India Becomes Global Higher Education Hub: From Student Exporter to Offshore Campus Destination

• India is rapidly transforming into the world's most strategic growth market for higher education, shifting from being a major exporter of students to a key destination for global university expansion.
• A joint report by Knight Frank India, Deloitte India, and QS Quacquarelli Symonds highlights India's 155 million young adult population (18-23 age cohort) and NEP 2020 reforms as key drivers.
• While Tier-1 cities like Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai are immediate anchor markets due to connectivity and mature ecosystems, Tier-2 cities such as Chandigarh Tricity, Kochi, and Goa are identified as high-potential frontiers for future expansion.
• Indian cities are gaining global recognition for employability and affordability, with Delhi being the most cost-competitive student city and Mumbai re-entering the global top 100.
• Real estate and urban infrastructure are crucial; an estimated 19 million square feet of vertical campus space will be required by 2040 for foreign higher education institutions.