Key Takeaways

  • Foreign student enrolment in India increased by 47% over the last decade.
  • India hosted more than 58,000 international students from 173 countries in 2023-24.
  • Nepal remained the largest source country, contributing 24.1% of all foreign students.

Quick Facts

  • Report: All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24
  • Growth in foreign enrolment: 47% over a decade
  • Countries represented: 173

India’s higher education institutions have recorded a 47% increase in foreign student enrolment over the past decade, reflecting the country’s growing appeal as an education destination. According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24, the number of international students studying in India has grown from around 39,000 in 2013-14 to more than 58,000 in 2023-24, with students arriving from 173 countries.

The latest data show that Nepal continues to be India’s largest source of foreign students, accounting for 24.1% of all international enrolments in 2023-24, up from 21% a decade ago.

The findings are part of the Ministry of Education’s AISHE 2023-24 report, which highlights India’s increasing role in global higher education alongside record overall enrolment in universities and colleges.

Source Countries Have Changed Significantly

While Nepal has retained the top position, the composition of countries sending students to India has changed considerably over the last ten years.

In 2013-14, the leading source countries after Nepal were:

Afghanistan (8%)
Bhutan (7%)
Malaysia (6%)
Sudan (5%)
Iraq (5%)

By 2023-24, the list had shifted to:

Nepal (24.1%)
United Arab Emirates (7%)
United States (5.9%)
Bangladesh (5.9%)
Nigeria (5.5%)
Zimbabwe (4%)

The changing pattern reflects India’s expanding educational links with countries beyond South Asia.

Karnataka Emerges as Top Destination

Among Indian states, Karnataka hosted the highest number of foreign students, narrowly surpassing Punjab. The state’s large concentration of universities, engineering colleges and medical institutions has made it a preferred destination for international students. Undergraduate programmes continue to attract the majority of foreign enrolments.

Overall Higher Education Enrolment Also Hits Record

The AISHE report also noted that India’s overall higher education enrolment reached a record 4.5 crore students in 2023-24, representing a 31.5% increase over the past decade. Female enrolment has grown sharply during the same period, while STEM education now accounts for more than one crore students nationwide.

Education experts say the rise in international enrolment indicates that India’s relatively affordable education, expanding university network and improving academic reputation are making it an increasingly attractive destination for students from across the world.