7 January 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : India has set an ambitious target of hosting 11 lakh international students by 2047, positioning itself as a global education hub by the time the country marks 100 years of independence. While the vision aligns with India’s growing soft power, expanding higher education capacity, and the goals outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, experts warn that significant structural and policy hurdles could slow progress unless addressed urgently.
At present, India hosts a little over 50,000 foreign students, largely from neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and several African nations. Compared to global education destinations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and even emerging Asian hubs such as China and Malaysia, India’s share of international students remains modest. Bridging the gap to 11 lakh students within the next two decades would require a dramatic overhaul of infrastructure, regulations, and global perception.
One of the primary challenges is infrastructure readiness. While India boasts world-class institutions like the IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, and a handful of central universities, the majority of higher education institutions struggle with overcrowded classrooms, outdated facilities, and limited student housing. International students expect modern campuses, reliable internet, research laboratories, and safe accommodation—areas where many Indian universities still lag.
Visa and immigration processes also pose a significant bottleneck. Education experts point out that lengthy visa procedures, inconsistent rules, and lack of post-study work opportunities make India a less attractive option compared to Western countries. Simplifying visa norms, offering long-term student visas, and creating clear post-study employment pathways are seen as crucial steps to compete globally.
Another major concern is academic internationalisation. While NEP 2020 encourages foreign universities to set up campuses in India and promotes international collaboration, implementation has been slow. Only a limited number of foreign institutions have expressed concrete interest so far, citing regulatory uncertainty, autonomy concerns, and financial viability. Without strong global academic partnerships, India may struggle to attract students seeking internationally recognised degrees and exposure.
Language and curriculum alignment further complicate India’s ambitions. Although many Indian institutions offer programmes in English, inconsistencies in teaching quality and curriculum relevance remain issues. Global students often look for flexible, interdisciplinary courses aligned with international standards, whereas many Indian universities continue to follow rigid and outdated syllabi.
Safety, inclusivity, and student support systems are additional factors influencing international student decisions. Reports of discrimination, cultural adjustment challenges, and lack of dedicated international student offices have raised concerns. Experts stress the need for robust grievance redressal mechanisms, cultural orientation programmes, and round-the-clock student support to create a welcoming environment.
Cost, however, remains one of India’s strongest advantages. Compared to Western destinations, tuition fees and living expenses in India are significantly lower. Policymakers believe this affordability, combined with India’s strengths in STEM, medicine, management, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence and data science, could attract students from Asia, Africa, and Latin America if quality assurance is strengthened.
The government has launched initiatives such as the “Study in India” programme to promote Indian institutions globally, streamline admissions, and provide scholarships to foreign students. While these efforts have shown early promise, education analysts argue that branding alone will not suffice. Sustained investment in faculty development, research funding, and global accreditation is essential.
Geopolitical factors could also play a role in India’s favour. Stricter immigration policies and rising education costs in Western countries may push students to explore alternative destinations. India, with its democratic framework, English-language advantage, and expanding digital education ecosystem, has an opportunity to position itself as a credible alternative—provided systemic gaps are addressed.
Private universities are expected to play a key role in achieving the 2047 target. Many private institutions are already investing in global collaborations, modern campuses, and international faculty. However, experts caution that quality regulation must be robust to prevent commercialisation from undermining academic standards.
As India looks ahead, education leaders emphasise that attracting 11 lakh international students is not just a numerical goal but a quality-driven mission. Success will depend on coordinated action between central and state governments, universities, industry, and diplomatic missions.
Without sustained reforms, the 2047 target risks remaining aspirational. But with focused policy execution, global engagement, and investment in student experience, India could transform itself into a major global education destination—one that complements its economic and technological rise on the world stage.
Summary
India aims to host 11 lakh international students by 2047, but infrastructure gaps, visa hurdles, quality concerns, and limited global integration pose major challenges to becoming a true global education hub.