How Indian Colleges Can Attract More Foreign Students | Higher Education Growth

India has a rich academic tradition and is home to some of the world’s oldest learning centres like Nalanda and Takshashila. In today’s global world, Indian higher education institutions have the potential to become preferred destinations for international students. However, we still lag behind countries like the US, UK, Australia, and even China when it comes to attracting foreign learners. The big question is—what can Indian universities do to change this?

I’m writing about this because I believe India has all the ingredients to become a global education hub—diverse culture, affordable education, English as the medium of instruction, and a growing tech ecosystem. Yet, foreign student enrolment is low. It’s important to look at this seriously because attracting foreign students not only improves India’s soft power but also helps our colleges grow in quality, infrastructure, and global rankings. It also brings in fresh perspectives for Indian students. With the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 encouraging internationalisation, now is the right time for Indian institutions to think smart and act fast.

What’s the Current Scenario?

As per data from the Ministry of Education, only about 50,000 foreign students study in India compared to over a million in the US. Most of them come from nearby countries like Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and African nations. The challenge is that students from Europe, the US, or East Asia rarely consider India as a first choice for higher studies.

There are some good efforts, like the Study in India programme launched by the government. But we need a stronger push from both public and private institutions to improve global visibility and student experience.

Key Areas to Focus On

1. Improve Campus Infrastructure and Facilities

Foreign students compare facilities across countries. Indian campuses need to upgrade hostels, hygiene, safety, internet access, and recreational facilities. A welcoming environment makes a big difference.

2. Offer Courses with Global Appeal

Most foreign students look for programmes in emerging fields like Artificial Intelligence, Public Policy, Business Analytics, Environmental Studies, and Health Sciences. Indian institutions should design globally relevant courses with strong practical exposure.

3. Simplify Admission and Visa Process

One of the biggest hurdles is the complicated and time-consuming admission process. Universities must create simple online application systems with quick responses. Visa support and documentation help should also be part of the admissions team’s role.

4. Build Strong International Ties

Tie-ups with foreign universities for student exchange, dual degree programmes, and collaborative research will make Indian colleges more attractive. These partnerships should be highlighted in college websites and brochures.

5. Appoint Dedicated International Student Offices

A dedicated international cell that supports foreign students from application to graduation builds trust. It should help with paperwork, housing, academics, and emotional support.

Use India’s Cultural and Regional Strengths

India’s biggest asset is its culture. From yoga to classical music, Indian philosophy to Ayurveda, these unique offerings can be developed into niche academic tracks. Institutions in states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Himachal Pradesh can promote region-specific language and culture courses. Students who want something beyond a regular degree will find this attractive.

Ensure Academic Quality and Global Recognition

Foreign students care about the value of the degree. Indian institutions must work on global accreditations, improve NIRF and QS rankings, and ensure high-quality teaching. Regular curriculum updates, qualified faculty, and student feedback mechanisms are all part of this journey.

Scholarships and Affordable Education

Cost is a major concern for students from developing nations. While Indian education is already cheaper than western options, offering specific scholarships for foreign students can help. Also, allow flexible fee structures and offer guidance on part-time work or internships during studies.

Promote Through Digital Campaigns

India needs to invest in strong digital outreach. Social media campaigns, webinars, and virtual campus tours can create awareness. Alumni testimonials from foreign students can be powerful tools. Collaborating with international education fairs and agents will help widen the reach.

Puducherry CM Rangasamy Highlights How Medical Education Builds the Nation

Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy addressed the induction ceremony for new MBBS students at Takshashila Medical College, under Takshashila University in Tindivanam, and emphasised that medical education is a key pillar of nation-building. He called on young doctors to serve society with both compassion and integrity as they embark on their journey in the medical profession.

I’m writing about this because when a senior political leader highlights the value of medical education in such a way, it’s a reminder how future doctors are not just healthcare providers — they are nation-builders. In a country like ours, where healthcare and public service are deeply tied to societal progress, leaders’ messages like these matter a lot. New MBBS students often feel the weight and promise of their choice; to hear from the CM that their role goes beyond hospitals and clinics gives them a broader purpose. This also signals the government’s long-term commitment to supporting quality medical education in Puducherry, which can motivate more students to contribute meaningfully to public health.

Why Medical Education Matters for Nation-Building

Medical education is more than just learning to treat illness — it shapes the very infrastructure of a country’s health system. With strong medical training, future doctors contribute to public health, innovation in medicine, and healthcare equity. By urging graduates to use their education in service of others, the CM reinforced that these students are part of a larger mission: creating a healthier, stronger nation.

What CM Rangasamy said at the Induction Day

He praised the establishment of Takshashila Medical College, saying it aligns with the vision of building a socially responsible healthcare future.
Rangasamy reminded students that skills must be matched with values: “Compassion and integrity should guide your decisions,” he said, urging them to treat patients not only as cases, but as people in need.
He mentioned that medical education in Puducherry must serve all sections of society, encouraging graduates to go beyond personal ambition and contribute to public service.
He also called for leveraging government support and infrastructure to improve healthcare access, reinforcing that training alone is not enough without purpose.

The Prominence of Takshashila Medical College

Takshashila Medical College, under the larger umbrella of Takshashila University, represents a fresh push in healthcare education in the region. By starting a new MBBS batch, the college is playing its part in developing more doctors who can serve both local communities and national needs. For many students in Puducherry and nearby regions, this college offers an opportunity to receive good medical education without having to move far from home.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Even as the CM’s words inspire, there are practical challenges:

Infrastructure: Medical colleges need strong labs, hospital attachments, and patient inflow for effective training.
Faculty Quality: To uphold the CM’s vision of compassionate education, the institution will need teachers who are excellent clinicians as well as educators.
Affordability and Access: There is always a risk that medical education remains out of reach for economically weaker students. Government policies and scholarships will play a big role.
Public Health Orientation: Graduates must be encouraged to work in underserved areas, not just big cities, so that the promise of nation-building becomes a reality in poorer communities.

Why This Message Is Important for Students and Society

For students, this is a moral call: being a doctor is not just a profession, it’s a public trust.
For parents, it underscores that supporting a child through medical college has wider societal value.
For society, strong medical education means having trained professionals who can respond to public health crises, improve healthcare access, and innovate in medical research.
For policymakers, it’s a cue to continue investing in medical colleges, infrastructure, and ethics-driven training.