More Indian institutes to soon have overseas campuses – Times of India

Speaking to
Education Times, BJ Rao, vice-chancellor, University of Hyderabad, says, “So far HEIs are working within the geographical boundaries, but they have the potential to offer more. The overseas campus would serve a larger purpose and help the institutes expand in terms of knowledge, style of teaching and depth of content outside its boundaries.”

Several institutes in India provide quality education at a lower cost. Going overseas on their own or in partnership, will help in expanding the horizons and bandwidth of our brand, adds Rao.
Several IITs have been receiving requests from the Middle-East and South Asian countries to set up their campuses. Indian universities were reluctant to think on these lines.

Though the process is long, the IITs are in a better position to set up overseas campuses in a short time. Also, they can invite foreign universities to partner with them.”

There are several challenges to address. Firstly, Indian universities need to identify the requirement and challenges in the country where the campus will be set up.

“The committee will formulate programmes as per the need of offshore campuses. Legal intricacies will be considered before deciding if we will have standalone campuses or will be in partnership. One of the major legal hurdles is that some countries have a rule that whatever revenue is earned in the country, cannot be taken outside its borders. It has to be spent within that country itself,” adds Rao.

This initiative will help enhance the ranking of Indian institutes that are struggling to make a strong presence in global rankings. In the committee meeting, many IIT directors suggested the need to set up offshore campuses in Kuwait and Abu Dhabi. Several countries do not have enough knowledge pool and infrastructure.

“The demographic shift in many affluent countries would help this process, as India has one of the youngest workforce in the world. We stand an advantage as compared to the countries having higher average age,” adds Rao.

Yogesh Singh, vice-chancellor, Delhi University, says, “This activity would popularise the Indian HEIs in foreign countries. If offshore campuses of Indian HEIs are set up abroad, it would also establish the Indian HEIs linkages with prominent global institutes. This will initiate teacher and students exchange.”