Nepal sends most foreign students to India, Karnataka tops destination list: AISHE

Nepal remained the largest source of international students in India in 2023-24, while Karnataka hosted the most foreign students, AISHE data showed. India enrolled 58,134 students from 173 countries, with undergraduate programmes attracting the majority and overall foreign enrolment rising 18.9% over five years.

In Short

• Nepal is the largest source of foreign students in India at 24.1%
• Karnataka hosts the highest number of international students at 7,914
• India enrolled 58,134 foreign students in 2023-24 from 173 countries

Nepal remained the biggest source of international students studying in India, while Karnataka emerged as the preferred destination for foreign students, according to the Ministry of Education's All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24.

The survey found that higher education institutions across India welcomed students from 173 countries during the 2023-24 academic year. A total of 58,134 international students were enroled in universities and colleges nationwide.

The All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) compiles comprehensive data from higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country through a web-based Data Capture Format (DCF). Institutions submit information on student enrolment, faculty and staff, infrastructure, examination results, and other key indicators via the AISHE portal.

As the government's primary source of official higher education statistics, the survey plays a crucial role in shaping policy, planning, and monitoring the sector.

NEPAL TOPS LIST

According to the 2023-24 survey, Nepal accounted for the largest share of foreign students in India at 24.1 per cent. It was followed by the UAE (7 per cent), the US (5.9 per cent), Bangladesh (5.9 per cent), Nigeria (5.5 per cent), and Zimbabwe (4 per cent).

The top 10 source countries together accounted for 63.8 per cent of all international students enroled in India's higher education institutions during the academic year.

KARNATAKA LEADS IN HOSTING FOREIGN STUDENTS

Among states, Karnataka hosted the highest number of foreign students, with 7,914 enroled across its higher education institutions, closely followed by Punjab with 7,902. Maharashtra (6,190), Uttar Pradesh (5,953), and Tamil Nadu (5,694) rounded out the top five destinations for international students.

Most foreign students were enroled in undergraduate programmes, which accounted for 73.6 per cent of total enrolment. A total of 42,779 international students were pursuing undergraduate courses, including 27,849 men and 14,930 women.

Postgraduate programmes accounted for 16.8 per cent of foreign student enrolment, with another 9,845 students enroled.

Smaller numbers of international students pursued diplomas, PhDs, certificates, and integrated courses.

RISE IN FOREIGN ENROLMENT

Foreign student enrolment in India increased from 48,898 in 2019-20 to 58,134 in 2023-24, marking a rise of 9,236 students, or 18.9 per cent, over five years.

The increase was seen across both genders. Male enrolment grew from 32,386 to 37,295 during the period, while the number of women students rose from 16,512 to 20,839.

Besides neighbouring countries, India also attracted students from nations such as Lebanon, Burkina Faso, Mongolia, Mexico, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Chile during the 2023-24 academic year.

To boost international enrolment, the Ministry of Education launched the Study in India (SII) programme in 2018 to position India as a preferred destination for higher education.

(With PTI inputs)

- Ends