By Sanjay Laul, founder of MSM Unify
India eyes to make higher education its next major global export, following the success of its information technology sector. Over 760,000 Indian students pursued degrees abroad in 2024. Due to this massive outflow, the industry estimates that combined overseas spending will hit USD 70 billion by 2025. With current government reforms and growing demand for flexible and affordable programs, policymakers are now making higher education a potential export sector.
Shifting from Student Outflow to Education Export
India ranks among the world’s top three countries sending students overseas. However, tensions and challenges are shifting global study routes. The effect was observed by the 15% decline in the number of Indian students abroad in 2024. The number shows students’ global aspirations persist despite fewer accessible pathways.
This environment has prompted India to develop transnational education models. This includes joint and dual degrees, online programs and hybrid twinning arrangements that allow foreign learners to access Indian qualifications without relocating.
For decades, India exported IT talent to the world. The next phase could be exporting academic expertise. Our systems, teaching quality and scalable models are very supportive of this next big step. If executed with credibility, education could be India’s next large-scale service export.
Policy Framework Opens the Door
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 laid the foundation for India’s higher education globalization push. It promotes credit mobility, flexible learning and international collaboration to build a “global knowledge hub.”
The University Grants Commission also issued new regulations that allow international universities to establish campuses in India. Five international institutions have already received approval to operate in India. This includes universities from Australia, UK and US.
The rules also simplify dual and joint degree arrangements. This enables Indian institutions to collaborate with global partners on delivering programs. Simultaneously, Indian universities are being encouraged to expand abroad, a two-way approach to international education.
Government reforms are creating a two-way flow. Foreign universities can enter India and Indian universities can reach global students. The next step is ensuring academic standards are recognized across borders.
Quality and Global Recognition Remain Key
India operates one of the world’s largest higher education systems, with over 43 million students enrolled and more than 58,000 institutions. While enrollment is rising, reports flag persistent challenges in faculty training, weak employability of graduates and limited research output.
The NEP targets a Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of 50% by 2035. This means nearly doubling the current level, which will require new institutions, teachers and digital infrastructure.
Experts said success in exporting Indian degrees will rely on consistent quality control, recognition agreements and technology-based learning standards.
Exporting education is not only an economic move but also a diplomatic one. When Indian institutions gain trust abroad, we shift India’s global image from talent provider to education exporter.
India’s education export ambitions are still emerging, but the framework is taking shape. If technology, regulation and quality assurance align, education could join IT and business process outsourcing as one of the country’s next major service exports.
