AIU: Catalyst in promoting internationalization of Higher Education

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions India emerging as a global hub for education, fostering international collaborations and student mobility while offering premium-quality education at affordable costs.

- By Dr. Pankaj Mittal

The policy aspires to restore India's ancient role as a Vishwa Guru by creating an ecosystem that attracts international students and facilitates global exposure for Indian students and faculty. NEP 2020 emphasizes the development of globally relevant curricula in diverse fields, including Indology, Indian languages, AYUSH systems of medicine, yoga, arts, music, history, culture, and modern India, alongside cutting-edge programs in sciences and social sciences. Institutions will provide high-quality residential facilities, comprehensive campus support, and opportunities for social engagement, aiming to achieve global quality standards and promote the concept of 'internationalization at home.'

To support this vision, every higher education institution (HEI) hosting international students will establish an International Students Office to coordinate and address their needs. NEP 2020 also advocates fostering international research collaborations, faculty and student exchanges, and forging mutually beneficial partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading global institutions. In line with its vision, NEP 2020 encourages high-performing Indian universities to establish campuses abroad and invites top-ranked global universities (e.g., from the world's top 100) to operate in India. The policy also supports recognizing credits earned at foreign universities for degree programs in India, thereby enhancing global mobility and strengthening academic ties between Indian and foreign institutions.

Through these initiatives, NEP 2020 envisions India as a preferred global destination for affordable education and a leader in international academic and research collaboration.

Initiatives by Association of Indian Universities (AIU)

Indian Network for Internationalisation of Higher Education (INIHE)

www.inihe.aiu.ac.in