Nepal remains the largest source of foreign students studying in India, according to the latest data from the Ministry of Education. The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) for the academic year 2023-24 reveals that India attracted students from 173 countries, enrolling a total of 58,134 international students across its universities and colleges.
Karnataka emerged as the leading state hosting foreign students, narrowly surpassing Punjab. This trend highlights India's growing appeal as a destination for higher education among international learners.
Understanding the AISHE Survey and Its Role
The AISHE survey is a comprehensive annual exercise that collects detailed data from higher education institutions (HEIs) across India. Using a web-based data capture format, institutions report on student enrollment, faculty, infrastructure, examination results, and more. This survey serves as the primary official source for statistics on India's higher education sector, guiding policy decisions, planning, and monitoring.
For the 2023-24 academic year, the survey recorded foreign student enrollment figures and demographic details, providing a clear picture of international participation in Indian higher education.
Key Facts on Foreign Student Enrollment in India
- India hosted 58,134 foreign students in 2023-24, an 18.9% increase from 48,898 in 2019-20.
- Nepal accounted for the largest share of these students at 24.1%, followed by the UAE (7%), the US (5.9%), Bangladesh (5.9%), Nigeria (5.5%), and Zimbabwe (4%).
- The top 10 countries contributed nearly 64% of all foreign students in India.
- Karnataka led states in foreign student enrollment with 7,914 students, just ahead of Punjab’s 7,902.
- Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu rounded out the top five states.
- Undergraduate programs attracted the majority of foreign students, with 73.6% enrolled at this level.
- Male students numbered 37,295, while female students totaled 20,839 among the international cohort.
- Smaller numbers of foreign students pursued postgraduate, diploma, PhD, certificate, and integrated courses.
Why India’s Growing International Student Population Matters
The steady rise in foreign student enrollment reflects India's increasing prominence as a global education hub. The diversity of countries represented, including Lebanon, Burkina Faso, Mongolia, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Chile, shows the broad international interest in Indian institutions.
The Ministry of Education’s Study in India (SII) program, launched in 2018, aims to further boost this trend by promoting Indian higher education abroad. This initiative supports India’s goal to enhance cultural exchange, improve educational standards, and strengthen international ties.
For Indian states like Karnataka and Punjab, attracting foreign students contributes to local economies and enriches academic environments. It also encourages institutions to maintain high standards and expand their global outreach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which country sends the most students to India?
A: Nepal sends the highest number of foreign students to India, making up 24.1% of the total international student population in 2023-24.
Q: What is the Study in India program?
A: Launched in 2018 by the Ministry of Education, the Study in India program promotes Indian higher education to international students, aiming to increase their enrollment and enhance global academic partnerships.
Q: Which Indian state hosts the most foreign students?
A: Karnataka is the top state for foreign student enrollment, with 7,914 international students in the 2023-24 academic year, closely followed by Punjab.
