any policy, academic, or commercial decisions. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 21 Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 2 Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 23
INTRODUCTION
NEP 2020 has identified ‘internationalisation at home’ as a cornerstone for transforming India’s
higher education and research ecosystem. It envisions a globally integrated education system,
emphasising student and faculty mobility, academic and research collaborations, offshore and
onshore campuses, and quality enhancement to drive knowledge exchange and innovation and
create world-class institutions.
This focus of NEP comes at an opportune time because while 3% of India’s student population
goes overseas for different kinds of academic programmes, 97% of the students continue to
study in Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). These students will be a part of India’s
workforce, contribute to the global talent pool, and hence must receive high quality education.
Outbound student mobility from India has surged in recent years, with over 13 lakh Indian
students studying abroad in 2024. Top destinations are the Anglophone countries of Canada,
USA, UK, and Australia. Meanwhile, the number of foreign students in the country was
~50,000 in 2021-22, with nearly 30% of students coming from Nepal. This imbalance between
inbound and outbound student mobility reflects India’s challenges in retaining domestic talent
and attracting international students.
The purpose of the study report on ‘Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential and Policy Recommendations’ is to study the patterns of international
student mobility, both globally and in India, assess the impact of international collaborations in
research and curriculum development, examine global approaches to institutionalise faculty and
student exchange and talent attraction, study various models of onshore and offshore campuses,
and provide a policy roadmap for shaping future internationalisation strategies that are rooted
in India’s strengths, while responding to global challenges.
To become the global destination for higher education and research, India requires an increase
in the inflow of international students. To provide estimates for these in the short-term (2030),
medium-term (2035), and long-term (2047), the study has provided time bound projections
based on two distinct forecasting models. The Global Benchmarking Approach based on the
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) has projected the range for international student
enrolment in India between 85,000 and 1.3 lakh in 2030, 1.23 lakh and 2.44 lakh in 2035, and
3 lakh and 11 lakh in 2047. The Internationalisation Intensity Approach based on the strategic
intensity model has estimated international student enrolment at 1.5 lakh in 2030, 3.59 lakh in
2035, and 7.89 lakh in 2047. These projections provide a data-driven roadmap for achieving
the aspirational goals of NEP 2020 and positioning India as a higher education and research
destination of choice.
This policy brief provides a snapshot of the 22 Policy Recommendations and 76 Action
Pathways that could be followed by Central and State Governments, leading Central and State
Public Universities (Top 100 NIRF - ‘Overall’ ranked institutions) and all Institutes of National
Importance (INIs). Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 4
1. STRATEGY
1.1 Design a Comprehensive Strategy for implementation of Internationalisation
Policy Recommendation 1: Develop a Comprehensive Strategy for implementation of
Internationalisation of Indian Higher Education and Research in accordance with the
vision of NEP 2020.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Establish an Inter-Ministerial Task Force
Action Pathway: Establish an Inter-Ministerial Task Force anchored
by the Ministry of Education and including Ministry of External Affairs,
Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Science & Technology, Ministry of
Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and Ministry of Finance to design
and oversee the strategy. Launch the strategy with dedicated systemic and
institutional funding and key deliverables.
(ii) Create a Unified International Degree Equivalence System
Action Pathway:
• Establish central equivalence architecture for professional and non-
professional degrees with discipline-wise protocols and statutory clarity.
• Create a working group with representation from all statutory councils
to develop a single-window online clearance mechanism in the form of
a National Foreign Degree Equivalence Portal with category-specific
eligibility, documentation and recognition norms.
(iii) Identify deliverables for internationalisation as envisioned in the NEP
2020 and develop a monitoring dashboard and progress indicators
Action Pathway: Create a real-time dashboard to track the progress of HEIs
against internationalisation deliverables. In accordance with NEP 2020
Section 12.7 and 12.8, indicators may include student and faculty mobility,
academic collaborations, credit transfers, and the presence of support
systems like international student offices and alumni cells.
(iv) Initiate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Mutual Recognition of
Qualifications (MRQ), and Migration & Mobility Agreements (MMPA)
POLICY
RECOMMENDATIONS Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 45
Action Pathway:
• Expedite the review and signing of all pending MoUs through a
coordinated and time-bound process.
• Initiate the MRQs/MMPAs with top 10 host and source countries and
ratify global conventions for recognition of qualifications concerning
higher education to facilitate global mobility, providing an inclusive and
reliable framework.
• Constitute a committee of experts to draft and vet the agreements to
ensure quality, alignment with global standards, integration with NEP
2020 and its aim of ‘internationalisation at home’.
• Establish a central repository of MOUs/MRQs/MMPAs and other G2G
and Institutional Level Agreements under the Ministry of Education to
serve as a single platform for all higher education-related international
agreements.
(v) Establish Country Centres of Excellence (CoEs) in Central Universities
to serve as host institutions
Action Pathway:
• Designate every Central University to host a Centre of Excellence for a
specific country. This will enable the University to emerge as the host
institution and nodal point for the said country, develop expertise on
that country through multidisciplinary research, and align thematic or
disciplinary strengths (e.g., technology, humanities, agriculture) of the
said country with India’s requirements.
