While Malayalis leave, foreigners choose Kerala for studies

At a time when more Malayali students are going abroad for studies, the varsities in Kerala are witnessing another trend - an influx of applications from foreign students.

- ASWIN ASOK KUMAR @T'Puram

International applicants to the University of Kerala, MG University, Cochin University of Science and Technology and Calicut University increased manifold in the last four years. While students migrating from Kerala prefer to settle there, foreign students come here seeking courses that will help them find better jobs in their home countries.

While the number of foreign applications to Kerala University increased by 138.18%, from 1,100 in 2021-22 to 2,620 in 2025-26, the increase in MGU was 95.61% - from 502 to 982 during the period.