A new report finds Delhi NCR, Bengaluru and Mumbai best positioned to host international universities as India opens its doors to global higher education.
A joint Deloitte India and Knight Frank report says foreign universities could play a transformative role in India’s higher education system, with the potential to serve more than 5.6 lakh students by 2040. The study suggests that establishing international campuses in India could also save nearly USD 113 billion in overseas education costs while creating demand for 19 million square feet of specialized academic infrastructure.
Using a city readiness framework that assessed 40 locations, the report identifies Delhi NCR as the most prepared region for foreign university campuses, followed by Bengaluru and Mumbai. These cities offer strong talent pools, global connectivity, research ecosystems and access to major industry clusters. Tier 2 cities such as Chandigarh and Kochi also show rising readiness, offering expansion opportunities beyond metros.
The report notes that global universities are increasingly looking offshore as traditional international student mobility becomes less predictable due to visa tightening, geopolitical shifts and reduced post study work opportunities. With India’s tertiary enrolment at 53 million and a Gross Enrolment Ratio of 34 percent, the country presents significant unmet demand. Meeting the national target of 50 percent GER by 2035 will require an additional 19 million students, creating space for high quality global institutions to enter and expand.
For a deeper look at how global universities are planning their entry into India and what this could mean for students, you can read a full analysis on foreign campuses opening in India at GradRight.
[Source: India Today]
