Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has invited the University of Oxford to explore establishing a dedicated centre in Hyderabad as the state steps up efforts to position the city as a global hub for education, research, innovation and professional development.

The invitation was extended during Revanth Reddy's visit to Oxford on Friday as part of the Telangana Rising delegation's international outreach to build partnerships in education, research and investment.

Revanth Reddy Pitches Hyderabad as Education Hub

During his Oxford visit, the Chief Minister held discussions with Professor Maya Tudor of the Blavatnik School of Government and Professor Faisal Devji of Balliol College.

Revanth Reddy presented the Telangana Rising vision and outlined the state's plans to transform Hyderabad into a global education destination. He invited Oxford to explore bringing its executive education programmes, specialised research capabilities and academic expertise to the city.

The proposal also included the possibility of establishing a dedicated Oxford centre in Hyderabad, which could create opportunities in advanced education, research and professional development for students and working professionals.

The Oxford professors responded positively to the proposals and discussed potential areas of collaboration with the Telangana government, particularly in education, research and skill development.

Oxford Invited to Telangana Rising Global Summit

The Telangana delegation also invited Oxford University representatives to participate in the Telangana Rising Global Summit, scheduled to take place in Hyderabad on December 7, 8 and 9, 2026.

The proposed participation could provide another platform for discussions on potential academic, research and institutional partnerships between Oxford and Telangana.

Telangana Highlights Opportunities for Foreign Universities

1. Ramakrishna Rao, Advisor and Ex-officio Special Chief Secretary, Chief Minister's Office, made a presentation outlining opportunities available to foreign universities under India's National Education Policy (NEP) framework.

He highlighted the strategic advantages of Hyderabad and Telangana for international universities seeking to establish an academic presence in India.

The state is looking to attract overseas institutions across areas including higher education, research, innovation and skill development.

Revanth Reddy Visits Indira Gandhi's Alma Mater

During his London visit, Revanth Reddy also visited Somerville College, where former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi studied.

The Chief Minister paid his respects at Gandhi's portrait at the college. The portrait was gifted to Somerville College by Sonia Gandhi in 2002.

CM Woos GMR for Sports Infrastructure

Revanth Reddy also visited the Utilita Bowl, operated by the GMR Group, along with GMR Group Corporate Chairman Kiran Kumar Grandhi.

The integrated sporting facility includes a golf course, sports infrastructure and a hotel. The Chief Minister held discussions with Grandhi and GMR's global sports unit on developing world-class sports infrastructure in Telangana.

He invited GMR Group to invest in Telangana and partner with the state government to create international-standard sporting facilities.

Telangana Steps Up Global Outreach

The London engagements are part of Telangana's broader international outreach under the Telangana Rising 2047 vision.

From attracting global academic institutions to developing international-standard sports facilities, the state is seeking partnerships that could strengthen Hyderabad's position as a destination for education, research, investment, innovation and sports infrastructure.

While the Oxford centre remains at the proposal and discussion stage, the outreach marks Telangana's effort to deepen ties with one of the world's oldest universities and attract globally recognised academic expertise to Hyderabad.

For many Indian students, becoming a doctor in the United States is an attractive option because of the country's advanced medical education, research infrastructure and global career opportunities. However, the pathway to becoming a doctor in the US is significantly different from pursuing an MBBS in India.

One of the biggest differences is that students in the US generally cannot enter medical school directly after Class 12. They first need to complete an undergraduate degree and fulfil the admission requirements of medical schools.

For Indian students considering medical education in the USA, understanding the process, eligibility requirements, examinations, costs and medical schools is essential before making a decision.

How to Become a Doctor in the USA After Class 12

Unlike India, where students can apply for MBBS after completing Class 12 and qualifying through the relevant admission process, the US follows a two-stage higher education pathway.

Students generally need to:

1. Complete a four-year undergraduate degree.
2. Complete the required pre-medical coursework, including subjects such as biology, chemistry and physics.
3. Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
4. Apply to medical schools through the relevant application system.
5. Complete a four-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) programme.
6. Complete postgraduate residency training in the chosen medical speciality.
7. Meet the licensing requirements applicable to the state and profession.

