Why Internationalisation Matters Now More Than Ever

As someone deeply immersed in India’s evolving higher education landscape, I’ve witnessed how far we’ve come and how much farther we can go to make our institutions truly global. Internationalisation is no longer just a policy directive. It’s a national imperative and, for me, a personal mission.

At Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) and through my involvement with the Education Promotion Society for India (EPSI), I’ve had the opportunity to actively contribute to this transformation.

Here’s how we’re shaping the future, and why it matters now more than ever.

Reimagining India as a Global Education Hub

For decades, the global ambition of Indian students meant looking outward, chasing opportunities abroad. That aspiration still thrives, but I believe the world is now looking at India, not just as a source of talent, but as a destination for it.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 strengthens this vision. It places internationalisation at the heart of our academic transformation, encouraging top global universities to establish campuses in India, facilitating credit transfers, and supporting student and faculty mobility.

It’s a clear signal: India is ready to lead, not just participate, in the global education dialogue.

How We’re Building Global Bridges at Manav Rachna

At MREI, we’ve embedded internationalisation into our core strategy not just through MoUs, but through meaningful collaborations that result in student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and dual-degree programs. These aren’t symbolic; they are shaping real futures.

I’ve personally seen the transformation that happens when a student returns from a global immersion program or when a visiting faculty member brings new pedagogical perspectives into our classrooms.

We’re also aligning our curricula with global benchmarks, enabling students to be career-ready, whether they stay in India or pursue opportunities abroad.

Internships with international organisations, guest lectures from global experts, and cross-border collaboration projects are all part of that journey.

Advocating for Policy-Level Impact through EPSI

Through EPSI, we’re working to ensure that internationalisation is supported by an enabling ecosystem, simplified regulations, institutional autonomy, and stronger global linkages.

We’ve held dialogues with policymakers to make Indian campuses more accessible to international students and encouraged Indian institutions to establish a presence abroad. These conversations are turning into action because internationalisation is not a trend; it’s the future.

The NEP 2020 Effect: From Vision to Reality

The NEP 2020 has been a game-changer. The recent letter of intent to the University of Southampton to set up a campus in India is just the beginning. More universities from the US, UK, Australia, and Europe are exploring similar opportunities.

India is no longer on the sidelines; we’re becoming a preferred partner in global education. Regulatory bodies are streamlining visa processes, easing norms for credit transfers, and encouraging the formation of International Student Offices across institutions. These changes are no longer aspirational; they’re underway.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and the Road Forward

Of course, we still face challenges building infrastructure for international students, ensuring credit recognition, and competing with established global hubs. But I’ve seen what focused policy and institutional will can accomplish.

Achieving a future where all Indian students have access to world-class education domestically is a key objective. Simultaneously, the goal is to attract students globally to India, recognizing its academic distinction, rich culture, and significant research capabilities.

Let’s Shape This Future Together

Internationalisation isn’t a distant goal. It’s happening now, and each of us, including educators, institutions, and policymakers, has a role to play.

The foundation has been laid. Now it’s time to scale with intention, collaboration, and bold ambition.

#education #globaleducation #internationalisation #futureofeducation #NEP NAFSA: Association of International Educators