<p>The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to internationalise education in India, aligning it with global standards and attracting foreign universities to establish campuses in the country. To achieve this, the University Grants Commission (UGC) released guidelines in July 2023 for the internationalisation of Higher Education.</p>.<p>As globalisation influences education, many international institutions are establishing campuses in India. This move aims to enable students to access a world-class education at home without travelling abroad, avoiding the stringent visa restrictions, and making higher education more affordable.</p>.<p><strong>Challenges</strong> </p>.<p>Navigating India’s regulatory framework can be daunting. Despite recent reforms, obtaining necessary approvals remains time-consuming due to the need to comply with multiple regulatory bodies. Many foreign Universities entering India are not globally elite institutions. Maintaining high academic standards while meeting local accreditation requirements is crucial for the success of foreign institutions.</p>.<p>Adapting to the socio-cultural context of India requires a deep understanding of local customs, values, and educational expectations, as well as harmonising operational differences with Indian norms. Establishing and maintaining a campus in India involves a significant investment. Balancing costs with the need to offer affordable tuition fees can be challenging.</p>.<p>Political and legal uncertainties, including changes in leadership and policies, can impact foreign universities. Legal challenges related to land acquisition, labour laws, talent acquisition, and intellectual property rights can pose significant risks.</p>.<p><strong>Opportunities</strong></p>.<p>India has a growing demand for higher education, with a large population of young people (52%) under the age of 30. A rising middle class willing to invest in premium education creates a substantial market for foreign universities. Collaborating with Indian institutions can enhance research capabilities, lead to innovative solutions, and attract talent and funding, thereby fostering a vibrant academic and research environment.</p>.<p>The Indian government’s New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to attract foreign universities and simplify regulatory processes through incentives like tax benefits and easier land acquisition. India’s young, tech-savvy, English-speaking students offer a unique advantage for foreign universities, driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.</p>.<p>Establishing a presence in India enables foreign universities to expand their global reach and reputation, fostering cross-border education, student and faculty exchange programs, and joint research initiatives. Foreign universities can contribute to the skill development of Indian students by offering programs aligned with global industry standards and creating partnerships with industries for internships and practical training.</p>.<p><strong>Rewarding tie-ups</strong> </p><p><br>To strengthen India’s higher education system and attract quality foreign higher educational institutions (FHEIs), the UGC should actively involve and promote collaborative models. Encouraging local universities to take the lead in partnerships with FHEIs can create mutually beneficial relationships. Establishing joint research centres will enhance research capacity, innovation, and knowledge exchange. Locating foreign and local institutions on shared campuses can facilitate deeper integration and academic collaboration.</p>.<p>The government should provide institutional support in the form of funding, infrastructure, and policy guidance to make Indian universities more attractive partners for international collaborations. A flexible regulatory framework that meets the needs of FHEIs, while maintaining quality standards, is essential for sustained collaboration. Faculty exchange programs, government-backed research grants, and a strong culture of collaboration, promoted through workshops, seminars, conferences, and networking platforms, can all help foster long-term academic synergy and global engagement.</p>.<p><strong>Many foreign varsities in line</strong></p>.<p>The University of Southampton (UK) will open a campus in Gurugram, India, at the start of the academic year (Aug 2025), marking a key development in India’s higher education landscape. Five globally renowned Universities, including the Illinois Institute of Technology (USA), the University of Liverpool (UK), Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy), Victoria University and Western Sydney University (Australia), are in advanced stages of establishing campuses, with operations expected by 2027-2028. More applications from reputable universities are also under review with the UGC.</p>.<p>The emergence of foreign universities in India represents a significant advancement in the country’s educational landscape. Despite challenges, there are substantial opportunities for these institutions. By forming local partnerships, MoUs, complying with regulations, and adapting to local culture, foreign universities can have a significant impact on India’s higher education. The interest from various universities marks the start of a promising future, positioning India as a VISHWA GURU and promoting innovation and competitiveness.</p>.<p><em>(The author is a Bengaluru-based academic)</em></p>
