IHE 2026 takeaways: India’s TNE push amid calls for clarity

With India entering a new phase of internationalisation driven by transnational education, The PIE heard delegates reflect on the model’s successes, challenges and opportunities.

Participants were asked to share their views on TNE’s role in meeting India’s gross enrolment ratio (GER) ambitions, its potential to position India as a global student hub, and whether a unified regulatory framework is needed. Here are the key takeaways:

TNE is expected to expand access – though its impact will depend on implementation

Delegates broadly agreed that transnational education should contribute to a more democratic and accessible higher education system in India. Expanding access and improving equity were seen as central aims though outcomes will depend on how inclusively these models are designed and delivered across institutions.

Single-window systems highlight what more efficient processes could look like

Experiences from GIFT City were cited as examples of how a single regulator like IFSCA can streamline approvals and improve coordination. Participants contrasted this with the wider system, where similar processes can take significantly longer.

On-ground challenges continue to shape TNE delivery

Beyond individual examples, speakers highlighted coordination issues, approval timelines and varying state-level approaches as factors continuing to shape how partnerships are implemented, with administrative delays in some cases impacting institutional confidence and timelines.

Concerns raised over TNE becoming overly market-driven

Some participants cautioned against treating international education as a purely commercial exercise, calling instead for a focus on academic value and long-term outcomes over student numbers, with maintaining this balance seen as critical to the credibility of TNE models.

Local adaptation seen as essential to meaningful partnerships

Speakers noted that institutions should avoid replicating home-campus models, highlighting the need to adapt curriculum and delivery to India to ensure partnerships remain effective and relevant.

TNE is unlikely to significantly impact enrolment levels across India

There was broad agreement that international branch campuses alone will not address India’s higher education demand at scale. Increasing enrolment will require wider system-level interventions beyond TNE, including strengthening domestic capacity and alternative pathways.

Student experience seen as key to India’s global ambitions

Participants highlighted that infrastructure, safety, pollution levels and overall living conditions will shape international student decisions in India. Improvements in these areas were seen as key to attracting students in the long term, with the broader ecosystem playing a central role.

Greater coordination needed to strengthen India’s global positioning

Calls were made for more structured efforts to promote India as an education destination, including stronger coordination across ministries and institutions. At present, efforts remain somewhat fragmented, limiting visibility and outreach.

Data and quality alignment highlighted as key areas for development

Speakers pointed to the need for better data on enrolment and outcomes, along with stronger alignment of quality frameworks across countries, saying this would help improve consistency in TNE delivery and support more informed decision-making.

Focus on the Global South seen as a potential pathway forward

Some participants suggested that India may be better positioned to attract students from South Asia and other emerging regions, reflecting current mobility trends as most international students coming to India are from Asia and Africa, while reinforcing its role within the Global South.

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