• Currently, there are 54 Central Universities in India. Each of them can
focus on 1 of the 54 countries with which the Government has signed
MoU in higher education.
• These CoEs should receive dedicated funding, policy guidance, and
staffing support to facilitate bilateral programmes, joint degrees and
research collaborations. This will enable them to develop country specific
expertise over the decade, which will help India with in-house expertise
across 54 countries.
• Develop joint academic programmes and design credit-bearing, high-
quality short-duration courses for international students in popular
domains under CoEs. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 6
(vi) Design Institutional Strategy for Internationalisation
Action Pathway: INIs and Top 100 NIRF ‘Overall’ ranked HEIs may
transition to structured, long-term strategic planning for internationalisation.
In the medium-term, institutions require a comprehensive strategy with
focus on conferences, marketing, single window admission procedures,
dedicated budgets, among others.
1.2 Promote creation of Global Higher Education Hubs through an Ecosystem
Approach
Policy Recommendation 2:
(a) Develop regional higher education hubs focused on STEAM3 sectors through
an ecosystem approach involving universities, industry, government, and
civil society. These hubs should serve as education-led regional innovation
ecosystems through structured collaboration among universities, industry,
R&D labs, local governments, and society.
(b) Replicate the GIFT City approach by creating global higher education,
research and innovation hubs based on strengths of state/regional ecosystems.
(c) Provide special incentives and policy/regulatory enablers to establish high
potential Indian and international universities in these clusters.
(d) Create international innovation and entrepreneurship sub-clusters via
partnerships between Indian and global HEIs. These partnerships should
institutionalise international innovation centres with shared IP policies,
cross-border mentoring networks, and funding/financing access.
(e) Align Hubs with National Missions by strategically positioning hubs in
alignment with Digital India, Startup India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, Make in
India, and Gati Shakti.
(f) Leverage existing sectoral expertise available in existing innovation clusters
e.g. fintech in GIFT City, biotech in Genome Valley, AI in Bengaluru.
2. REGULATION
2.1 Ensure Ease of Regulation for Inbound and Outbound Mobility
Policy Recommendation 3: Streamline administrative procedures to enable the
seamless movement of students, faculty, and institutions across borders. This includes
simplifying visa processes, reducing documentation burdens, and addressing regulatory
bottlenecks that impede international collaborations and academic mobility. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 67
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Streamline Data Repository (for outbound international students):
Action Pathway: A centralised platform may be developed for accurate data
collection and monitoring, leveraging immigration, university, and consular
records. This system may enable real-time analytics and inform funding,
scholarship targeting, and capacity building.
(ii) Improve Regulatory Transparency for Teaching Partnerships
Action Pathway: A tax moratorium for international faculty engaging in
long-term teaching or collaborative research in Indian universities may be
considered to attract global talent to Indian universities.
(iii) Introduce Licensing Processes for Recruitment Agencies
Action Pathway: Establish a Verified National Agent Registry, and license
and monitor agents through a rigorous compliance framework. This
will include clear registration criteria, periodic audits, grievance redress
mechanisms, and collaboration with immigration departments to track agent
practices.
(iv) Transform the Visa Process for International Students, Researchers
and Faculty in India
Action Pathway:
• A centralised visa facilitation system with dedicated education visa
desks at major Indian Missions abroad and integrated post-admission
visa approval protocols may be developed.
• The complete list of required documents for each application type
should be clearly listed on the e-FRRO (Electronic Foreigners Regional
Registration Office) portal prior to submission. A copy of this list may
also be shared with the institute to facilitate accurate guidance and
support for applicants.
• Long-term research and faculty visas must be prioritised. Currently, the
processing time for receiving FRRO certificates typically ranges from 7 to 10
working days and, in some cases, may extend to 15–20 days. Streamlining
the review and approval process could help minimise this duration.
• Provide upfront visibility of all applicable charges for visa-related
services such as registration, extension, or exit permits on the e-FRRO
portal before submission, to support transparency and allow applicants
to plan and complete payments efficiently Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 8
• For students who are required to obtain Police Clearance upon arrival,
a prior notification may be provided to both the student and the host
institute (Nodal Officer).
• Clear communication and simplification of the associated procedures
would be beneficial in ensuring timely compliance and a smoother
onboarding experience.
(v) Create Study-based Stipend-based Internships
Action Pathway:
• Introduce Study-based Stipend-based Internships for a duration of 1-2
years for international students studying in Leading Indian HEIs.
• Develop specialised education-linked visa categories with streamlined
processes for international students.
2.2 Ensure Ease of Regulation for establishing Standalone Onshore Campuses in
India
Policy Recommendation 4: Broaden institutional eligibility criteria and streamline
regulatory processes to make India an attractive global destination for setting up
onshore campuses of leading global universities through systematic simplification,
digitalisation and clarity.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Facilitate the Evaluation of Institutions that may not appear in the Top
500 Global Rankings
Action Pathway: To facilitate the evaluation of institutions that may not
appear in the Top 500 global rankings but still maintain high standards,
an expert review panel may be constituted. This panel may include
academic leaders, internationalisation experts, and representatives from
regulatory bodies, tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment
of the institution’s credentials through research impact, teaching quality,
infrastructure, governance standards, employability, faculty and student-led
innovation and entrepreneurship.
