India , Jan 10 : Ishfaq Gowhar
India has become one of the world’s largest sources of international students, yet it remains a relatively low-profile destination for foreign learners. This paradox underlines growing concerns identified in recent analyses of higher education mobility.
For decades, pursuing education abroad has shifted from being an option to an expectation for many Indian families. A foreign degree is often viewed as a gateway to professional stability, global exposure, and social advancement. Consequently, the number of Indian students going overseas continues to rise, even as the country’s own higher education institutions grow in number.
Despite this outward flow, Indian universities struggle to attract international students, highlighting a significant imbalance that could have long-term implications for both the nation’s education system and its economy.
A One-Sided Flow of Academic Migration
Student mobility from India predominantly follows a one-way pattern, with far more students leaving than coming in.