Therefore, the journey from Class 12 to becoming a practising doctor in the US is considerably longer than the direct undergraduate medical pathway followed in India.

Is NEET Required to Study Medicine in the USA?

Indian students should not assume that the US medical admission process works like Indian medical admissions.

NEET is not the standard admission examination for US medical schools. US medical schools generally consider undergraduate academic performance, MCAT scores, extracurricular activities, recommendations, personal statements and other application requirements.

However, Indian students should separately check the rules applicable to returning to India and the recognition or licensing requirements if they intend to practise medicine in India after completing their education abroad.

What Is the MCAT?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a major admission examination used by many US and Canadian medical schools.

It assesses areas including:

• Biological and biochemical foundations
• Chemical and physical foundations
• Psychological, social and biological foundations of behaviour
• Critical analysis and reasoning

A strong MCAT score can strengthen an application, although medical schools evaluate candidates holistically and admission requirements vary by institution.

Can Indian Students Apply to US Medical Schools?

Indian students can apply to US medical schools, but admission can be highly competitive.

International applicants may face additional requirements because medical schools have different policies regarding international students. Some institutions accept international applicants, while others may have restrictions.

Students should therefore check each university's official admissions requirements, international applicant policy, prerequisite courses and financial requirements before applying.

Top Medical Schools in the USA

The US is home to several globally recognised medical schools. Some institutions Indian students may consider include:

1. Harvard Medical School

Harvard Medical School is one of the world's most recognised medical institutions, with a strong focus on medical education, clinical training and research.

Admission is extremely competitive, particularly for international applicants. Students should check the latest tuition and financial-aid information directly with the institution because fees can change annually.

2. Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is among the oldest medical schools in the US.

It is known for medical education, clinical training and biomedical research. Prospective international students should review its current eligibility requirements before applying.

3. Stanford School of Medicine

Stanford School of Medicine is recognised for its research-intensive approach and emphasis on innovation and medical technology.

The university's broader research ecosystem provides students with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge biomedical research.

4. Yale School of Medicine

Yale School of Medicine is known for its distinctive approach to medical education, including its emphasis on research and relatively small class environment.

Like other leading US medical schools, admission is highly competitive and international applicants must meet the institution's specific requirements.

5. Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine has a strong international reputation for medical education, clinical care and biomedical research.

Students considering the institution should review its current international admissions policy, tuition and financial-aid options before applying.

How Much Does It Cost to Study Medicine in the USA?

Medical education in the US can be significantly more expensive than medical education at many Indian institutions.

Students need to budget not only for tuition but also for:

• Undergraduate education before medical school
• Medical school tuition and fees
• Accommodation and living expenses
• Health insurance
• Books and equipment
• MCAT and application expenses
• Travel and visa-related costs

Tuition varies considerably between universities and can change every academic year. Students should therefore use the latest fee information published by each medical school rather than relying on older figures.

Study Medicine in USA vs MBBS in India

The biggest difference is the structure of the programmes.

Is Studying Medicine in the USA Worth It for Indian Students?

The US can offer excellent opportunities in medical research, clinical training, technology and specialised healthcare, but students should consider the financial and academic commitment carefully.

For an Indian student, studying medicine in the US is not simply a matter of securing admission to a university. It requires planning the undergraduate pathway, meeting prerequisite requirements, preparing for the MCAT, understanding international applicant policies and arranging substantial financial resources.

Students should also decide where they ultimately want to practise medicine. Licensing and recognition requirements can differ between the US and India, so this should be researched before beginning the programme.

For students who are academically strong, financially prepared and interested in a long-term career in the US healthcare system, the American medical education pathway can offer significant opportunities—but it requires considerably more planning than the conventional MBBS route in India.

Parents of five primary school students have appealed to Victoria’s Education Minister Gabrielle Williams after their children allegedly became too frightened to attend classes because of repeated bullying and violent incidents involving another student.

The girls, students at Watsonia North Primary School in north Melbourne, allegedly experienced incidents including slapping, threats, being struck with a skipping rope and physical intimidation.