(ii) Strengthen Single Window Clearance for Onshore Campuses
Action Pathway: Develop an integrated single-window digital platform
to streamline all necessary approvals and regulatory clearances for foreign Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 89
institutions. Establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve
transparency, efficiency and accountability in decision-making.
(iii) Enable Full Digitalisation of Legal and Academic Processes
Action Pathway:
• India has been the pioneer of the best UPI platform. Similar efforts
are recommended for fostering digital credentials and verification
systems, which are the backbone of successful mobility. These could be
enhanced through blended mobility programmes combining online and
physical presence and cross-border virtual internships, enabling remote
participation.
• Host joint webinars between universities across countries to foster diverse
perspectives by bringing together participants from varied cultural and
academic backgrounds.
• Modernise legal and regulatory procedures to accept digital
documentation, contracts, certifications, and e-signatures.
• Introduce legal reforms recognising digital and cross-border e-signatures,
ensuring parity with international norms.
• Fully digitalised academic workflows, including institutional registration,
MoUs, credit recognition, and faculty/student exchange mechanisms.
(iv) Provide Clarity on International Tax and Financial Frameworks for
Onshore Universities
Action Pathway: Release comprehensive FAQs, guidance documents,
and standard compliance procedures to address the fiscal and operational
concerns of foreign universities. Institutionalise tax incentives and clearly
outline financial obligations (e.g., repatriation, royalty payments, taxation on
revenue) to improve predictability. Set up a centralised help desk to address
real-time queries and support international institutions.
2.3 Permit “Campus Within a Campus” Model with Sunset Clause for Foreign Higher
Education Institutions (FHEIs)
Policy Recommendation 5: Establish integrated or co-located campuses within Indian
public and private HEIs with a brownfield investment approach governed by a 10-year
sunset clause and commercial rent-based models to ensure sustainability. Thereafter,
the IBC may be mandated to have its own greenfield campus. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 10
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Permit Building Co-located Campuses with Sunset Clause
Action Pathway:
•
Establish co-located HEIs that leverage the existing land and other
ecosystemic resources in existing public and private HEIs to significantly
lower capex for the FHEI.
• Introduce a 10-year sunset clause for “Campus Within a Campus”
partnerships, with mandatory performance evaluations after 5 yearsbased on enrolment, research output, institutional capacity building,academic and research collaborations with host HEI, and impact onstudent outcomes.
(ii)
Explore Commercial Rent-Based Lease Mechanism
Action Pathway: Structure co-location models on a commercial rent basis,enabling host Indian HEIs to generate revenue while offering affordableglobal credentials to Indian students.
(iii)
Create Pathway Programmes for Equity and Access
Action Pathway: Allow FHEIs to run pathway centres for language training,academic bridging, and digital learning.
2.4
Promote GIFT IFSC as a Global Hub for Onshore Campuses
Policy Recommendation 6: Establish GIFT IFSC as a model international education zone by expanding academic disciplines beyond finance, widening the pool of eligible universities, and ensuring regulatory and infrastructural readiness. This may be achieved by aligning policies with global standards and ensuring a conducive operational and living environment for students and faculty.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i)
Expand Permissible Subject Areas
Action Pathway: The permissible subject areas in GIFT IFSC may be
expanded to include related disciplines such as Business and Management
Studies, Economics, Law and Legal Studies, Architecture and Urban Design,
Sports Science, and other in-demand sectors.
(ii)
Earmark Special Education Zone within GIFT SEZ
Action Pathway: A dedicated zone within the GIFT SEZ-IFSC may bereserved for IBCs and OECs, including common infrastructure such asconference halls, libraries, and auditoriums, with modern teaching andresearch facilities. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 1011
(iii) Develop World-Class Sports and Recreation Facilities
Action Pathway: A common sports and recreation centre may be developed
in GIFT City through PPP model, offering world-class amenities.
(iv) Promote Affordable and High-Quality Student Accommodation
Action Pathway: Promote the development of high-quality student
dormitories and service apartments in and around GIFT City through PPP.
(v) Clarify Applicability of FCRA for IBCs/OECs in GIFT IFSC
Action Pathway: A policy clarification may be issued to IBCs and OECsset up in GIFT IFSC regarding the applicability of FCRA provisions andcompliance obligations with respect to their unique non-resident status.This clarification would enhance ease of doing business and improve theattractiveness of GIFT IFSC for foreign educational institutions.
(vi)
Expand the eligibility criteria for Foreign Universities
Action Pathway: IFSCA may consider expanding the eligibility criteria toinclude other globally recognised University Rankings including region anddiscipline specific rankings.
2.5
Expand NIRF to include Internationalisation Metrics for Global Competitiveness
Policy Recommendation 7: Revise the NIRF criteria to incorporate dedicated
internationalisation metrics for alignment between domestic performance evaluations
and global benchmarks.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Integrate International Student and Faculty Ratios
Action Pathway:
Include sub-parameters within the “Outreach and
Inclusivity (OI)” or a new “Globalisation and Partnerships (GP)” category
to measure the percentage of enrolled international students and globally
recruited faculty.
