India gains ground in global education race

LEARNING WITHOUT BORDERS | Int’l mobility shifts create new opportunities for universities

- Simple Vishwakarma

India is steadily positioning itself as a significant destination in the global higher education landscape as shifting mobility trends, supportive policy initiatives and growing regional demand reshape international student flows.

With one of the worlds largest youth populations and an expanding higher education ecosystem, the country is witnessing increasing interest from students across Asia and Africa.

According to the latest Global Student Flows: India report, the number of foreign students studying in India is expected to rise at an annual rate of about 8% over the next five years, starting from an estimated base of 58,000 students in 2025.

The projected growth comes at a time when many traditional Anglophone study destinations are tightening visa rules, raising costs and introducing restrictions on international student numbers. This shift is gradually encouraging students to consider more accessible and affordable alternatives, and India is emerging as one of the key beneficiaries of this changing global environment.

Regional demand is expected to play a major role in strengthening India’s position as an education destination. Student inflows from South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa are projected to grow steadily over the coming years, with annual expansion estimated at around 11% and 6% respectively between 2024 and 2030. These regions already maintain strong academic, cultural and economic links with India, which further supports student mobility.

India’s appeal lies in several structural advantages. The country offers English-medium education, internationally recognised academic programmes, relatively affordable tuition and living costs, and geographic proximity to key sending markets. These factors make Indian universities an attractive option for students seeking high-quality education without the financial burden often associated with Western destinations.