Five Students Refuse to Attend School

According to the parents, five students refused to return to the state school last week because they feared being hurt.

One student allegedly suffered a bloody nose after being slapped. The parents also alleged that the student responsible told the girl that she “deserved to be hit” and threatened to assault her again.

In another alleged incident, the student reportedly drew a coffin on a classroom whiteboard, placing the names of two students inside alongside “RIP”.

Other allegations include a student being pushed from monkey bars, struck with a skipping rope and subjected to abusive language.

Parents Say Children Are Too Scared to Attend Classes

The parents previously asked the school to move the student accused of bullying to another class. Instead, they were reportedly offered a separation arrangement in which the student would sit at least three metres away from the affected children.

One parent told local media that their nine-year-old child felt safer staying at home than going to school.

The parents subsequently sent a five-page letter to Education Minister Gabrielle Williams outlining what they described as serious concerns about their children's safety and wellbeing.

“They are refusing to attend school because they are genuinely fearful for their safety,” the parents reportedly wrote.

They also alleged that supervision arrangements and a requirement to keep the students separated were not consistently enforced and broke down within a day.

Parents Raise Concerns Over Threats

The parents said their children had developed fears that the other student could potentially harm or even kill them.

They said the coffin drawing had a serious psychological impact on the children, regardless of the intention behind it.

According to the parents, some of the girls were experiencing difficulty sleeping and asking whether their classmate could hurt them or other students.

The parents stressed that responsibility for ensuring children's safety at school rests with the adults and systems responsible for their care.

Education Department Responds

It is understood that Minister Gabrielle Williams' office has received the parents' letter.

A spokesperson for the Victorian Department of Education said the department could not comment on individual disciplinary matters.

The department said the school was taking “appropriate action” and providing support to affected students and their families.

The allegations have renewed concerns about how schools respond to repeated bullying, student violence and school safety complaints, particularly when affected children become too afraid to attend classes.

For many American students, the dream of a college degree comes with a daunting financial burden. But a small group of institutions across the United States offers tuition-free education, using different models based on financial aid, work programmes, scholarships, merit, public service or specialised training.

From Kentucky and California to Virginia and Connecticut, these colleges demonstrate that students can access high-quality education without paying traditional tuition. However, tuition-free does not always mean completely cost-free. Some institutions require students to work, serve in the military, pay fees or cover living expenses.

Here are seven US colleges and institutions known for offering tuition-free education under specific conditions.

1. Alice Lloyd College, Kentucky

Located in Pippa Passes, Kentucky, Alice Lloyd College offers tuition-free education to eligible students from 108 counties across Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia through its Appalachian Leaders College Scholarship.

The college follows a work-college model, with students required to work at least 10 hours a week in campus jobs. Positions range from food services to office administration.

The programme combines financial assistance with work experience, allowing students to graduate without traditional tuition costs while developing practical skills.

2. The Apprentice School, Virginia

Located in Newport News, Virginia, The Apprentice School provides students with hands-on training in shipbuilding and related trades without charging tuition.

Students can train in fields including welding, machining, pipefitting and insulation while earning hourly wages, benefits and technical certifications.

Apprenticeships typically last four to five years. Students combine classroom education with full-time employment and can graduate with a professional certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree.

3. Berea College, Kentucky

Founded in 1855, Berea College is one of America's best-known tuition-free colleges.

Its Tuition Promise Scholarship ensures that admitted students do not have to pay tuition. Financial aid, institutional support and endowment resources are used to cover tuition costs.

Students are also expected to participate in the college's work programme, generally working at least 10 hours per week across numerous campus departments.

Berea's model combines affordable higher education with work experience and has a long history of promoting educational access.

4. Cal Poly Humboldt, California

Cal Poly Humboldt introduced its Green & Gold Guarantee to provide tuition and mandatory campus fee coverage for eligible California residents who meet specified financial-aid requirements.

Students must complete the FAFSA and meet the programme's financial eligibility criteria. The guarantee can cover four years for eligible first-time freshmen and two years for qualifying transfer students.