(ii)
Track International Research Collaborations
Action Pathway: Expand the “Research and Professional Practice (RP)”metric to include co-authored international publications, internationalresearch grants, and collaborative projects with FHEIs.
(iii)
Measure Student and Faculty Mobility
Action Pathway: Develop indicators to track short-term student/facultyexchanges, and dual/twinning degree programme participation. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 12
(iv) Track Utilisation of Supernumerary Seats
Action Pathway:
•
Include the utilisation of supernumerary seats allocated for international
students as a performance metric for NIRF rankings in order to incentivise
HEIs to ensure greater inward student mobility.
• Maintain a database of HEI-level utilisation of supernumerary seats for
international students.
2.6 Create a Framework for Multilateral groupings to encourage Regional Mobility
Policy Recommendation 8: Create a multilateral academic mobility framework similar to the European Erasmus+ Programme, tailored for regions such as ASEAN, BIMSTEC, BRICS, or any others. Dialogues may be initiated to develop multilateral agreements enabling systematic student and faculty exchanges—including PhD and postdoctoral levels. The framework could also be named after Rabindranath Tagore, Asia’s first Nobel Laureate, and called the ‘Tagore Framework’.
3.
FINANCE
3.1 Establish a National Research Sovereign Wealth Impact Fund
Policy Recommendation 9: Establish a National Research Sovereign Wealth Impact
Fund - Bharat Vidya Kosh,
a diaspora-led, government-matched public trust fund
with a sovereign wealth fund-like architecture to finance research, innovation, and
capacity building in Indian higher education and skilling.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Fund Design and Governance
Action Pathway:
•
Create a USD 10 billion corpus: 50% from diaspora/philanthropy and
50% matched by the Government of India.
• Governance Structure:
»Legal Entity: Not-for-profit (Section 8 Company/Trust) under the
relevant Ministry with FCRA approval; local tax-compliant nonprofits
abroad (e.g., 501(c)(3) in the US).
»Chapter Chairs: Indian Ambassadors/High Commissioners incountries with
significant diaspora such as USA, UK, Canada,
Australia, Japan, France, Switzerland, etc. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 1213
(ii) Identify Core Investment Areas
Action Pathway:
• Research Grants: For frontier tech and AI, climate change and green
transition, medicine and public health, among other high impact areas.
• Global Talent Collaboration: Joint research chairs, fellowships, and
visiting professorships.
• Digital Infrastructure for Education and Skilling: Investment in tier II/III
city institutions.
• Internationalisation: Funding Indian Branch Campuses (IBCs) abroad
and globalised curriculum domestically.
• Medical R&D: Develop clinical research hubs and AI-led diagnostics for
underserved areas.
(iii) Foster Diaspora Engagement Mechanisms
Action Pathway:
• Diaspora Impact Councils in each global chapter, coordinated by Indian
Embassies.
• Matched Giving Platforms with government matching (1:1 or 2:1), plus
awards and naming rights.
• Thematic Working Groups on Health, AI, Startups, Climate, Skills.
• Flagship Vehicles:
»Viksit Labs in Indian universities led by diaspora faculty.
»Bharat Innovation Fellows embedded in Indian R&D teams.
»Smart Skill Districts co-designed with diaspora and industry.
3.2 Establish a Comprehensive Flagship Scholarship Programme to Enhance
International Student Mobility to India
Policy Recommendation 10: Launch a prestigious scholarship programme ‘Vishwa
Bandhu Scholarship’ for international students for 2-year master’s programmes
modeled after global benchmarks. Provide study-based internships and financial support
by offering competitive stipends, tuition support, research grants, accommodation and
travel allowance, and health insurance. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 14
3.3 Revamp Global Talent Attraction Programmes to Strategically Engage World Class
Researchers, Faculty and Professionals through a Flagship Fellowship Programme
Policy Recommendation 11: Launch a prestigious international fellowship programme
‘Vishwa Bandhu Fellowship’ to create globally competitive, streamlined, and flexible
frameworks for attracting and retaining top researchers, faculty and professionals,
especially from the diaspora. Offer diverse engagement models, seamless onboarding
processes, and tangible incentives to facilitate high-impact research and long-term
collaboration.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Introduce Permanent and Tenure-Track Academic Pathways
Action Pathway:
• International faculty selected under the programme may be eligible for
5-year renewable contracts, with tenure-track conversion after 3 years
based on performance (research, teaching, mentorship).
• Host Indian Universities may be empowered to create Programme
Faculty Tracks within their sanctioned faculty strength with fast-track
confirmation and promotion processes.
• Faculty can progress to Chair Professorships and Deanships through
national competitive processes.
(ii) Provide Globally Competitive Compensation and Research Support
Action Pathway:
• Salary packages and one-time signing bonus matching international
benchmarks and may be given.
• Research Grants over 5 years may be provided based on high impact and
cutting edge project proposals with fast-track approval processes and
dedicated fund disbursement mechanisms.
• Dedicated funding may be provided to establish advanced labs, recruit
international researchers, and purchase equipment through simple and
timely procurement mechanisms.
