How Foreign Universities Can Tap Into Indian Higher Education Industry

The Education sector in India has grown leaps and bounds and is by far the largest capitalized space in India. India’s Higher Education system is the world’s third largest with respect to student enrolment. Huge demand/ supply gap in the sector, increased number of private players venturing into the Education sector, Increasing FDI into the sector, are among the several factors responsible for the exponential growth the sector has experienced in India.

Realizing the growth potential of Indian Higher education industry, enhanced interest has been shown by Foreign Universities in the sector.

With a declining share of their local students, the universities have understood that going global is critical for survival. This is encouraging several universities to look at emerging economies like India for a more stable and self-sustaining source of income. There are a variety of opportunities for Foreign Universities in India. Some of them are listed below.

Twinning programs

Many international universities collaborate with Indian Educational Institutions for twinning programs. There could be several variations of twinning programs. Generally, a twinning arrangement operates via a student undertaking a study course at its own institute in India for a prescribed period and then subsequently spending equivalent time in the overseas institute.

Distance Education programs

Another mode of operation which is rampant is the e-learning or the distant education course/ program offered by many Foreign Universities to Indian students. Here, Foreign Universities deliver their teaching, often on an individual basis, to students who are not physically present in a traditional educational setting such as a classroom, using technologies/ medium like the Internet.

Student Exchange

With an intention to enhance cross-cultural exposure and so as to provide a global perspective to students, foreign institute partners with Indian educational institutions for student exchange programs. These programs encourage Indian students to spend short time periods generally ranging from 2 weeks to a term/ semester at the campus of Foreign University overseas.

Joint research programs

The purpose of these programs is to advance collaborative research between excellent researchers in Foreign Universities and Indian Institutes while providing opportunities for young researchers to hone their skills. These programs are typically carried out in cooperation with overseas science promotion organizations so as to respond to the global development of scientific research activities.

Coaching and Tutoring

Given the lack of infrastructure and severe competition for quality education, amongst others, there is a large and rapidly growing market for coaching and tutoring services imparted through new and innovative means, particularly the internet. Many online learning companies have forayed into India and earned a good fortune, for e.g. Udemy.