Ancient India has long been celebrated as a global knowledge hub. From the early roots of education in Vedic culture to the famed ancient universities of Takshashila and Nalanda, India attracted students and scholars from across the world. These institutions were not just centers of learning but symbols of a holistic education system that emphasised philosophy, science, mathematics, medicine and arts. In contrast, the modern Indian education system, though vast, has been criticised for being exam-centric and focused on rote learning rather than inquiry-driven learning.
Post-colonial India adopted a more rigid education structure, which, although improved access, often left little room for creativity or multidisciplinary exploration. The constraints of this system have been a barrier to innovation, research and critical thinking. This has led an increasing number of Indian students to seek educational opportunities abroad. About 7,50,000 students have traveled abroad to pursue higher education in 2022 alone, while a little over 30,000 international students have enrolled in India in the same year. This emphasises the importance of expanding internationalisation efforts at home.
National Education Policy 2020
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduced a framework that aims to increase international collaborations, attract foreign students and make Indian institutions more competitive globally. One of its core objectives is to make India an attractive destination for higher education and research by aligning Indian education standards with global quality metrics. By promoting the exchange of ideas and students, NEP aims to create a rich learning ecosystem.
The policy encourages Indian universities to establish partnerships with foreign institutions and attract international students by offering world-class facilities and flexible credit systems. NEP also introduced the concept of dual degrees, joint degrees and credit transfers between Indian and foreign institutions, all of which simplify the education pathway for international students.
Global Partnerships and Exchange Programmes
International collaborations have been a focus area for India. Several universities have signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with foreign institutions to facilitate research, student exchange and curriculum development. In addition, India has promoted exchange programmes under initiatives such as Study in India and the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN).
Study in India aims to attract students from countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East by offering scholarships and simplified admission processes. A dedicated portal called ‘Study in India’ has been developed to address the issues of international students. The portal acts as a single entry point for all students coming to study in Indian Universities onboard all HEIs above a certain ranking and lists all programmes they offer.
This will facilitate international students in navigating all information about studies in India and act as a guide in choosing the right institute and course that fits their requirements. In 2018, the Indian government allocated around INR 150 crores for Study in India, with the goal of reaching 200,000 foreign students by 2023. However, actual enrollment numbers have fallen short of these expectations, indicating the need for further reforms and better infrastructure.
Education and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
India’s drive to internationalise its education system aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4, which advocates for inclusive, high-quality education and lifelong learning. By broadening access to international programmes and elevating curriculum standards, India takes steps toward SDG 4.
Additionally, SDG 17 emphasises global partnerships, enabling India to collaborate with other countries and adopt educational best practices while sharing its advancements. India’s commitment to these SDGs is reflected in its emphasis on inclusivity and quality improvements in NEP. Initiatives like foreign faculty exchange and encouraging research partnerships can further strengthen India’s education system in line with these goals.
Scholarships and Financial Support
Financial incentives play a key role in attracting international students. The government and various institutions have introduced scholarships, such as the ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarships, which fund students from developing countries to study in India. Despite these offerings, however, international student applications have been limited. For example, ICCR awards over 3,000 scholarships annually, yet many scholarships remained underutilised because of complex application procedures.
Limited awareness, complex application process and the need for additional financial aid might be some of the reasons for the low uptake of scholarships. Additionally, visa processes and administrative hurdles create barriers for international students considering India as their educational destination.
Language and Cultural Barriers
Language and cultural differences might be another crucial barrier in India’s internationalisation efforts. While English is widely used in higher education, many international students may not be proficient. Creating language support systems or multilingual courses can boost inclusivity. Additionally, enhancing cultural integration through orientation programmes, peer support and student clubs helps international students feel welcome, fostering a more accessible and enriching educational experience.
Strengthening Research and Innovation
Research is often the backbone of a globally competitive education system. India’s expenditure on research and development, however, remains low at around 0.65% of its GDP, compared to developed nations like the US, which spends over 2.5% of GDP on R&D. Increasing this funding could significantly improve India’s reputation as a research-friendly destination, attracting international students and faculty with diverse backgrounds and interests.
Conclusion
Higher education plays a crucial role in shaping individuals, societies and the world at large. In today’s interconnected, globalised landscape, internationalising higher education has become essential to equip students for success in a complex, diverse global environment. Embracing global perspectives, encouraging cultural exchange and building partnerships with international institutions can position India as a leading force in the global education arena.
India has taken significant steps towards internationalising its education system, however, the path faces hurdles in funding, infrastructure and quality alignment with global standards. NEP 2020, scholarship programmes and global partnerships are promising initiatives, yet improvements are needed to attract a more diverse student base and help India establish itself as a true global education hub.
Smile Foundation’s Mission Education programme works to bridge these gaps by promoting inclusive, high-quality education, echoing the goals of India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to revitalise the system through international collaborations and a more multidisciplinary approach.
Aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Smile Foundation aims to create a learning environment that empowers children with both academic knowledge and critical life skills, preparing them to engage with the world beyond the classroom. Through partnerships and community support, the programme addresses barriers to education and advocates for accessible learning experiences, nurturing a new generation equipped to contribute meaningfully to society and the global workforce.
