India set to entice more international students for higher studies

India is deliberating measures to increase the number of international students coming to the country for higher studies, our New Delhi correspondent reports.

In a review meeting of the education ministry's "Study in India Programme" with partner institutions yesterday, Secretary Higher Education, Amit Khare said the criteria for institutions partnering under the programme would soon be revised so that more institutions that have the necessary infrastructure and academic quality can join.

No distinction will be made between private and public institutions in matters of supporting internationalisation, he said.

Study in India is a programme that aims to attract international students to higher education institutions in India. A select 117 institutions are partners under the programme that was launched in 2018. Admissions are merit based and done through a common portal. Around 7,500 students from over 50 countries have come to Indian institutions so far under this programme.

Khare said the government has recognised the importance of creating a conducive on-campus ecosystem for international students, where they not only get quality academic inputs but can also feel safe, welcome, happy and hassle-free.

There is an urgent requirement of setting up international students' offices in every institution that takes in international students and this office should work as a single window support for anything that international students may need, right from the day they get selected to join the institution.

The ministry is also looking towards enhanced academic collaborations between Indian and international institutions, Khare said.

He said the education ministry has plans to take up the issue of allowing internship for international students with the concerned department of the Indian government.

Many of the partner institutions pointed out that the absence of internship for international students was a big drawback for any programme of higher studies in India.

The ministry will iron out other issues of concern for international students, for example visa issues, according to Khare.