In a significant development for its academic landscape, Odisha has been recognized as one of the top ten states in India for attracting international students. This finding comes from the recent 'Internationalisation of Higher Education in India' report published by Niti Aayog, the country's premier policy think tank.
Odisha's Rise as an Educational Hub
The data, sourced from the Ministry of Education's All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) reports spanning 2012 to 2022, reveals that 2,362 international students are currently pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD courses across various public and private colleges and universities in Odisha. This places the eastern state at the ninth position in the national ranking. Karnataka leads the list with 5,954 foreign students.
The capital city, Bhubaneswar, which hosts the highest concentration of institutes of higher learning and research, attracts the maximum number of these students. Notably, Odisha's achievement stands out as it has drawn more international students than states like West Bengal and Telangana, despite the presence of renowned institutions in Kolkata and Hyderabad.
Factors Driving the International Appeal
The transformation is remarkable when viewed historically. In the 2012-13 academic year, only 23 foreign students were enrolled in the state. Education experts and officials point to a combination of factors for this surge in popularity:
- Quality of Education and Research: The standard of higher education and research in Odisha is considered superior to many other states.
- Affordability: The cost of education and living is a significant draw.
- Zero Tolerance to Racism: Campuses are noted for their inclusive and welcoming environment.
The majority of international enrolments are at the undergraduate level, with 2,221 students in UG courses, particularly in BTech programs.
Government Initiatives and Future Plans
The Niti Aayog report highlights that states like Odisha and Haryana have emerged as new and important destinations, underscoring the impact of state-level higher education policies and institutional development. Professor Geetanjali Dash, Vice-Chancellor of Berhampur University, emphasized that the government is actively working to enhance the state's visibility on national and international platforms.
"The govt is taking several steps to improve the state’s higher education visibility on national and international platforms, be it opening more centres of excellence on campuses or investing in skill development and innovation," she stated, acknowledging the progress despite human resource challenges.
To ensure a smooth experience for students from abroad, the state's higher education department is operating a dedicated international student facilitation cell. This cell addresses problems faced by students across public and private universities and national institutes. Furthermore, general universities in the state are constructing special hostels on campuses specifically for international students, signaling a committed effort to build a supportive ecosystem.
This strategic focus on internationalization marks a new chapter for Odisha's higher education sector, positioning it as a competitive and welcoming destination for global learners.
