Karnataka: International student admissions drop for second consecutive academic year

In the aftermath of the pandemic, Bengaluru colleges are contending with a significant drop in international student admissions for the second consecutive academic year, marking a stark contrast to the pre-Covid era.

According to Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) data, Bangalore University (BU) reported zero admissions this year, reflecting a broader trend in the region. Karnataka, among southern states, attracted only 104 out of 720 admitted students, with Mangalore University, University of Mysore, and NIT-K Surathkal admitting 24, 72, and six students, respectively.

Challenges contributing to this decline include the implementation of new education policies, delayed issuance of certificates, and reduced scholarships for Afghan students pursuing online programs.

BU faced criticism for late approvals, potentially causing the loss of prospective students to other universities. Christ deemed-to-be University reported a 20% reduction in international student enrolment, citing economic disruptions in their home countries.

St Joseph’s University observed a "drastic dip" since the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP)-2020, with curriculum changes being a significant factor.

Unified University and College Management System issues, along with confusion related to NEP, negatively impacted international admissions at state public universities, while private universities with more flexible timelines may benefit.

Despite an overall decline, exceptions like CMR University and CMR Institute of Technology reported increased enrolment, possibly due to a broader range of undergraduate subjects attracting international students.

Karnataka witnessed the lowest number of foreign students in seven years in 2020-21, according to the All India Survey of Higher Education, with a total of 8,137 students enrolled.