AIU: Catalyst in promoting internationalization of Higher Education

By Dr. Pankaj Mittal

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions India emerging as a global hub for education, fostering international collaborations and student mobility while offering premium-quality education at affordable costs. The policy aspires to restore India’s ancient role as a Vishwa Guru by creating an ecosystem that attracts international students and facilitates global exposure for Indian students and faculty. NEP 2020 emphasizes the development of globally relevant curricula in diverse fields, including Indology, Indian languages, AYUSH systems of medicine, yoga, arts, music, history, culture, and modern India, alongside cutting-edge programs in sciences and social sciences. Institutions will provide high-quality residential facilities, comprehensive campus support, and opportunities for social engagement, aiming to achieve global quality standards and promote the concept of ‘internationalization at home.’

To support this vision, every higher education institution (HEI) hosting international students will establish an International Students Office to coordinate and address their needs. NEP 2020 also advocates fostering international research collaborations, faculty and student exchanges, and forging mutually beneficial partnerships through Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with leading global institutions. In line with its vision, NEP 2020 encourages high-performing Indian universities to establish campuses abroad and invites top-ranked global universities (e.g., from the world’s top 100) to operate in India. The policy also supports recognizing credits earned at foreign universities for degree programs in India, thereby enhancing global mobility and strengthening academic ties between Indian and foreign institutions.

Through these initiatives, NEP 2020 envisions India as a preferred global destination for affordable education and a leader in international academic and research collaboration.

Initiatives by Association of Indian Universities (AIU)

Indian Network for Internationalisation of Higher Education (INIHE) www.inihe.aiu.ac.in

The Indian Network for Internationalisation of Higher Education (INIHE) is a flagship initiative of the AIU aimed at advancing the internationalisation of higher education in India. INIHE serves as a structured platform for Indian universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) dedicated to promoting global collaboration in teaching, research, and student and faculty mobility. This consortium aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes making India a preferred destination for affordable and high-quality education while fostering the concept of ‘internationalisation at home.’

The primary objective of INIHE is to facilitate impactful networking and collaboration among Indian and foreign universities. It enables the development of joint academic programs such as joint/dual degrees and twinning programs, research collaborations, and exchange programs for students, faculty, and administrative staff. Through these initiatives, INIHE ensures that Indian institutions enhance their global footprint and contribute meaningfully to international academia. Membership in INIHE is open to universities, HEIs, faculty members, administrators, research scholars, and apex body leaders experienced in internationalisation. Members gain access to a broad network of educators, researchers, and policymakers, providing opportunities for collaboration, resource sharing, and capacity building. INIHE also provides a platform for its member institutions to showcase opportunities for international students, such as scholarships, tuition fee waivers, accommodation, and cultural integration programs. By highlighting these benefits, INIHE helps attract international students and supports India’s vision of becoming a global education hub.

Through its initiatives, INIHE aims to connect Indian institutions with the global academic community, enhance India’s visibility on the international stage, and contribute significantly to the internationalisation of higher education. By joining INIHE, institutions and individuals alike can play an active role in shaping the future of global education, ensuring that India leads the way as a Vishwa Guru in higher education.

Bharat Nepal Higher Education Summit 2024

The Bharat Nepal Higher Education Summit 2024, organized by the AIU and hosted by Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal, marked a significant milestone in enhancing India-Nepal educational ties. Held from February 15 to 17, 2024, it was inaugurated by Nepal's Prime Minister, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who also serves as the university's Chancellor. The summit witnessed participation from Vice Chancellors and academic leaders from Nepal, India, Bhutan,

China, South Korea, Australia, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Italy, the UK, and Morocco, emphasizing its international scope and importance.

The summit featured active collaboration with Nepalese schools, drawing approximately 2,000 students and highlighting a shared commitment to fostering higher education partnerships. It provided a platform for schools, universities, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore academic collaborations and innovations. Indian universities showcased their offerings through interactive stalls and on-stage presentations, enabling direct engagement with students and comprehensive insights into academic programs, scholarships, and infrastructure. This dynamic format facilitated informed decisions for students and enhanced visibility for universities.

