Various phases and policy changes have marked the evolution of foreign universities in India. The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has encouraged top institutions to establish a presence in India. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to internationalise education in India, aligning with global standards and attracting foreign universities.
To achieve this, the University Grants Commission (UGC) released guidelines for internationalising Higher Education in July 2021. As globalisation influences education, many international institutions are establishing campuses in India. This allows students to access a world-class education without travelling abroad, making it more affordable.
Challenges
Regulatory and bureaucratic hurdles: Navigating India’s regulatory framework can be daunting. Despite recent reforms, obtaining necessary approvals remains time-consuming due to compliance with multiple regulatory bodies.
Quality assurance and accreditation: Foreign institutions must maintain high academic standards while meeting local accreditation requirements.
Cultural and operational differences: Adapting to India’s socio-cultural context requires a deep understanding of local customs, values, and educational expectations, as well as harmonizing operational differences with Indian norms.
Financial viability: Establishing and maintaining a campus in India involves significant investment. Balancing costs with the need to offer affordable tuition fees can be challenging.
Political and legal uncertainties: Changes in leadership and policies can impact foreign universities. Legal challenges related to land acquisition, labour laws, and intellectual property rights can pose significant risks.
Opportunities
Expanding educational demand: India has a growing demand for higher education, with a large population of young people and a rising middle class willing to invest in premium education. This creates a substantial market for foreign universities.
Collaborative research and innovation: Collaborating with Indian institutions can improve research capabilities, lead to innovative solutions, and attract talent and funding for a vibrant academic and research environment.
Government support and policy reforms: 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.
Leveraging India’s demographic dividend: India’s young, tech-savvy, English-speaking students offer a unique advantage for foreign universities, driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and global competitiveness.
Enhancing global reach and reputation: 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.
Contributing to skill development and employability: 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.
(The writer is an author, professor and an education consultant)