By Shrenik Parmar
In an era marked by increasing globalization, students around the world are increasingly setting their sights on education beyond national borders. For ambitious Indian students, the world is no longer confined to one class and one country. Transnational Education (TNE) has emerged as a powerful force, not just a trend; it’s a transformation, and India
The Demand, the Partnerships, and the Delivery
Driven by aspirations for international exposure, specialized knowledge, and enhanced career prospects, the demand for TNE in India is booming. Students yearn for the prestige of a foreign degree, the exposure to diverse perspectives, and the enhanced skills that global education offers. This demand has attracted leading universities from across the globe to partner with Indian institutions, creating a vibrant ecosystem of credit transfers, joint degree programs, or integrated degree programs.
According to a 2022-23 report by QS India, the number of Indian students enrolled in international universities reached a staggering 1.2 million, highlighting the immense potential of TNE to cater to this demand. According to the UGC, over 100,000 students were enrolled in TNE programs in 2022-23, signifying a significant rise compared to previous years. This surge is expected to double in the next three years, signifying the immense potential and the growing trust and acceptance of TNE programs amongst both students and academic institutions.
According to the Times Higher Education report, In April 2023, UN estimates showed that India surpassed China as the country with the largest population, and in 2022, Indian students are second behind only China in terms of international students studying in the UK.
Around 750,000 students from India went abroad but 4x more students dreamt of it, however, dropped out due to financial and personal constraints. Also, there has been a rise of 300,000 in the last five years seen in the study-abroad market
Top Indian universities such as Amity, Alliance, Thapar, Jagsom, Universal Business School, MET Mumbai, and St. Xaviers Bangalore, are actively partnering with institutions from across the globe.
Some of the key countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada remain popular destinations, and also new horizons are emerging, with partnerships extending to Italy, France, Belgium, Germany and Singapore.
United States
Renowned universities like Livingston, Kennesaw State University, University of Toledo, University of Texas are collaborating with Indian institutions on various programs.
United Kingdom
University of Bangor, Queen Margaret University, University of East London, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, Deakin University, and Edinburgh Napier University are among the British universities partnering with Indian counterparts.
Australia
Universities like Leeds Beckett University, Cardiff Metropolitan University, University of Lancashire, and Sydney Business school are offering joint degrees and twinning programs in India.
Canada
University Canada West, Trent
Indian universities are leveraging their strengths in fields like engineering, IT, and management to forge partnerships with their global counterparts, creating a win-win situation for both students and institutions.
TNE has opened doors for countless students who might not have otherwise experienced international education. Students from smaller towns and marginalized communities can now access world-class programs without the geographical or financial constraints that once impeded their aspirations.
Beyond the tangible benefit of dual qualifications, the true value of these programs lies in the transformative experiences they offer students:
International Exposure
Studying alongside students from diverse backgrounds nurtures cultural sensitivity, global awareness, and communication skills – attributes highly sought after by employers today.
Specialized Knowledge
Access to cutting-edge curricula and renowned faculty from foreign universities allows students to specialize in niche fields and gain industry
Improved Employability
A foreign degree coupled with the Indian academic foundation gives graduates a competitive edge in the global job market. They become attractive candidates for multinational companies and open doors to international career opportunities.
Regulatory Tailwinds
Recognizing the immense potential of TNE, the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) have implemented supportive regulatory changes. These reforms streamline approval processes, allow foreign degrees to be delivered through TNE partnerships, and encourage blended learning models, making TNE more accessible and flexible.
In alignment with the forward-thinking NEP2020, Ed-Tech organizations facilitate pathways that unite prestigious local and international academic institutions. These pathways include transferring credits (2+2, 3+1, 1+1), pursuing dual degrees, or seeking a unified degree with dual accreditation. The integrated degree program allows students to acquire both a bachelor’s and master’s degree within five years, drawing insights from both local and global perspectives.
This shift creates a win-win situation. Students benefit from affordable access to globally recognized degrees, while Indian universities gain international standing and attract diverse talent. The economic benefits are undeniable, with increased foreign exchange earnings and the creation of high-skilled graduates who contribute to India’s global competitiveness.
Transnational Education is not just an academic trend; and has undoubtedly become a launchpad for global success, providing students in India with unprecedented opportunities to engage with international education. By opening doors to international education within Indian borders, TNE empowers individuals, fuels their ambitions, and propels them onto the global stage. As India embraces this dynamic space, it builds a launchpad for its students, propelling them from their campuses into the vast possibilities of the cosmos, ready to shine on the world stage.
(Author is Founder and CEO, DegreeLabs Limited)