NITI Aayog has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to accelerate the internationalisation of India’s higher education sector, highlighting the government’s vision to strengthen India’s global educational footprint. Titled ‘Internationalisation of Higher Education in India: Prospects, Potential, and Policy Recommendations’, the report outlines 22 policy interventions aimed at addressing the long-standing imbalance between inbound and outbound student mobility.

A key recommendation is the establishment of a $10 billion research fund to encourage collaborative research with global institutions and promote cutting-edge innovations. The roadmap also envisions scholarship programs for Indian students to study abroad, as well as initiatives similar to the European Erasmus+ program, which would facilitate academic exchanges, credit transfers, and joint degree programs. These measures are intended to enhance the quality of education, broaden exposure, and build global competencies among Indian students and faculty.

The report highlights that, while India sends millions of students abroad, inbound student mobility remains limited. By creating attractive programs for international students, strengthening research collaborations, and offering financial incentives, the policy aims to make Indian universities more competitive and globally recognised. NITI Aayog emphasizes that internationalisation is not just about student mobility but also about improving faculty exchange, joint research projects, curriculum alignment with global standards, and enhanced infrastructure to support international collaborations.

Experts say that these interventions could significantly boost India’s standing in global education rankings, foster knowledge exchange, and help create a more research-intensive ecosystem. They also suggest that scholarship programs and Erasmus+-like initiatives can make India an appealing destination for foreign students, potentially generating economic and academic benefits.

In addition to scholarships and research funding, the report recommends policy reforms to streamline visa processes, improve institutional autonomy, and encourage public-private partnerships in higher education. By implementing these measures, India can enhance its international profile, attract high-quality faculty and students, and build a globally competitive higher education system.

In conclusion, NITI Aayog’s roadmap for the internationalisation of Indian higher education represents a bold vision to position India as a hub for global learning and research. With a $10 billion research fund, scholarship schemes, and international exchange programs, the plan seeks to balance inbound and outbound student mobility while fostering innovation, academic excellence, and global partnerships. This strategic approach could transform India’s higher education landscape and strengthen its role in the global knowledge economy.