The programme does not necessarily cover all college expenses. Students may still have to pay for housing, meals and other personal costs.

5. Curtis Institute of Music, Pennsylvania

For students pursuing music, the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia offers a particularly distinctive model.

The institute provides full-tuition scholarships to every undergraduate and graduate student, meaning admission is based primarily on musical talent rather than ability to pay.

However, admission is extremely competitive and requires an audition. Students may still have to pay certain annual fees and other expenses, despite tuition being fully waived.

The model allows exceptionally talented musicians to pursue advanced training without the burden of traditional tuition fees.

6. Deep Springs College, California

Located in a remote desert valley in California, Deep Springs College offers a highly selective two-year liberal arts programme.

Students receive scholarships covering tuition, room and board. The college admits only a small number of students each year.

The institution combines academics with intensive work responsibilities. Students typically spend around 20 hours a week working on the college's cattle ranch and alfalfa farm.

Its educational philosophy emphasises self-governance, manual labour, intellectual development and community responsibility.

7. United States Coast Guard Academy, Connecticut

The United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut, offers cadets a fully funded education that includes tuition, room, board and a monthly salary.

In return, graduates must commit to five years of active-duty service with the US Coast Guard.

The academy combines academic education, military training and public service. It is therefore different from conventional tuition-free colleges because the financial support comes with a significant service obligation.

Tuition-Free Does Not Always Mean Cost-Free

These seven institutions demonstrate different approaches to making higher education more affordable. Some rely on work-study programmes, others on scholarships, institutional funding, military service or specialised training.

Students should also carefully examine each institution's eligibility requirements because tuition-free programmes may not cover housing, meals, books, transportation, fees or other living expenses.

For international students, including students from India, eligibility can be even more restrictive depending on the institution and scholarship programme.

Still, these models challenge the conventional assumption that a college education in the US must inevitably lead to substantial student debt. They show how work, financial aid, public service and merit-based scholarships can create alternative pathways to higher education.

The United States remains one of the world's biggest destinations for international students, with thousands of students travelling each year for undergraduate, postgraduate and professional education.

However, changing US immigration policies and increased scrutiny of student and foreign-exchange visas have created uncertainty for international students and universities with large overseas student populations.

Among more than 4,000 higher education institutions in the US, several universities stand out for hosting thousands of international students. Based on the figures provided, here are the 30 US universities with the highest international student populations.

Top US Universities With the Most International Students

30. University of South Florida

The University of South Florida ranks 30th, with 5,696 international students, accounting for approximately 12% of its overall student population.

29. University of California, Irvine

The University of California, Irvine has 5,699 international students, representing about 16% of its total student population.

28. University of Texas at Arlington

The University of Texas at Arlington hosts 5,751 international students, who account for approximately 13% of its student population.

27. Ohio State University

Located in Columbus, Ohio State University has around 5,894 international students, representing 10% of its total student population.

26. University of California, Davis

The University of California, Davis has 5,982 international students, equivalent to about 15% of its student population.

25. UCLA

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) hosts 6,347 international students, accounting for 14% of its total student population.

24. University at Buffalo

The University at Buffalo has approximately 6,502 international students, making up 20% of its overall student population.

23. Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh has 6,611 international students, representing a significant 42% of its student population.

22. Cornell University

Cornell University hosts around 6,738 international students, equivalent to approximately 26% of its total student population.

21. University of Texas at Dallas

The University of Texas at Dallas has 6,828 international students, representing around 22% of its overall student population.

20. University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania has approximately 6,887 international students, accounting for 24% of its student population.

19. University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison hosts around 7,625 international students, representing 15% of its total student population.

18. Penn State

Penn State University has approximately 7,648 international students, who account for around 15% of its overall student population.

17. Trine University

Trine University in Angola, Indiana, has 7,772 international students. According to the figures provided, international students make up an unusually high 94% of its total student population.

16. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore ranks 16th, with approximately 7,792 international students, representing 26% of its total student population.

What the Numbers Mean for International Students

The figures show that international students are an important part of the student population at several major US universities.