<p>The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to internationalise education in India, aligning it with global standards and attracting foreign universities to establish campuses in the country. To achieve this, the University Grants Commission (UGC) released guidelines in July 2023 for the internationalisation of Higher Education.</p>.<p>As globalisation influences education, many international institutions are establishing campuses in India. This move aims to enable students to access a world-class education at home without travelling abroad, avoiding the stringent visa restrictions, and making higher education more affordable.</p>.<p><strong>Challenges</strong> </p>.<p>Navigating India’s regulatory framework can be daunting. Despite recent reforms, obtaining necessary approvals remains time-consuming due to the need to comply with multiple regulatory bodies. Many foreign Universities entering India are not globally elite institutions. Maintaining high academic standards while meeting local accreditation requirements is crucial for the success of foreign institutions.</p>.<p>Adapting to the socio-cultural context of India requires a deep understanding of local customs, values, and educational expectations, as well as harmonising operational differences with Indian norms. Establishing and maintaining a campus in India involves a significant investment. Balancing costs with the need to offer affordable tuition fees can be challenging.</p>.<p>Political and legal uncertainties, including changes in leadership and policies, can impact foreign universities. Legal challenges related to land acquisition, labour laws, talent acquisition, and intellectual property rights can pose significant risks.</p>.<p><strong>Opportunities</strong></p>.<p>India has a growing demand for higher education, with a large population of young people (52%) under the age of 30. A rising middle class willing to invest in premium education creates a substantial market for foreign universities. Collaborating with Indian institutions can enhance research capabilities, lead to innovative solutions, and attract talent and funding, thereby fostering a vibrant academic and research environment.</p>.<p>The Indian government’s New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to attract foreign universities and simplify regulatory processes through incentives like tax benefits and easier land acquisition. India’s young, tech-savvy, English-speaking students offer a unique advantage for foreign universities, driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.</p>.<p>Establishing a presence in India enables foreign universities to expand their global reach and reputation, fostering cross-border education, student and faculty exchange programs, and joint research initiatives. Foreign universities can contribute to the skill development of Indian students by offering programs aligned with global industry standards and creating partnerships with industries for internships and practical training.</p>.<p><strong>Rewarding tie-ups</strong> </p><p><br>To strengthen India’s higher education system and attract quality foreign higher educational institutions (FHEIs), the UGC should actively involve and promote collaborative models. Encouraging local universities to take the lead in partnerships with FHEIs can create mutually beneficial relationships. Establishing joint research centres will enhance research capacity, innovation, and knowledge exchange. Locating foreign and local institutions on shared campuses can facilitate deeper integration and academic collaboration.</p>.<p>The government should provide institutional support in the form of funding, infrastructure, and policy guidance to make Indian universities more attractive partners for international collaborations. A flexible regulatory framework that meets the needs of FHEIs, while maintaining quality standards, is essential for sustained collaboration. Faculty exchange programs, government-backed research grants, and a strong culture of collaboration, promoted through workshops, seminars, conferences, and networking platforms, can all help foster long-term academic synergy and global engagement.</p>.<p><strong>Many foreign varsities in line</strong></p>.<p>The University of Southampton (UK) will open a campus in Gurugram, India, at the start of the academic year (Aug 2025), marking a key development in India’s higher education landscape. Five globally renowned Universities, including the Illinois Institute of Technology (USA), the University of Liverpool (UK), Istituto Europeo di Design (Italy), Victoria University and Western Sydney University (Australia), are in advanced stages of establishing campuses, with operations expected by 2027-2028. More applications from reputable universities are also under review with the UGC.</p>.<p>The emergence of foreign universities in India represents a significant advancement in the country’s educational landscape. Despite challenges, there are substantial opportunities for these institutions. By forming local partnerships, MoUs, complying with regulations, and adapting to local culture, foreign universities can have a significant impact on India’s higher education. The interest from various universities marks the start of a promising future, positioning India as a VISHWA GURU and promoting innovation and competitiveness.</p>.<p><em>(The author is a Bengaluru-based academic)</em></p>