Over 28.33 lakh Indian students pursued higher education abroad between 2019 and 2023, reflecting a growing trend in overseas education. Meanwhile, over 2.34 lakh foreign students enrolled in Indian institutions during the same period. Recognizing concerns over "brain drain," the government has emphasized efforts to enhance domestic education quality and position India as a global education hub. While replying to related questions in the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Education presented year-wise data on Indian students studying abroad, highlighting this upward mobility.
Highlights:
- 28.33 lakh Indian students pursued higher education abroad from 2019 to 2023.
- Over 2.34 lakh foreign students enrolled in Indian institutions in the last five years.
Growing Trend of Indian Students Studying Abroad
In the Rajya Sabha, the Ministry of Education provided year-wise data on Indian students pursuing higher education abroad:
| Year |
Students Studying Abroad |
| 2019 |
5,86,337 |
| 2020 |
2,59,655 |
| 2021 |
4,44,553 |
| 2022 |
7,50,365 |
| 2023 |
8,92,989 |
The total of 28.33 lakh students in five years reflects a sharp rise post-pandemic. However, the government does not track returnees, stating that higher education abroad is a matter of individual choice in the context of a globalized knowledge economy.
Inbound Foreign Student Numbers
The government also shared data on international students enrolling in Indian institutions:
| Year |
Foreign Students Enrolled in India |
| 2017-18 |
46,144 |
| 2018-19 |
47,427 |
| 2019-20 |
49,348 |
| 2020-21 |
48,035 |
| 2021-22 |
46,878 |
The total of 2.34 lakh foreign students over five years underscores steady inbound mobility.
Addressing Brain Drain Concerns
The government highlighted comprehensive measures to enhance domestic education quality and curb talent migration. Under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, India aims to become a global education hub through international collaborations and academic partnerships. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced regulations to enable foreign universities to establish campuses in India and offer joint, dual, and twinning degree programs.
Significant investment in infrastructure is being made under programs such as the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) and the establishment of Research Parks at leading institutions to promote research and innovation. Efforts like the Study in India program, launched in 2018 and revamped in 2023, aim to increase foreign student enrollment in Indian universities.
The government is also fostering global collaborations through the Scheme for Promotion of Academic and Research Collaboration (SPARC) and initiatives like One Nation, One Subscription, which provides centralized access to high-quality academic resources.
Scholarships and Research Support
To attract foreign students, the Indian government offers several scholarships, including the Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship and the AYUSH Scholarships. On the domestic front, initiatives such as the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the introduction of Research and Development Cells in higher education institutions aim to strengthen research and innovation ecosystems. These initiatives are designed to retain talent, enhance international collaborations, and position India as a global leader in education.
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