Foreign University Campuses in India

Why are they not the Panacea for Our Higher Education Woes? (ICC Blog # 119)

The Aspirational Young Indian

In a recent opinion piece in The Hindu titled "Bringing Global Education Home," former UGC Chairman Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar celebrated the arrival of foreign university campuses in India as a bold step toward globalising our education system, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He highlighted the issuance of 12 letters of intent to top foreign institutions, with one UK university already operational in Gurugram and others planned for major cities. While this initiative sounds promising on paper, I argue it's a flawed approach that distracts from addressing the core issues plaguing India's vast higher education landscape. Drawing on the latest publicly available data, let's unpack why this policy might not deliver the transformative impact it's touted to have.

India's Already Massive Education Ecosystem

India's higher education system is enormous, boasting 1,168 universities, 45,473 colleges, and 12,002 standalone institutions as per the All-India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2021-22. Many of these, such as the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), already hold global repute, ranking among the world's best in fields like engineering and management. Adding just a handful of foreign campuses—12 letters of intent issued by the UGC to institutions from Australia, Italy, the UK, and the USA—won't radically overhaul this behemoth. With only five recently approved to start operations between 2026 and 2027, and up to 15 potentially opening in the 2025-26 academic year, their scale is minuscule compared to the existing infrastructure. These foreign outposts might introduce niche programs in AI or sustainability, but they risk becoming elite enclaves rather than catalysts for widespread improvement.

The Numbers Don't Add Up for Student Needs

Each year, approximately 4.33 crore (43.3 million) students enrol in higher education across India, according to AISHE 2021-22. Meanwhile, around 759,000 Indian students headed abroad for studies in 2024, down from 893,000 in 2023 due to factors like rising costs and visa restrictions. These few foreign campuses, even if they enrol a few thousand students each, barely scratch the surface for either the massive domestic enrollment or the outbound cohort. They won't decongest overcrowded local institutions or stem the brain drain significantly, especially since many abroad-bound students prioritise destinations like Canada (137,608 Indian students in 2024) and the UK (98,890) for their robust ecosystems.

Missing the Allure of True International Exposure

Students don't just chase degrees abroad; they seek cultural immersion, diverse networks, and post-study work opportunities that pave the way for global careers. Foreign campuses in India can't replicate the full experience of living in a new country, navigating different societies, or accessing work visas in places like the US or Australia. While these local branches might offer international faculty and curricula, they fall short on the "soft" benefits that draw over 1 million Indian students to 85 countries worldwide. If the goal is global competitiveness, why not invest in enhancing outbound mobility programs or reciprocal exchanges instead?

Prioritize Collaborations Over Standalone Campuses

A smarter path would be fostering deep collaborations with global institutions, bringing international faculty, joint research, and twinning programs into our existing universities. NEP 2020 already encourages this, and initiatives like the Anusandhan National Research Foundation are streamlining research funding. By creating a welcoming environment—through better infrastructure, reduced bureaucracy, and competitive salaries—we could integrate global expertise without the need for separate campuses. This approach would democratize benefits across the system rather than concentrating them in a few urban hubs.

Turn the Tables: Attract the World to India

India hosts only about 72,000 international students as of 2024-25, a fraction of our potential given our cultural diversity, linguistic variety, and democratic vibrancy. Establishing promotional offices abroad, similar to those run by countries like Australia or the UK, could spotlight our strengths and draw more foreign learners. Programs like Study in India have shown promise, but scaling them up—coupled with easier visas and safer campuses—could boost inbound numbers significantly. As our middle class grows and economy booms, the world will come if we present ourselves as a vibrant hub, bringing fresh ideas and economic benefits in return.

Ensure Fair Play in Regulations

If foreign universities must come, they should operate under the same rules as Indian ones, including fee regulations and admission quotas, to foster genuine competition. Alternatively, extend similar autonomy—such as flexible curricula and hiring—to domestic institutions to level the playing field. UGC's current framework grants foreign campuses some flexibility, which could inadvertently disadvantage local players unless balanced with reforms for all.

The Elephant in the Room: Employability and Jobs

India's youth are aspirational, but frustration looms large with over 1 crore graduates entering the job market annually. Alarmingly, only 42.6% of graduates were deemed employable in 2024, down from 44.3% in 2023, per Mercer | Mettl's India Graduate Skill Index. Unemployment among graduates aged 15+ stands at 14.9%, far higher than the national average of 5.2%. Foreign campuses offer no binding commitments on job placements or skill-matching, and without conditions like local hiring quotas, they might exacerbate inequalities rather than solve the employability crisis.

Embrace Digital Disruption and Domestic Mentoring

In the age of AI and digital tools, knowledge is increasingly accessible at low or no cost through platforms like Coursera or edX. Many progressive Indian institutions—private ones like Ashoka University or government-backed IITs—are already leveraging international collaborations for cutting-edge curricula. Instead of imports, empower these frontrunners to mentor regional colleges, spreading best practices equitably. This homegrown strategy aligns better with India's needs, fostering inclusive growth without relying on external saviours.

In conclusion, while foreign university campuses symbolise ambition, they risk being a shiny distraction from the real work: bolstering our domestic system, enhancing employability, and positioning India as a global education exporter. Let's refocus on sustainable reforms that benefit the masses, not just a privileged few. What do you think—game-changer or gimmick? Share your views in the comments!