In a major move under NEP’s internationalization agenda, so far four leading global universities have been issued the Letters of Intent (LoIs) under the UGC Regulations for setting up of Indian campuses of foreign universities. As the onset of foreign campuses in India mark an inflexion point for the country’s higher education scenario, all eyes will be monitoring closely how successful this much awaited initiative turns out to be.
By Kalpesh Banker, Managing Partner at EduShine Search Partner
The government of India has opened doors to foreign universities and a few prestigious names from abroad have started the process of setting up their campuses here in India. The move is a strategic shift and aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. As, the entry of foreign universities is bound to create systemic changes in the way our higher education ecosystem runs here in India, experts are approaching this policy decision with enthusiasm as well as caution. The entry of foreign HEIs will raise education standards, but to what extent remains unclear. The more pertinent question, however, is whether this entry move is worth the hype around it?
Global Education, Affordable Cost
Affordability is the biggest merit drawing Indian students to the campuses of foreign universities in India. After all, who wouldn’t like to earn an Australian or American degree without breaking their bank? While getting a degree from abroad costs at least Rs 30–50 lakhs, the same degree can be earned in local campuses at one-third of the cost. In addition, students can save on visa fees, living expenses, and transportation costs, which are an indispensable part of the costs borne by students studying abroad.
While affordability is certainly the attention grabber, the foreign universities are equally appealing in their academia and learning prospects. Like their mother campuses, the branches of these universities here in India promise exposure to global curricula, international faculty, and immersive pedagogies for superior learning experiences. In other words, these campuses offer students the best of both worlds: a global yet affordable degree.
Catalysing Change, Building Tomorrow
Foreign campuses can prove a catalyst for change. Their foray is also prompting Indian counterparts to improve their academics, pedagogy, and industry linkages. The foreign universities also exchange opportunities and collaborative research, creating benchmarks for home-grown institutions in India. Importantly, the entry of global universities is democratising access to international education for students here in India. Specifically, aspirants belonging to tier 2 and 3 cities can avail this opportunity to get exposure to the global education here in India.
Risks and Challenges
The entry of foreign universities in India is indeed a welcome step. That said, the foray is not without its risks and challenges. The evolving regulations make quality management of these campuses quite tricky. The long-term reputation of foreign universities also hinges on the credibility and acceptance of their degrees. Further, a subpar foreign campus could dilute the appeal of their parent institutions, besides disappointing students banking on its global appeal. Policymakers also need to take into account the scenario of a sudden exit of a foreign university and its subsequent consequences. Strong safeguards, continuity plans, and clear dispute resolution mechanisms need to be in place to help address these issues effectively.
Conclusion
The entry of foreign HEIs brings a new ray of hope, opportunity, and global prestige to Indian students without mandating them spend fortunes. That said, the road to this collaborative opportunity is not without its thorns. The issues such as quality, parity, and long-term vale must be approached from a holistic perspective. Proper safeguards must be developed, and accountability should be established for strict monitoring of the quality parameters.
