Centre decides to start programmes to support foreign students coming to India

Study in India is a programme of the Govt of India that aims to attract international students to higher education institutions in India. Select 117 institutions are partners under the programme that was launched in 2018. Admissions are merit-based and done through a common portal. Around 7500 students from over 50 countries have come to Indian institutions so far under this programme.

The Government has also recognized the importance of creating a conducive, on-campus ecosystem for international students, where they not only get quality academic inputs but can also feel safe, welcome, happy and hassle-free. In this regard, the Secretary called upon all partner institutions to set up world-class hostels for international students. There is a provision for financial assistance for this under the Champion Services Sector Scheme that supports SII, which can be provided to some



institutions.

In addition, there is an urgent requirement of setting up International Students’ Offices in every institution that takes in international students. This office should work as single-window support for anything that the international students may need, right from the day they get selected to join the institution. Besides this, avenues like networks of families, mentors, etc should be developed, who can help the students to socialize so that they feel welcome in the country and have an enjoyable stay here, with memories that they can cherish, and positive experience to share with others.

In addition to this, the Ministry has also asked institutions that they should consider organizing orientation for international students when they join, as well as orientation for the faculty to sensitize them to teach using contexts that these students can relate to.