By Shrenik Parmar
In an era of unprecedented globalisation, an increasing number of students are looking beyond their home countries for educational opportunities. For Indian students with ambitious aspirations, the world has become an expansive classroom, unrestricted by geographical boundaries. Transnational Education (TNE) has catalysed a significant transformation in how young Indians approach higher education, positioning India as a top destination for TNE collaborations.
Fulfilling International Aspirations through Strategic Partnerships
The burgeoning demand for Transnational Education (TNE) in India is driven by a desire for global exposure, specialised knowledge and enhanced career prospects. Students are drawn not only to prestigious degrees but also to the transformative experiences and diverse perspectives offered by global education. This demand has led to fruitful partnerships between Indian institutions and international universities, fostering an ecosystem where credit transfers, joint degree programs, and integrated courses are commonplace.
According to a 2022-23 report by QS India, over 1.2 million Indian students are currently enrolled in international universities, highlighting the substantial demand for TNE. Furthermore, the University Grants Commission (UGC) reports that over 1,000,000 students were enrolled in TNE programs in 2022-23, a significant increase from previous years. This upward trajectory is expected to continue, with projections indicating a doubling of enrollment over the next three years, underscoring the immense potential of TNE and its growing acceptance among students and institutions alike.
Recent UN estimates from April 2023 reveal that India has surpassed China to become the most populous country globally. In 2022, Indian students ranked second only to China in terms of international students enrolled in UK universities, according to the Times Higher Education report. It’s noteworthy that while 750,000 Indian students pursued higher education abroad, over four times that number had to forego their dreams due to financial and personal constraints. Additionally, the number of Indian students aspiring to study overseas has increased by 300,000. This rise, coupled with India’s significant international recruitment scale, presents a compelling opportunity for global universities.
Indian universities are leveraging their expertise in sectors such as Engineering, Information Technology, and Management to forge collaborations with global institutions, resulting in mutually beneficial outcomes for students and institutions alike. Notable Indian universities actively engaging in global partnerships include Amity University, Alliance University, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, JAGSoM Business School, Universal Business School, MET Institute of Management, and St. Xavier’s College (Bangalore). While the USA, the UK, Canada, and Australia remain top choices for Indian students, partnerships in countries like Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, and Singapore are on the rise.
Undoubtedly, TNE has unlocked opportunities for countless students who may not have otherwise had access to international education. For decades, students from small towns and marginalised communities were compelled to abandon their aspirations due to financial or geographical constraints. TNE has transformed this landscape, democratising access to global education.
Currently, TNE provision in India is concentrated in Delhi-NCR and select districts of Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Greater Mumbai, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. However, TNE provision mapping indicates significant potential for expansion into several other states such as Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim.
The true value of TNE extends beyond the attainment of dual qualifications, offering life-changing experiences that include:
International Exposure: Learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds fosters cultural sensitivity, global awareness, and refined communication skills—qualities highly prized by today’s employers.
Specialised Knowledge: Access to cutting-edge curriculums and esteemed faculty from overseas universities enables students to specialise in niche fields and acquire industry-relevant expertise.
Improved Employability: Combining a foreign degree with an Indian academic foundation grants graduates a competitive edge in the global job market, positioning them as appealing candidates for multinational corporations and unlocking pathways to international career prospects.
Regulatory Tailwinds
Supportive regulatory changes implemented by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) reflect recognition of TNE’s vast potential. These changes streamline approval processes, facilitate the delivery of international degrees through TNE partnerships, and promote blended learning models, enhancing the accessibility and adaptability of TNE. In alignment with the progressive National Education Policy 2020 (NEP), Ed-Tech organisations are facilitating pathways that integrate esteemed local and international academic institutions. These pathways include credit transfers, dual degrees, or a unified degree with dual accreditation. The integrated degree program empowers students to attain both a bachelor’s and master’s degree within five years, drawing insights from both local and global perspectives.
This transition presents a win-win scenario for Indian students and institutions alike. While students gain easy and affordable access to globally recognized degrees, Indian universities elevate their global reputation and attract diverse talent. The economic benefits are equally significant, with increased foreign exchange inflow and the creation of highly skilled graduates enhancing the nation’s global standing.
The author is the founder and CEO of DegreeLabs Limited. (Views are personal)