Successfully achieving its goals, the summit promoted cross-border partnerships, knowledge exchange, and innovation, setting a new benchmark for regional cooperation in higher education and marking a milestone in the academic relationship between India and Nepal.

Namaste Vietnam - Bharat Vietnam Higher Education Summit 2024

The Namaste Vietnam - Bharat Vietnam Higher Education Summit 2024, held in Ho Chi Minh City from 24-26 August 2024, was an initiative aimed at promoting India’s higher education in Vietnam and fostering university-to-university collaborations between the two nations. The summit, organized in collaboration with the Consulate General of India in Vietnam saw participation from 50 Indian and Vietnamese universities and a large number of students. The event provided a platform to explore academic and research partnerships, faculty/student exchanges, and the internationalization of higher education.

A major outcome of the summit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Association of Indian Universities and the Association of Vietnamese Universities and Colleges. The MoU, valid for five years, aims to promote joint research, academic exchanges, and knowledge sharing between the two nations. This agreement marked a significant step in strengthening educational ties between India and Vietnam.

AIU's Participation in the 3rd GUAF Meeting in China

The 3rd Global University Associations Forum (GUAF), hosted by the China Association of Higher Education (CAHE) in Beijing, China, from October 10 to 12, 2024, brought together leaders of university associations representing major world regions, including Africa, the Americas, the Arab region, Asia, and Europe. All eight member associations participated either physically or virtually.

Currently, the following 8 associations constitute GUAF

1. Association of African Universities (AAU)

2. Association of Arab Universities (AArU)

3. China Association of Higher Education (CAHE)

4. European University Association (EUA)

5. Association of Indian Universities (AIU)

6. Latin American and The Caribbean Space for Higher Education (ENLACES)

7. American Council on Education (ACE) and Universities Canada (UC)

8. ASEAN University Network (AUN)

The deliberations focused on three critical areas: the role of artificial intelligence in education, promoting global academic mobility, and fostering sustainable campuses. Additionally, the forum highlighted the importance of incorporating the arts into STEM education (STEAM) to prepare students for success in the 21st century. AIU, representing India, played an active role in these discussions, furthering its commitment to global collaboration and innovation in higher education.

A significant outcome of the forum was the transfer of Presidency of GUAF to the Association of Indian Universities. AIU will now organize the 4th GUAF conference in 2025 in which all the eight Associations will join. At the closing ceremony, the AIU President and Secretary-General accepted the GUAF flag, marking India’s commitment to advancing global academic dialogue and cooperation.

AIU led University delegation in Spain

AIU led a delegation of 20-25 member universities to a networking seminar in Spain, co-organized with Servicio Español para la Internacionalización de la Educación (SEPIE), i.e., Spanish Service for Internationalisation of Education, from July 7th to 11th, 2024. This seminar provided a platform for Indian universities to forge international academic collaborations, explore new research avenues, and immerse themselves in the vibrant educational landscape of Spanish universities. Furthermore, AIU signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Conferencia de Rectores de las Universidades Españolas (CRUE), a prominent Spanish non-profit and the key liaison between universities and the Spanish government.

Taiwan visit

In response to an invitation from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in India, the Ministry of Education and Culture, Taiwan, the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) led a 7-member delegation to visit universities and corporations in Taiwan. The delegation, comprising notable academic leaders, arrived in Taipei on October 9, 2023, where they were warmly received by officials from the Taiwanese Ministry of Education. During their visit, the delegation explored Taiwan’s rich cultural heritage, including a tour of the National Palace Museum, the National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, and the Dadaocheng area in Taipei. The delegation attended the Yushan Forum on October 11, where they discussed the theme of talent conservation in Asia. The delegation also visited prominent institutions such as the National Taipei University of Technology, National Central University, National Tsing Hua University, and National Cheng Kung University, engaging in fruitful discussions on potential collaborations. Several Taiwanese universities expressed interest in partnering with Indian universities, with some already hosting Indian doctoral students. The visit highlighted the potential for further cooperation in cutting-edge academic fields. The delegation was impressed by Taiwan's education system and expressed satisfaction with the productive interactions, paving the way for future collaborations, including the signing of MOUs between Indian and Taiwanese universities.

