Context
NITI Aayog released a roadmap to internationalise India’s higher education, addressing low foreign student inflow and high Indian student outflow, in line with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Problem Identified
• Severe mobility imbalance: In 2024, for every 1 foreign student in India, 28 Indians studied abroad.
• Low inbound numbers: Only ~47,000 international students in India (2022).
Vision
• Make India a global hub for higher education and research.
• By 2047, host 7.9–11 lakh international students.
Key Proposals
Research funding:
• Bharat Vidya Kosh — $10 billion research sovereign wealth fund.
• 50% diaspora and philanthropy + 50% Centre.
Scholarships & talent attraction:
• Vishwa Bandhu Scholarships (foreign students).
• Vishwa Bandhu Fellowships (foreign faculty and researchers).
Academic reforms:
• Erasmus-like mobility programme.
• Updated curricula; expanded NIRF criteria.
• Easier norms for international campuses in India.
Regulatory support:
• Under Vishwasthan Bill, 2025, a Standards Council (Manak Parishad) to issue non-binding frameworks for internationalisation.
Focus areas:
Strategy, regulation, branding and outreach, curriculum and academic culture.
