Against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, new-generation Indian universities become options for foreign undergraduate education

Some universities like Ashoka, Plaksha, and Masters Union have gone out of their way to offer greater convenience to students with admits in overseas universities to apply to their university. In other cases, there are rising inquiries from students and parents who either suffer visa rejections or fear venturing abroad

When it is becoming increasingly difficult to study abroad, new-generation private universities that brand themselves on their global education are being seen as a worthy alternative for those students who would otherwise be opting for a foreign undergraduate education. Such institutions have also gone out of their way to attract these students.

Universities like Ashoka, Plaksha, and Masters Union are some of the private universities who have gone out of their way to facilitate the process of enrollment for students with admits in foreign universities and have also witnessed interest under such isolated application streams. Others like FLAME University mention rising queries from parents and students who either receive rejected visas or are hesitant to study abroad.

Plaksha University extended its application deadline for students holding firm acceptance offers from global engineering universities.

Rajiv Khosla, VP - Ext Engagement, Plaksha University, said, “We introduced this initiative to accommodate exceptionally talented students who were considering alternative pathways despite already securing places at prestigious institutions abroad. We’re very pleased with the interest it generated, and the extended deadline has now closed.”

“At Plaksha, our curriculum is built on interdisciplinary learning and is supported by partnerships with renowned universities such as UC Berkeley,” he added.

Ashoka has specifically opened up a special admissions track for those holding US admissions and said that this was to support students and families seeking academic continuity and a world-class education, as they navigate increasing concerns around safety, visa delays, and shifting global policies.

Gurugram's Masters' Union, which provides undergraduate courses in tech and business management, data science and other programs in collaboration with other institutes, has made it possible for foreign admits to bypass their entrance test and invites them directly for group discussion this year. "It opened last week and we have received about 30 applications during this time frame, and we can enroll about 60-70 students in this stream," Masters' Union Director of Undergraduate Programmes Swati Ganeti said.

While FLAME University has closed admissions for the year and is not extending it to such students, director-admissions outreach, FLAME, Anju Deoskar shares that they are receiving calls from foreign admits students who are now facing visa denial or are fearful of pursuing abroad. "Actually a few of these requests and inquiries are also from second year US students," she adds.

In addition, joint degree programmes offered by universities and involving two years of study in India and two foreign partner universities are also gaining more takers.

"Back at BITS, we are also getting good traction for our joint degree programmes where students do 2 years here and 2 there. We have tie ups with US, Australia and France universities for that. It reduces up to 40 per cent of tuition fees for the parents and also makes them relaxed to send the kid abroad after two additional years," V Ramgopal Rao, vice chancellor BITS Pilani group of institutions, said.

Educationists averred that although the new-age universities are not an alternative for those students who have gained admissions at marquee US institutions, they are quickly becoming a choice in place of global education.

Ramkumar Ramamoorthy, ex-Chairman and MD, Cognizant India, opines that private universities of the new era, particularly those supported by corporate houses as well as group philanthropy initiatives, have revolutionized Indian higher education and are making standards in a very short span. "These universities have enticed the best talent in the world, created collaborative linkages with the world's finest institutions, and introduced inter-disciplinary thinking and immersion learning," he added.