By Shruti Menon Seeboo
India has long been a hub of knowledge and learning, with a history rooted in academic excellence dating back to the world’s first universities—Takshashila and Nalanda. Today, it stands as one of the most sought-after education destinations for international students, offering a diverse and dynamic academic landscape that caters to a wide range of disciplines, from engineering and medicine to humanities, business, and emerging fields like artificial intelligence and data science.
With over 1,000 universities and 42,000 colleges, India provides world-class education at a fraction of the cost compared to Western countries. Many Indian institutions, including the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), rank among the top global universities, attracting students from across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. The country’s robust education system, complemented by a thriving innovation ecosystem, prepares students for globally competitive careers while offering rich cultural and professional experiences.
Beyond academics, India’s unique blend of tradition and modernity offers an enriching experience for international students. With English as a primary medium of instruction in most institutions, a lower cost of living, and a welcoming multicultural environment, India has positioned itself as an accessible and affordable destination for quality education. Initiatives like the ‘Study in India’ program, backed by the Ministry of Education, have further strengthened India’s appeal as a global education hub by providing scholarships, streamlined admission processes, and academic partnerships with various countries.
In this context, TIES GLOBAL and Campus Abroad Mauritius are hosting the Study in India Fair on March 15 and 16 at the Hennessy Hotel, Ébène, offering prospective students and parents an opportunity to interact directly with representatives from top Indian institutions. To gain deeper insights into this initiative and India’s growing role in international education, we spoke with Mr. Suresh Anand Mani, Director of TIES GLOBAL. Excerpts:
- TIES GLOBAL has become a key player in promoting educational exchange between India and Mauritius. What do you think sets your “Study in India” fairs apart from other similar initiatives, both in terms of outreach and the quality of opportunities presented to students?
TIES GLOBAL has become a key player in promoting India as an Education Destination for Mauritius. In terms of:
- Outreach: Strategic Partnerships with local partners to maximise our reach and impact; Targeted Marketing with our target audience, including students, parents, and educators; and Personalised Support to students, and participating educational institutions.
- Quality of Opportunities: We partner with and bring along the Diverse Range of Institutions with reputation and accreditation, offering students a broad spectrum of academic programs and specialisation, and provide scholarship Opportunities making studying in India more accessible and affordable for Mauritian students.
These factors that set TIES GLOBAL’s “Study in India” fairs apart from other similar initiatives.
2. As the demand for international education grows, how does TIES GLOBAL evaluate the evolving needs of Mauritian students in terms of educational pathways, and how do you ensure that Indian universities are aligned with these needs?
At TIES GLOBAL, we recognise the importance of staying attuned to the evolving needs and preferences of Mauritian students by:
Market Research and Analysis: We monitor global and regional trends in international education, identifying emerging patterns and opportunities.
University Partnerships: We carefully select Indian universities that offer programs aligned with the needs and interests of Mauritian students.
Adaptation and Innovation: We take up Continuous Feedback from students, parents, and partners to refine our services and program offering and we remain agile and responsive to changes in the market, adapting our strategies to address emerging trends and needs.
3. Given the increasing number of students considering international study destinations, what strategies do you use to attract top Indian universities to participate in the “Study in India” fairs, and how do you ensure they offer competitive advantages for Mauritian students?
At TIES GLOBAL, we employ a multi-pronged strategy to attract top Indian universities to participate in our “Study in India” fairs and ensure they offer competitive advantages for Mauritian students:
Building Relationships and Trust: We demonstrate our expertise, professionalism, and commitment to promoting Indian education in Mauritius. We foster strong relationships with top Indian universities, understanding their goals, strengths, and challenges. We maintain open communication channels, providing updates on the Mauritian market, student preferences, and emerging trends.
Ensuring Competitive Advantages for Mauritian Students: We work with Indian universities to offer exclusive scholarships, discounts, or financial aid packages to Mauritian students. We encourage universities to develop programs tailored to Mauritian students’ needs, interests, and career aspirations. We ensure that participating universities provide adequate support services, such as academic guidance, cultural adaptation, and career counselling.
Fair organisation and Promotion: We organise our fairs professionally, ensuring a smooth experience for participating universities and attendees. We ensure effective Promotion and provide Pre-Fair and Post-Fair Support
4. In what ways do you measure the success of the “Study in India” fair in terms of student outcomes? For example, do you track how many students eventually apply or get accepted to Indian universities following the fair?
TIES GLOBAL employs, a comprehensive framework to measure the success of our “Study in India” fairs in terms of student outcomes: Some of the metrics are: Fair Attendance, University Interactions, Information Requests received from students and parents, Application Numbers- students who apply after fairs, Acceptance Rates of students by institutions, Scholarship Awarded to students who were accepted at the fair, University Feedback, student feedback and parent feedback etc.
5. With the rise of digital learning and hybrid education models, how do you see Indian universities adapting to the changing landscape of higher education, and how is TIES GLOBAL ensuring that Mauritian students are aware of these evolving trends?
Indian universities recognise the significant impact of digital learning and hybrid education models on the higher education landscape. Indian universities are incorporating blended learning models, combining traditional classroom instruction with online learning Universities are investing in digital infrastructure, including learning management systems, virtual classrooms, and digital libraries.
TIES GLOBAL’s Initiative to Mauritian students, ensuring that they are aware of these evolving trends. We partner with Indian universities that offer innovative digital learning programs, ensuring Mauritian students have access to these opportunities. Our experienced counsellors provide guidance on the various digital learning options available in India, helping students make informed decisions. If needed, we organise webinars and online events, featuring experts from Indian universities, to showcase their digital learning initiatives and provide insights into the future of higher education.
6. TIES GLOBAL plays a pivotal role in facilitating educational opportunities. How do you plan to expand or innovate your services in the coming years, especially with the growing interest in cross-border education and the global push for more accessible and inclusive higher education?
At TIES GLOBAL, we’re committed to innovating and expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of students, universities, and governments. We plan to expand our presence in new markets, including Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. We aim to establish partnerships with more universities globally, offering a broader range of academic programs and research opportunities. We’ll facilitate collaborations between universities globally.
7. Given that TIES GLOBAL has expanded its reach into other parts of Africa, such as Nairobi, Ghana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Ivory Coast, how do you tailor the “Study in India” fairs to meet the diverse educational needs of students across different African regions? And what are some of the unique challenges and opportunities you’ve encountered in these markets compared to Mauritius?
TIES GLOBAL recognises the diverse educational needs of students across different African regions. By gaining a deep understanding of the distinct needs and challenges faced by various African regions, we have expertly customised our “Study in India” fairs. This enables us to offer targeted and impactful education opportunities that truly resonate with students, empowering them to pursue their academic dreams with confidence.
For example, In Nairobi (Kenya): We’ve encountered a strong demand for STEM programs, and we’ve adapted our fair to showcase Indian universities with strong STEM offerings. In Ghana: We’ve seen a growing interest in business and management programs, and we’ve invited Indian universities with reputable business schools to participate in our fairs. In Zambia and Zimbabwe: We’ve encountered a need for affordable education options, and we’ve worked with Indian universities to offer scholarships and flexible payment plans. In Ivory Coast: We’ve seen the need for English language learning if they wish to come to India, we’ve counselled the Indian universities to offer a program an English language and proficiency programme before they actually get into their main study programmes.
We’ve seen a growing demand for international education in Africa, driven by economic growth, urbanisation, and a desire for quality education. We’ve engaged with Indian diaspora communities in Africa to promote Indian education.