(iii) Create a Single-Window Administrative Portal
Action Pathway: Unified Portal may be created to integrate Visa clearance,
Bank accounts, PAN, tax IDs, housing allotment, research grant disbursement,
institutional onboarding, among other key processes for ease of research and
transition into the Indian University ecosystem. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 1415
(iv) Create Institutional Autonomy with Accountability
Action Pathway: T
op 50 NIRF ‘Research Institutions’ category HEIs may
be given delegated authority to hire faculty through international searches,
offer compensation within defined bands and fast-track processing of
contracts and promotions.
(v)
Provide a Relocation and Family Integration Package
Action Pathway:
• Housing subsidy or on-campus housing may be provided.
• Spousal employment, admission support in international schools for
children, and subsidised healthcare packages for dependents.
• Annual home visit allowance for non-resident foreign nationals.
(vi) Curate special fellowships for early- and mid-career professionals:
Action Pathway:•
Stipend and other facilities may be provided at par with the benchmarked
programmes.
• No post-study work opportunities would be permitted.
3.4 Leverage Bilateral and Multilateral Joint Research Funds to advance
Internationalisation
Policy Recommendation 12: Leading Indian Central and State Public Universities
may proactively tap into bilateral and multilateral joint research funding programmes
to support internationalisation. This may be achieved by developing institutional
capacities to access and manage such funds, building global academic consortia, and
aligning institutional priorities with national and international funding opportunities.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i)
Tap into Bilateral Joint Funding Platforms
(i)Action Pathway:
Leading Indian Central and State Public Universities may
identify and pr
ioritise relevant bilateral funding opportunities and create
internal task fo
rces or designated research offices to develop proposals, manage
compliance, and support faculty engagement. Capacity
building workshops may
b
e conducted to enhance proposal-writing and partnership development skills.
(ii)
Strengthen Institutional Preparedness and Visibility
Action Pathway: Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 16
• Gain membership in international programmes and platforms:
Membership in organisations such as the Association of Commonwealth
Universities (ACU), International Association of Universities (IAU),
Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), and professional platforms
like NAFSA, EAIE (European Association for International Education),
and APAIE (Asia-Pacific Association for International Education) for
joint research, co-branded programmes, and policy dialogue on global
education priorities.
• Join Reputable Global Networks: Prioritise engagement with
international academic associations to strengthen institutional visibility,
credibility, and collaboration potential.
• Promote Faculty Mobility and Joint Research Degrees: Develop
consortium-based models that support faculty exchanges, collaborative
research projects, and joint Ph.D. or dual degree programmes.
• Appoint Dedicated International Partnership Officers: Establish
roles or teams responsible for managing global memberships, initiating
proposals, and sustaining long-term engagement in international
alliances.
4. BRANDING, COMMUNICATION, AND OUTREACH (BCO)
4.1 Create country-specific BCO Strategies for high potential source markets
Policy Recommendation 13:
(a) Country/region-specific marketing strategies may be developed for attracting
global students to Indian HEIs.
(b) Strategic partnerships with digital platforms and education fairs may be
leveraged to execute focused marketing campaigns.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Enable Fast-Track Financial Services for International Students
Action Pathway: Facilitate swift and simple processes for foreign students
to open bank accounts, access remittance services, and avail other financial
products.
(ii) Position India as part of a Globally Mobile Study Experience
Action Pathway: Promote India as a component of a global higher education
journey by encouraging credit transfer arrangements like 1+1, 2+2, and other
semester exchange models. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 1617
4.2 Create university-specific BCO Strategies for high potential source markets
Policy Recommendation 14: Each Leading Central and State Public University must
develop a customised global BCO strategy rooted in its academic strengths, research
capabilities, regional priorities, and national and international contributions.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Initiate University-level collaborations for Research and Engagement
Action Pathway: As part of their Institution Development Plan
(IDP), each Leading Central University and State Public University
may formulate an internationalisation blueprint with clearly defined
objectives and timelines. These institutional strategies should focus on
areas of strength and engage in international collaborations, student and
faculty mobility, and global branding. Partnerships may be supported by
cooperation with relevant ministries and overseas diplomatic missions.
(ii) Establish On-Ground Teams to Promote International Collaboration
within Indian Embassies Abroad
Action Pathway: Dedicated on-ground liaison officers may be appointed
within Indian embassies in target countries to promote international
collaboration. These officers may actively engage local universities,
industries, and student bodies to facilitate partnerships and promote Indian
HEIs. Regular promotional events and problem-solving support may be
integrated into their roles.
(iii) Improve Employer Perception of Dual/Degree Programmes
Action Pathway:
• To build global demand for joint and dual degree programmes offered
by Leading Central Universities and State Public Universities, a
communication strategy may be developed that highlights their
international relevance. Multinational companies operating in both
India and partner countries can help co-brand degree programmes, offer
internships, and provide testimonials on employability outcomes.
• Employability metrics such as placement records, alumni success and
impact stories, and skill alignment with global job markets may be
embedded into the programme evaluation process and prominently
communicated through employer-oriented platforms.
