India set to become largest international education hub by 2030

The number of foreign students coming to India will grow by approximately 8 per cent per year until 2030, starting from an estimated 58,000 students in 2025, making the country one of the fastest growing destinations in the field of education. This was reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS, citing the results of an analysis of data from the world university rankings, the 2025 international student survey and international student mobility conducted by the analytical company Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

It is noted that almost half of those wishing to study in India come from South Asia. Demand for Indian education is growing in African, with the influx of students from sub-Saharan countries expected to increase by approximately 6 per cent per year. Zimbabwe, with a projected annual growth rate of about 11 per cent in the number of students studying in India, is forecast to become the sixth African country in terms of this indicator by 2030. The Middle East and North Africa are also supporting the emerging trend. By 2030, students from the UAE are expected to account for approximately 5 per cent of the total number of students coming to India.

According to the source, the Indian authorities plan to accept 500,000 foreign students by 2047, which indicates a targeted policy. The reforms being carried out are playing a leading role in achieving these figures. For example, the government's "Study in India" programme has simplified admission and reduced financial barriers, while the national education policy until 2020 has already allowed foreign universities to establish local campuses and increased the number of places for foreign students. In addition, the university grants commission has allowed educational institutions to reserve up to 25 per cent of additional places for foreign applicants. 

"India emerges as a strategic player by streamlining student pathways, aligning programmes with high-demand sectors, and offering credible post-study work routes," the article notes.

At the same time, India remains the second largest source of foreign students in the world: more than 800,000 Indians are studying abroad as of 2024.