Do we need foreign universities in India?

As more foreign universities, enabled by policy, express interest to establish a campus in India, by the end of next year, about 15 such institutions could be operational across major cities. Last year, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued Letters of Intent (LoI) to some foreign institutions, including the University of Liverpool. Australia’s University of Wollongong (UOW) inaugurated its campus in 2024 in GIFT city. The University of Southampton is now operational in Delhi. The University of Aberdeen has announced in-take for 2026.

As this trend unfolds, conversations about its impact on the landscape of the Indian higher education system have found an audience. Some argue that it will further privatise and commercialise higher education in India. Others argue that it will make education of global standards more accessible. While some believe that it can prevent brain drain with less number of students going abroad, some are of the opinion that it will only magnify brain drain with international credentials becoming easier to obtain.

This also comes around the time when geopolitical tensions have made it increasingly difficult for Indian students to study abroad. Students and parents looking at these institutions for admissions, have questions about the quality of education and opportunities provided here in comparison to home countries.

In this context, The Hindu will host a webinar titled, ‘Do we need foreign universities in India?’, On March 28 at 5:00 p.m. The panellists are Eldho Mathews, Programme Officer, KSHEC; Philip G. Altbach, Monan University Professor; Prof. Rahul Choudaha, COO, University of Aberdeen, Mumbai; and Ravneet Pawha, CEO (South Asia), Deakin University. The webinar will be moderated by Ravina Warkad, Senior Sub-Editor, Education Vertical, The Hindu.

Register now for free to ask questions and interact with the panellists. The three best questions will receive a free online subscription to The Hindu.

Panellists

Eldho Mathews, Programme Officer, KSHEC

Eldho Mathews is a Programme Officer (internationalisation of higher education) at the Kerala State Higher Education Council. He leads the Council’s Scholar Connect academic diaspora engagement initiative (scholarconnect.kshec.org). An M.Phil graduate from Jawaharlal Nehru University currently nearing his Ph.D. submission, his research focuses on internationalisation and the growth of private higher education. Previously a consultant for the World Bank, Mr. Mathews has held roles at NIEPA, Planning Commission, the British Council, and India’s Ministry of Education. His work is published in EPW, IHE,UWN, Times Higher Education, and The Hindu, as well as in volumes by SAGE and Routledge.

Philip G. Altbach, Monan University Professor

Philip Altbach is Monan University Professor Emeritus and founding director, Center for International Higher Education at Boston College, US. He has been an Erudite Scholar of the Government of Kerala and has been an observer of Indian higher education for many years. He writes regularly for The Hindu.

Prof. Rahul Choudaha, COO, University of Aberdeen, Mumbai

Professor Rahul Choudaha serves as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the University of Aberdeen’s Mumbai campus, where he provides leadership across professional services, strategic initiatives, and operational functions to drive institutional impact. Before returning to India as the head of academic and student affairs at the Indian School of Business (ISB), he spent 18 years living and working in the U.S. with global organisations. As a higher education thought leader, he has delivered nearly 200 conference presentations and has been quoted over 300 times in leading media publications. Dr. Choudaha holds a Ph.D. from the University of Denver.

Ravneet Pawha, CEO (South Asia), Deakin University

Ravneet Pawha is the Vice-President (Global Engagement) and CEO (South Asia) at Deakin University. She has been instrumental in shaping Deakin’s India strategy, from establishing its first international office in 1994 to leading the launch of the university’s pioneering GIFT City Campus. A strong advocate for equity, inclusion, and sustainable development, Ravneet also serves as Co-Chair of the Australia India Women’s Leadership Forum and as an Advisory Council Member of the Confederation of Indian Industry.

(For any feedback or suggestions, reach out to us at education@thehindu.co.in)

Published – March 22, 2026 02:16 pm IST