• Academic programmes can be co-designed with industry input to ensure
global market readiness. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 18
(iv) Upgrade International Relations Offices (IROs)
Action Pathway: Establish professionally staffed IROs in universities for
global partnership development.
(v) Leverage Language of Learning as a Window of Opportunity
Action Pathway: Promote India as a global destination for English-medium
higher education, especially to countries in Anglophone Africa, Southeast
and Central Asia and the Global South. Launch initiatives to internationalise
Indian languages and integrate foreign language learning within Indian HEIs
to foster reciprocal cultural and educational mobility, and create world ready
talent to meet the global talent shortages.
4.3 Create an Indian Alumni Ambassador Network (AAN)
Policy Recommendation 15: Launch an Alumni Ambassador Network (AAN): Bharat
ki AAN, to identify and engage top 100 Indian-origin alumni from each Leading HEI
(INIs and Top 100 ‘Overall’ NIRF Ranking Institutions) as brand ambassadors of
Indian Higher Education.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Initiate Identification and Repository Creation
Action Pathway:
• Develop an objective framework to identify the top 100 alumni from
each Leading HEI across diverse sectors.
• Collect data in partnership with HEIs using parameters like professional
achievements, awards, contributions to alma mater, social impact, and
global influence.
• Build a live, dynamic alumni database (with profiles, sectors, geographies)
accessible to institutions, ministries, and international stakeholders.
(ii) Initiate Chapter-wise Alumni Mobilisation
Action Pathway:
• Establish regional alumni chapters in key geographies (North America,
EU, Southeast and West Asia, Africa, Oceania).
• Partner with Indian Missions abroad and leading diaspora organisations
to convene annual AAN meets.
• Assign regional leads to coordinate alumni engagement and represent
India’s higher education at international fora. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 1819
(iii) Leverage Alumni Engagement for Nation Building
Action Pathway:
• Alumni may serve as mentors, guest faculty or R&D collaborators
through a structured onboarding mechanism.
• Organise an annual ‘Bharat ki AAN’ Summit in India to connect these
distinguished alumni with policymakers, institutions, and students.
4.4 Launch a Flagship Annual International Higher Education and Research
Conference
Policy Recommendation 16: Host a flagship Annual International Higher Education
and Research Conference - Bharat Vidya Manthan - to improve India’s global standing
in the higher education and research landscape. The event will serve as a platform for
fostering academic diplomacy, strengthening institutional partnerships, showcasing
India’s academic strengths to a global audience, and conveying India’s potential and
heft in becoming a global hub of knowledge and innovation.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Co-Host Thematic Editions with Global Institutions and Knowledge
Partners
Action Pathway: Each edition of the annual conference may be co-designed
in partnership with a world-class international university or consortium, and
an Indian university with recognised expertise in the thematic focus area—
such as sustainability and climate, frontier technologies, global health and
wellbeing, economics and finance, business and entrepreneurship, among
others. This collaborative approach will foster cross-border academic
exchange and amplify India’s leadership in global knowledge domains.
(ii) Launch an ‘India Knowledge Dialogue’ leading up to the Annual
Conference
Action Pathway: Initiate a year-round “India Knowledge Dialogue”- Bharat
Vidya Samvaad - led by Indian embassies and INIs in key partner countries. This
series will serve as feeder events for the flagship conference, support thematic
planning and foster continuous academic and policy-level engagement.
4.5 Promote Global Academic and Research Exchange Programmes
Policy Recommendation 17: Enhance structured two-way mobility frameworks for
students, researchers and faculty. This includes creating centralised guidelines for credit
equivalence, signing bilateral mobility agreements, and offering grants for outbound
and inbound mobility. Twinning programmes, dual-degree options, and research
sabbaticals must be encouraged. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 20
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Scale Virtual Exchanges and Joint Digital Classrooms
Action Pathway: A percentage of credits that is granted through SWAYAM
portal may be redirected to also include online courses delivered by world
class universities through institutional and systemic arrangements.
(ii) Design an Action Plan to improve international rankings of the Indian
Universities
Action Pathway:
• Design university-led strategic plans (as part of the Institution
Development Plans) focused on elevating Indian institutions’ visibility
and performance in global university rankings (e.g., QS, THE).
• Institutions demonstrating year-on-year improvement in their
international rankings may be provided with financial or other incentives
(e.g., international travel grants, research capacity-building support, etc)
to further accelerate their upward trajectory and global competitiveness.
(iii) Establish International Summer Schools to Attract Global South
Students
Action Pathway: Support Top 5 IITs, Top 5 IIMs, and Top 5 Central
Universities (NIRF Rankings) to organise structured, international summer
schools of 6-8 weeks duration. Each institution may host up to 500 students
annually, with a special focus on attracting participants from Global South
countries. These summer schools should integrate thematic teaching,
research labs, field immersion, and Indian cultural experiences to create
familiarity and boost inward student mobility.
(iv) Launch a National Faculty Mobility Scheme for Global Academic
Exchange
Action Pathway: Create a National Faculty Mobility Scheme to support
250 Indian faculty members annually, selected through a challenge process
across 20 national priority areas (e.g., green transition, frontier technologies,
public health, renewable energy, advanced manufacturing technologies,
space research, defence, among others). The scheme may also enable top
Indian institutions to host international faculty for co-teaching and joint
research.
