In a significant educational trend, the number of Indian students opting for international higher education has been experiencing a remarkable surge. According to the most recent data from the Educational Testing Service (ETS), TOEFL test takers in India have witnessed a substantial 59 percent increase since international travel resumed post the Covid-19 pandemic suspension.
The Education Ministry, in data presented in Parliament, revealed that Indian students pursuing higher education abroad reached a six-year peak in 2022, exceeding 7.5 lakhs. What’s more is that India outpaced China to become the leading source of international students in the United States during the same year.
These compelling statistics paint a vivid picture of a seismic shift in the aspirations of Indian students. Gone are the days when the United States and the United Kingdom were the primary destinations for higher education seekers. Today, a growing number of Indian students are diversifying their academic horizons, moving to countries like Australia, Germany, Singapore, and France, among others. Even with the rupee’s decline, they continue to invest billions of dollars in tuition fees, as well as substantial amounts for living expenses and travel. Some reports estimate that Indian students spend up to $30 billion annually on their education abroad. Additionally, the sluggish job market has made it tougher to secure employment.
Nonetheless, Indian students persist in their pursuit of education and career opportunities overseas. This transformation beckons a deeper exploration into the motivations behind this global migration. It compels us to ponder why Indian students are increasingly eschewing domestic institutions and what underlying challenges might be driving this trend. It’s a call to scrutinise our higher education system and to comprehend the evolving needs and desires of our aspiring scholars.
Over the past seven decades, successive governments in India have emphasized the critical importance of education, unveiling various policies and initiatives aimed at fostering learning opportunities for Indian students across all levels. As per the All India Survey of Higher Education Report (AISHE 2019–20), India boasts an impressive tally of 1,043 universities, along with 42,343 colleges and 11,779 stand-alone institutions, positioning it as one of the world’s largest higher education sectors. However, the fervent drive to expand educational capacity amid limited resources has necessitated difficult choices, often at the expense of educational quality.
Many Indian colleges and universities find themselves unable to meet the minimum standards set by the University Grants Commission (UGC), resulting in a struggle to secure a noteworthy global standing. In the recent QS World University Rankings, not a single Indian institution claimed a spot within the top 100 global universities, with only IIT Bombay managing a place in the top 150. Additionally, 13 Indian universities experienced a decline in their rankings. While the introduction of a new international student ratio indicator played a role, other critical factors underscore the need for a transformative shift.
Furthermore, the substantial influx of Indian students pursuing postgraduate degrees at foreign universities can be attributed to a fundamental scarcity of comparable opportunities within India. A mere 35% of Indian higher education institutions provide postgraduate programmes, with a mere 2.5% offering PhD programs. Notably, a significant portion of these programs is housed within privately managed institutions, often operating within a landscape characterized by lax regulation and accreditation standards.
Conversely, in many other countries, the significance of pursuing PhDs and postgraduate degrees is notably elevated. These nations provide access to exceptional professors, robust research opportunities, and coveted fellowships, creating an environment conducive to academic excellence. In stark contrast, a substantial number of research scholars in India face the disheartening reality of either lacking fellowships or experiencing significant delays in receiving them, which inevitably casts a shadow over their research endeavors.
Additionally, Indian higher education institutions grapple with a glaring deficiency in connectivity to research centers, further exacerbating the challenges plaguing the country’s higher education landscape. Moreover, the expanded access to study abroad loans is enabling middle-class students to realize their aspirations of international education. In the academic year 2012-2013, the figure stood at 20,366, while by 2021-2022, it had surged to 69,898.
Addressing the problem of poor quality of curriculum is crucial for ensuring that students receive a relevant and high-quality education that equips them with the skills and knowledge needed for the modern workforce. Establishing strong ties with industries and businesses to bridge the gap between academia and real-world needs is of utmost importance These makes students market ready and can help solve the skill gap problem.
In addition, promoting collaboration between Indian higher education institutes and top international institutions can help India leverage global expertise, resources, and diverse perspectives to address complex challenges and drive innovation. Promoting a multidisciplinary approach in higher education is paramount to ensure that students’ knowledge extends beyond the confines of their own subjects. Encouraging interdisciplinary learning enriches students’ educational experiences and equips them with a broader skill set that is increasingly essential in the complex, interconnected world we live in.
Lakhs of Indian students travel abroad for higher education every year and spend $28 billion or 1 percent of our GDP on this. This is a big drain on India’s financial and human capital. It’s time to make our universities globally competitive. Enhancing the higher education system requires the enhancement of teaching methods, fostering connections between research and teaching, promoting collaboration among higher education institutions, research centers, and industries. These measures are crucial not just for economic advancement but also for promoting social unity and empowering the youth of the nation.
Mahek Nankani is Lead, Growth & Partnerships at The Educational Initiatives. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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