Imagine keeping $113 billion within India’s borders by 2040—all thanks to foreign universities setting up shop here. That’s the bold prediction from a joint Deloitte India and Knight Frank India report, which calls for proactive encouragement of international higher education campuses to curb the annual exodus of students and their tuition dollars abroad.
Requiring nearly 1.9 crore square feet of innovative vertical campuses, this initiative could revolutionize access to quality education. Under NEP 2020’s visionary framework, India is shifting gears from sending millions abroad to becoming a magnet for global learning. With 5.3 crore students in higher education today, the push to hit 50% GER by 2035 demands accommodating up to 7.2 crore learners domestically.
The report spotlights a critical shortfall: In 2025, 54,000 JEE qualifiers vied for just 18,000 IIT seats, leaving ambitious dreams unfulfilled. Momentum is building, as 18 foreign universities have gained approvals or launched operations, signaling real progress.
Knight Frank’s Shishir Baijal emphasizes prioritizing quality curricula in STEM, AI, data science, and business over quantity. Cities like Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai stand out for their industry ties, with emerging spots in Chandigarh, Kochi, and Jaipur gaining traction thanks to efficient administration.
Key to success? Robust faculty recruitment and hybrid governance models that respect local laws while preserving institutional freedom. This isn’t just about savings—it’s about positioning India as an education superpower, nurturing talent where it belongs.