4.6 Revamp “Study in India” as a One-Stop Solution for International Students
Policy Recommendation 18: Transform the current initiative into a comprehensive,
centrally coordinated and brand-driven campaign to address all international student needs
across the five key stages of mobility: pre-departure, transit, stay, integration and return. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 2021
Implementation Roadmap:
(i) Enhance User Experience and Digital Interface (UX/UI)
Action Pathway:
• Develop a unified digital platform as the central portal for international
student engagement, featuring application tracking, programme
comparison and real-time support.
• Ensure multi-language support and region-specific content.
• Integrate chatbot assistance, student testimonials and AI-driven course
matching tools.
(ii) Strengthen International Promotion and Scholarship Management
through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
Action Pathway:
• Institutionalise partnerships with specialised agencies to lead international
promotion efforts. Ensure contracts are tied to clearly defined goals, key
performance indicators (KPIs) and success metrics to drive accountability
and maximise the impact of international student recruitment campaigns.
• Adopt a PPP approach to enhance the administration of international
scholarships. By collaborating with professional scholarship management
entities through structured PPP models, the process can be made more
efficient
(iii) Align SII with International Branch Campus Objectives
Action Pathway: Mandate foreign institutions, as part of the UGC approval
process, to submit international student recruitment strategies that identify
enabling conditions needed for success. This will allow the government and
other stakeholders to coordinate efforts and develop supportive mechanisms
to meet shared objectives.
(iv) Clearly Define and Align SII with Broader Economic and Diplomatic
Strategy
Action Pathway: Align SII’s target geographies with India’s foreign policy
priorities. For instance, if the goal is to attract more students from the Global
South, this objective should be integrated into multilateral and bilateral
engagements such as BIMSTEC, ASEAN, BRICS or any others. Similarly, to
recruit students from developed nations and upper middle income countries,
leverage trade negotiations and international education agreements to
promote reciprocal mobility—drawing lessons from EU-UK student flows. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 22
5. CURRICULUM AND CULTURE
5.1 Foster Curriculum Innovation and Capacity Building to Enable Global Academic
Integration
Policy Recommendation 19: Promote curricular reforms in Leading Indian HEIs
to embed interdisciplinary coursework, reflective and communication skills, and
international academic standards across programmes. Simultaneously, invest in
comprehensive capacity-building for faculty and academic administrators to foster
global-ready institutions and facilitate the seamless implementation of collaborative
international degree programmes.
Implementation Roadmap
(i) Introduce Interdisciplinary Curriculum Components
Action Pathway: Ensure that every undergraduate and postgraduate
programme includes coursework from outside the primary discipline. For
instance, STEM programmes may integrate management and social science
modules.
(ii) Embed Reflective Writing and Communication Modules
Action Pathway: Mandate foundational communication and reflective
writing modules in the first year of all degree programmes. These
modules will support intercultural competence, classroom inclusivity, and
effective articulation—skills necessary for both domestic and international
engagement.
(iii) Launch Faculty Capacity-Building Programmes for Internationalisation
Action Pathway: Design and implement structured training programmes
for faculty covering international curriculum development, intercultural
teaching and learning, virtual and physical mobility frameworks, and
quality assurance. These may include core and elective training modules,
faculty exchanges, and mentorship platforms. This may be provided through
the iGOT Karmayogi platform of the Capacity Building Commission or
integrated within existing teacher training initiatives such as the Malaviya
Mission Teacher Training Programme.
5.2 Embed Industry Engagement and Internships into Curriculum
Policy Recommendation 20: Integrate employability and industry engagement
into the internationalisation strategies of INIs and top 100 ‘Overall’ NIRF Ranking
Universities’
Implementation Roadmap: Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 2223
(i) Establish Industry Experience Programmes
Action Pathway: Develop structured, credit-bearing internship models
or sandwich-year formats embedded within degree programmes, in
collaboration with industry partners. These may be tailored by sector and
offered across disciplines to enhance practical exposure.
(ii) Establish Applied Research and Innovation Hubs
Action Pathway: Establish joint research centres or applied innovation
clusters within HEIs in collaboration with industry, where students and
faculty can work on live industry projects. These hubs may also serve as
incubators for startups and applied research.
(iii) Design Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs)
Action Pathway: Design government-supported Knowledge Transfer
Partnership (KTP) schemes that connect academic researchers and students
with SMEs to work on innovation projects, technology development, and
business process enhancements.
(iv) Invite Industry Participation in Curriculum Design
Action Pathway: Involve industry leaders and professionals in curriculum
advisory boards to co-create course content, offer industry-relevant
certifications, deliver guest lectures, and support upskilling initiatives
aligned with global standards.
(v) Track and Publicise Graduate Outcomes
Action Pathway: Develop institutional mechanisms to track graduate
outcomes including job placements, average starting salaries, and employer
satisfaction. Use these metrics in international outreach, marketing, and
rankings to enhance institutional credibility.
