Global Degrees, Local Campuses

With foreign study turning costlier and riskier, India’s bid to become a global education hub gains urgency, but success hinges on reforms, autonomy, and industry-linked outcomes

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Acquiring qualifications from foreign universities was once a luxury only aristocrats and royalty could afford.

Now it is a necessity for youth from the middle classes, especially in STEM streams, to secure a decent job either abroad or at home. A finding by the Erasmus Impact Study says that academic competence acquired through international courses greatly helps employability. Foreign institutions of higher learning in specialised fields like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, or renewable energy provide access to cutting-edge research facilities. Tech led entrepreneurship has encouraged new employment avenues in the gig economy and in data-related fields. Hence, the beeline for enrollment in reputed institutions abroad.

Currently, over 1.3 million Indian students are pursuing higher education in 101 countries, making India the world’s top source of international students. However, reportedly, in 2024, the student migration has declined sharply by 15 per cent, and in 2025, there is a 50-70 per cent drop in US applications and a staggering 93 per cent plunge in Canadian study permits. This reversal is largely attributed to policy crackdowns, hikes in fees, and enhanced financial and academic qualifications, not to mention racial discrimination and violence against Asians. The average cost for a 2-year master’s abroad is estimated between 40-80 lakhs, excluding living expenses. But ironically, contrary to the dreams of global opportunities that attracted students to move out of their country, 40 per cent of them are reportedly returning jobless, facing OPT / TPD limits (1-3 years).