Odisha has emerged as one of India’s leading destinations for international students, securing a place in the top 10 states with the highest foreign enrolments.
According to NITI Aayog’s recently released report, Internationalisation of Higher Education in India, the state currently hosts 2,362 international students pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral courses across public and private institutions.
The data, derived from the Ministry of Education’s All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) between 2012 and 2022, highlights Odisha’s rapid growth. Back in 2012–13, only 23 foreign students studied in the state. Today, Odisha ranks ninth, while Karnataka leads the list with 5,954 international students.
Bhubaneswar Leads the Way
Bhubaneswar, home to the highest number of institutes of higher learning and research in the state, attracts the maximum share of foreign students. Interestingly, Odisha has surpassed states like West Bengal and Telangana despite their established higher education institutions in Kolkata and Hyderabad.
Why Odisha Appeals to Foreign Students
Educationists attribute Odisha’s popularity to three key factors:
- Quality of education and research
- Affordability of courses and living costs
- Zero tolerance to racism on campuses
Most international enrolments are in undergraduate courses, particularly BTech programs, which account for 2,221 students.
Institutional Support and Infrastructure
Berhampur University Vice-Chancellor Geetanjali Dash emphasised that Odisha’s higher education standards are stronger than many other states despite resource challenges. She noted ongoing government initiatives to boost visibility through centres of excellence, skill development, and innovation.
A senior Higher Education Department official confirmed the operation of a dedicated international student facilitation cell to address issues faced by foreign learners. Additionally, the state is constructing special hostels on university campuses to improve living conditions for international students.
