According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE) 2023-24, Indian higher education institutions (HEIs) attracted 58,134 foreign students from 173 countries during the 2023-24 academic year.
Nepal accounts for the largest share of foreign students at 24.1%, followed by the UAE, the USA, Bangladesh, and Nigeria.
Karnataka is the leading destination for international students in India, hosting 7,914 students, followed by Punjab, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The Ministry of Education launched the 'Study in India' (SII) programme in 2018 to attract international students to pursue higher education in India.