UAE Beats US, Bangladesh to Become India's 2nd-Largest Source of International Students

Nepal remains the top source country, contributing 24.1% of the total international student population in India. The AISHE data, which tracks enrollment trends across Indian universities and colleges, highlights the growing attractiveness of Indian institutions to students from the Gulf region.

The shift reflects a broader pattern in global student mobility, with more students from the Middle East choosing India for higher studies. Factors such as relatively lower tuition costs, cultural proximity, and the expansion of English-taught programs are believed to be driving this trend, though the report does not specify reasons.

The UAE's rise is notable given the previous positions of the US and Bangladesh, which have now slipped in the rankings. The AISHE survey is the primary source of data on higher education in India, covering enrollment, faculty, and infrastructure across the country.