Foreign Students in India: Higher education in India is no longer limited to domestic students; a large number of students from various countries across the globe are consistently coming here to pursue their studies. The recently released AISHE 2023-24 report by the Ministry of Education highlights key statistics concerning these international students. According to the report, students from 173 countries enrolled in Indian universities and colleges during the 2023-24 academic year. The highest number of students came from Nepal. Among the states, Karnataka emerged as the most preferred destination for international students. Let us take a look at the top states that have become the preferred choice for international students.

Students from 173 Countries Enrolled in India

According to the AISHE 2023-24 report, a total of 58,134 international students enrolled in Indian universities and colleges during the 2023-24 academic session. This survey is compiled by gathering data online from higher education institutions across the country. It encompasses various details such as student admissions, faculty, staff, infrastructure, and examination results. This report serves as the foundation for formulating and monitoring policies related to higher education.

Highest Number of International Students from Nepal

The report indicates that students from Nepal constitute the largest share of international students coming to India for education, accounting for 24.1 percent of the total. They are followed by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at 7 percent, the USA at 5.9 percent, Bangladesh at 5.9 percent, Nigeria at 5.5 percent, and Zimbabwe at 4 percent. The report also notes that the top 10 countries accounted for 63.8 percent of the total number of foreign students.

Which states are the top choices for foreign students?

Karnataka has emerged as the leading education hub for foreign students, with 7,914 foreign students enrolling in its higher education institutions. Punjab follows in second place, with 7,902 students pursuing their studies there. Additionally, 6,190 foreign students enrolled in Maharashtra, 5,953 in Uttar Pradesh, and 5,694 in Tamil Nadu. These five states were among the top destinations attracting foreign students.

Students arrived from these countries as well

In addition to Nepal, the UAE, the USA, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe, students from several other countries—including Lebanon, Burkina Faso, Mongolia, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Chile—also enrolled in Indian higher education institutions during the 2023-24 academic year. The Ministry of Education launched the ‘Study in India’ program in 2018 to encourage foreign students to pursue higher education in India. The initiative aims to attract students from various countries around the world to study at Indian universities and colleges.

Most students opted for undergraduate courses

According to the report, the majority of foreign students coming to India enrolled in undergraduate (UG) courses. Of the total foreign students studying in India, 73.6 percent—or 42,779 students—are pursuing undergraduate studies; this group comprises 27,849 male and 14,930 female students. Meanwhile, 9,845 students enrolled in postgraduate (PG) courses. Additionally, some students are pursuing diploma, PhD, certificate, and integrated courses.

Number of foreign students increased over five years

According to the AISHE report, the number of foreign students in India has steadily increased over the past five years. While there were 48,898 foreign students in the 2019-20 academic year, this number rose to 58,134 in 2023-24. According to the report, the number of foreign students increased in both male and female categories during this period; the number of male students rose from 32,386 to 37,295, while the number of female students increased from 16,512 to 20,839.