The proportion varies significantly, however. While international students account for around 10-20% of the student population at several large public universities, the share is considerably higher at some institutions. Carnegie Mellon, for example, has an international student share of 42% in the figures provided.

The unusually high percentage reported for Trine University also highlights why students should distinguish between the absolute number of international students and their percentage of the total university population.

For Indian students considering the US as a study destination, university selection should go beyond international student numbers. Tuition costs, scholarships, programme quality, employment outcomes, visa rules and the institution's current policy for international applicants are equally important factors to consider.

Students planning to pursue higher education abroad often face a long list of entrance and eligibility tests. The exams required depend on the country, university, course and level of study. Broadly, these tests can be divided into language proficiency examinations and standardised academic or aptitude tests.

According to Praneet Singh, AVP – University Partnerships, upGrad Study Abroad, overseas education entrance requirements generally fall into two categories: language proficiency tests such as IELTS, TOEFL and PTE, and standardised aptitude or subject-based tests such as GRE, GMAT, SAT and ACT.

“ The entrance exams required for overseas education differ by country, university, and program level,” Singh said.

English language proficiency tests

For students from non-English-speaking countries, proof of English proficiency is often an important part of the admission process. IELTS, TOEFL and PTE are among the commonly accepted tests.

These examinations assess skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking and are designed to determine whether students can cope with academic instruction in English.

The specific score requirement varies by university and programme. Some institutions may also waive the language test requirement for students who meet certain academic or educational criteria.

SAT and ACT for undergraduate admissions

Students applying for undergraduate programmes, particularly in countries such as the US and Canada, may be required or encouraged to submit scores from standardised tests such as the SAT or ACT.

These tests assess skills including mathematics, reading, writing and analytical reasoning. However, requirements differ significantly between institutions, and applicants should check whether their target university follows a test-required, test-optional or test-blind policy.

GRE and GMAT for postgraduate programmes

For postgraduate applicants, the GRE and GMAT remain important tests for several programmes.

The GRE is commonly considered for master's and other graduate programmes, while the GMAT is traditionally associated with MBA and business-school admissions. However, universities increasingly have flexible testing policies, making it important for students to check programme-specific requirements.

Siddharth Anand, founder and CEO of Tertiary Education Advisors, said the importance given to different tests can also depend on the programme.

“A STEM master's may put heavier weight on quantitative reasoning (GRE), while a humanities programme may emphasise writing/verbal skills. Similarly, an MBA may still prefer GMAT,” he said.

What do universities consider besides test scores?

Entrance exam scores are only one component of an international university application. According to Singh, selection processes generally consider academic performance, test scores and a holistic assessment of the candidate.

Depending on the institution and programme, universities may also examine academic history, statements of purpose, letters of recommendation and interview performance.

The tests themselves may assess quantitative ability, verbal reasoning, analytical thinking and, in some cases, subject-specific knowledge.

Anand added that selection can also depend on minimum academic requirements, institutional policies and the programme being applied for.

Professional qualifications are another pathway

The overseas education landscape is also seeing growing interest in internationally recognised professional qualifications.

Dr Kamal Chhabra, US CPA and CA and founder and CEO of KC GlobEd, said students are increasingly considering professional credentials such as US CPA, US CMA, US EA and UK ACCA to enhance international career mobility.

Unlike conventional university admissions, these professional qualifications involve passing the relevant certification examinations and meeting experience or other eligibility requirements.

Chhabra explained that while academic programme admissions may consider test scores, essays and interviews, professional certifications primarily involve qualifying the examinations and fulfilling the experience requirements prescribed by the respective professional bodies.

Which exam should students take?

There is no single entrance examination required for every student planning to study abroad. The right test depends on the destination, university, degree level and programme.

Before registering for any examination, students should check the latest admission requirements of their shortlisted universities. They should also verify accepted tests, minimum scores, test validity and whether exemptions or alternative qualifications are available.

For international applicants, understanding these requirements early can help avoid unnecessary examinations and ensure that applications meet the eligibility criteria of the chosen universities.