5.3 Enhance Multicultural Experiences at Indian University Campuses
Policy Recommendation 21:
(a) To improve international students’ experiences in India, universities may
adopt baseline global standards for housing, campus safety, academic
support, student and faculty counselling, and cultural orientation.
(b) Provide language assistance, organise mentorship programmes and
multicultural events to facilitate smoother integration in a supportive learning
environment.
Implementation Roadmap: Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 24
(i) Upgrade Student Services and Campus Infrastructure
Action Pathway: Create a uniform infrastructure and safety protocol
framework that is applicable to all INIs and Leading Central Universities and
State Public Universities to ensure a standard experience for international
students, researchers and faculty across Indian HEIs. Develop virtual
learning platforms, e-libraries with high speed internet, modern labs and
student friendly amenities.
(ii) Provide Investment Incentives for Student Accommodation
Action Pathway: Encourage PPP in high-quality international student
accommodation and related facilities.
(iii) Integrate Alumni Networks for Cultural Immersion
Action Pathway:
• Create a standalone Alumni Relations Cell or integrate alumni
engagement functions within the International Students Office (ISO) or
Office of International Affairs (OIA) to ensure structured and consistent
outreach to international alumni communities.
• Create a database by identifying regional clusters of alumni and mapping
their expertise and influence across industries, academia, and geographic
regions. This database can serve as the foundation for targeted
engagement, collaboration, and networking.
• Facilitate the formation of country-specific and regional alumni
chapters (e.g., North America, Europe, Southeast Asia) to support local
engagement, event organisation, and representation in international
initiatives.
• Build robust digital alumni portals to enable sustained virtual interaction,
knowledge-sharing, and networking opportunities. Features may include
alumni directories, discussion forums, job boards, newsletters, and event
registration.
• Connect current students with international alumni to offer career
guidance, application support, and global exposure. A digital platform
linking international students with alumni mentors may be created in
INIs, Leading Central and State Public Universities.
• Leverage alumni in international university fairs, promotional campaigns,
ambassador programmes, and diplomatic education events. Their
visibility in such settings can boost credibility and student recruitment
globally. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 2425
5.4 Integrate Global Approaches with Indian Culture and Philosophy in Teaching
and Research
Policy Recommendation 22:
(a) Ensure the integration of global approaches with Indian philosophical, ethical,
and cultural dimensions in teaching, research, and management practices.
(b)Promote research in areas that provide solutions to pressing socioeconomic
challenges in India, and create global intellectual visibility for the rich Indian
Knowledge Systems (IKS) in the STEM and non-STEM areas.
Implementation Roadmap:
(i)
Ensure Pedagogical Synthesis of Global and Indian Perspectives for
Educators
Action Pathway:
• Build intercultural competence of faculty and administrators through
capacity-building initiatives that focus equally on global pedagogies and
the integration of
Indian philosophical, ethical, and cultural dimensions
in teaching, research, and management practices.
•
Promote faculty exchange programmes that facilitate mutual learning
between Indian and international educators on culturally responsive
pedagogy.
•
Encourage classroom deliberations on socioeconomic decision making
using perspectives of both the Global South and the Global North such
that the HEIs can create holistic and inclusive mindsets that are required
for creating world-ready talent.
(ii)
Ensure Curriculum Alignment for Inclusivity of Students
Action Pathway:
•
Encourage Indian and Foreign HEIs to embed Indian philosophical,
ethical, and cultural perspectives within globally benchmarked curricula
across disciplines and integrate Indian Knowledge Systems, local case
studies, and regional languages.
•
Academic collaborations may include research on Indian culture and
heritage, history and philosophy, the role of democracy and diversity
that has thrived in the Indian context, the success of cooperative and
competitive federalism, the role of decentralised governance and citizenry
in nation building, the impact of innovation and entrepreneurship in
grassroots growth and development, and such other unique Indian facets
within the global frameworks to strengthen India’s intellectual visibility. Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 26
The main study report consists of 22 Policy Recommendations, 76 Action Pathways for
specified stakeholders with 125 Performance Success Indicators, and 30 Indian and Global
Practices currently being implemented by various systemic and institutional stakeholders.
The recommendations are directed towards Central Government, State Governments, leading
Central and State Public Universities (Top 100 NIRF - ‘Overall’ ranked institutions) and all
Institutes of National Importance (INIs). This policy brief provides a snapshot of the policy
recommendations and action pathways, which are based on extensive consultations with over
160 Indian universities, nearly 30 international institutions, officers from the Centre, State and
UT Governments, representatives from 16 countries, and international education experts.
The study report aims to contribute to positioning leading Indian higher education
institutions at the forefront of global academic and research discourse, ensuring India-centric
internationalisation, and creating world-ready talent to enable India to play an influential role as
a knowledge economy. The commitment of systemic and institutional leaders, faculty members,
researchers, and students will be key in translating these ideas into action. It is hoped that the
report will serve as a valuable resource for all concerned stakeholders.
With collective and concerted action, we can position India as a hub for world-class research,
innovation, and talent development and achieve our vision of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
WAY FORWARD Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 2627
NOTES Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 28
NOTES 28 Internationalisation of Higher Education in India:
Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations 30