Context: The Union Minister of Education and Union External Affairs Minister have jointly launched Study in India Portal with a vision to promote Indian education to foreign students.

About the Portal

• This platform is dedicated to providing comprehensive information about Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India.

• Its primary objective is to position India as a global education hub by welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.

• The website showcases a wide range of academic programs offered by HEIs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, as well as courses in the Indian Knowledge System (IKS), such as Yoga, Ayurveda, classical arts, and more.

• The portal contains detailed information about the academic facilities, research support, and other relevant information available at the institutes.

• It serves as a one-stop shop for students to register, apply for visas, select courses, and receive offer letters from the institutes.

• The website also allows students to apply for multiple institutes or courses of their choice.

• With a streamlined and well-organized application process, this platform offers international students an optimal opportunity to pursue higher education in India.

India’s foreign student

• India has a rich educational heritage, with several renowned universities and institutions offering a wide range of academic programs.

Factors that have contributed to India’s Foreign Student attraction

• Quality Education: India is home to several prestigious institutions that offer quality education across various disciplines, including engineering, medicine, technology, humanities, and sciences.

• Diverse Courses: The country provides a diverse range of courses, catering to different interests and career goals of international students.

• Affordable Tuition Fees: Compared to many Western countries, the cost of education in India is relatively lower, making it an appealing option for students with budget constraints.

• Cultural Diversity: India’s cultural diversity and rich history offer an immersive experience for foreign students, allowing them to explore and learn from a unique and vibrant culture.

• Language Options: Many courses in India are offered in English, which is widely spoken and understood, making it convenient for international students.

• Research Opportunities: India’s research ecosystem provides opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research in various fields.

• Government Initiatives: The Indian government has been actively promoting India as an educational hub by introducing scholarship programs and simplifying visa processes for foreign students.

Students from various Region

• Over the course of the last seven years, there has been a notable increase in the number of foreign students pursuing higher education in India.

• In 2012-13, the figure stood at 34,774, while in 2019-20, it had risen to 49,348.

• Among these students, the majority hail from South Asian nations, with Nepal being the biggest contributor, followed by Afghanistan.

• While Bangladesh has seen a rise in the number of students, Bhutan and Malaysia have seen a decrease in enrollment.

• Furthermore, there has been a reduction in the number of students from Iraq and Iran in recent years.

Courses Enrolled

• Data reveals that the most sought-after programs are at the undergraduate level.

• It is followed by postgraduate and PhD programs.

• Science subjects are the most popular, with business administration being the second-most preferred option.

• On the other hand, the number of students taking up humanities studies is relatively low.

• In 2019-20, the number of students enrolled in Bachelor of Technology programs was 9,503.

• Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Business Administration were 3,967 and 3,290 respectively.