University Clusters Pilot Study (UCPS)

AIU has partnered with Edify Online Corp from the USA to introduce the University Clusters Pilot Study (UCPS) program. This initiative is designed to bring international teaching practices, global standards, and a broader worldview into India's higher education system. The UCPS program adopts a 'Holistic Option' approach, facilitating knowledge exchange between Indian and international academics while bypassing the usual bureaucratic hurdles tied to traditional Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). The program aims to make higher education more globally relevant, pedagogically advanced, and cost-effective.

The primary goals of the program include establishing an online platform for the exchange of international academic resources, boosting global competencies among Indian faculty and students, and supporting the professional growth of Indian educators. Through the formation of a collaborative group of five universities, the 'UCPS Group,' the program encourages the sharing of courses, curricula, and international academic expertise, helping to reduce costs and ensure both sustainability and affordability.

The UCPS program offers several benefits that align with the NEP 2020 objectives, including improved access, equity, quality, affordability, and accountability. It supports shared international lectures, enhances global awareness, provides cost-effective delivery of international content, offers professional development opportunities for Indian faculty via 'shadowing' international educators, and fosters a competitive mindset among Indian educators to push beyond conventional boundaries.

Other Key Initiatives and Progress towards Internationalisation

1. Setting Up International Relations Offices: In response to the Guidelines for Internationalisation of Higher Education issued on July 29, 2021, most of the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have established International Affairs offices. This move has facilitated smoother international collaborations and student exchange programs.

2. Regulations for Academic Partnerships: On May 2, 2022, regulations were issued by UGC to promote academic partnerships between Indian and foreign HEIs. These partnerships, including twinning, joint, and dual degree programs, have bolstered academic and research standards, offering students valuable global exposure.

3. Admission Guidelines for International Students: On September 30, 2022, new guidelines were unveiled by UGC for admitting international students, along with the creation of supernumerary seats. This initiative aims to make India a preferred destination for higher education globally.

4. Improved Global Rankings: Indian HEIs have shown impressive growth in the QS World University Rankings, with the number of institutions featured rising from 11 in 2015 to 46 in 2025, marking a 318% increase over the past decade. This significant rise highlights India's expanding academic footprint and its emergence as a leading player in global higher education, particularly within the G20 nations. Notable achievements include 11 Indian institutions ranking in the top 500, with two in the top 150.

5. Expansion through International Campuses: Leading institutions like IIT Madras, IIT Delhi, and others such as Amity and Manipal Universities are extending their global presence by establishing campuses abroad.

6. Attracting Foreign Universities to India: The International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) in Gujarat’s GIFT City has paved the way for top foreign universities with QS 500 rankings to set up physical campuses in select disciplines, further enriching India's educational landscape. Two Australian universities Diankin & Wollongong are already set up in GIFT city.

7. UGC has also issued regulations for establishment of institutional Branch compares in India.Southampton University from UK has already been issued a Letter for intent to operate in India.

Forthcoming Events

Bharat-Sri Lanka Higher Education Summit

Building upon our successful organization of the Bharat-Nepal Higher Education Summit and Namaste Vietnam – Bharat Vietnam Higher Education Summit during this year, AIU is going to organise Bharat-Sri Lanka Higher Education Summit, scheduled for 28-29 January 2025 at

About The Author

Dr. Pankaj Mittal

Secretary General

Association of Indian Universities

Chief Commissioner - Guides at Bharat Scouts & Guides

India

Colombo, Sri Lanka. About 40 universities from India will be participating in this significant event to enhance academic and research collaborations between Indian and Sri Lankan universities, creating impactful opportunities for student and faculty exchanges, joint/dual degree programs, and research innovation. The Summit will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and networking sessions, and it will provide a unique platform to connect with students, academicians, and institutional leaders from diverse sectors.

Delegation to USA & UK

AIU under its new Initiative of Indian Network for Internationalization of Higher Education (INIHE), is dedicated to fostering international academic and research collaborations with reputed institutions globally. In line with this commitment, AIU is organizing delegations of Indian universities to the UK from February 11 to 20 and the USA, from 6th to 12th April, 2025. The delegations aim to strengthen international partnerships and foster academic exchanges.