By Shruti Menon Seeboo
India is rapidly emerging as a significant global education hub, actively working to attract a growing number of international students with its diverse academic offerings and rich cultural heritage. This burgeoning reputation as a premier study destination was brought vividly to life at the Study in India Fair, a resounding success orchestrated by TIES Global and Campus Abroad Mauritius. Held on the 15th and 16th of March at the elegant Hennessy Park Hotel, Ébène, the event proved a pivotal bridge connecting Mauritian students and their parents with India’s leading educational lights.
Over two dynamic days, the fair unveiled a treasure trove of academic possibilities, spanning undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across a kaleidoscope of disciplines. Participating institutions didn’t just present; they captivated, showcasing state-of-the-art facilities, meticulously crafted curricula, and enticing scholarship opportunities, cementing India’s status as a premier destination for those seeking higher education.
Students engaged in lively dialogues with university representatives, gaining invaluable insights into admissions, course structures, and the vibrant tapestry of campus life. Practical sessions demystified visa procedures, accommodation, and the nuances of cultural adaptation, ensuring a smooth transition for aspiring scholars.
Throughout the fair, we had the opportunity to speak with representatives from a diverse range of Indian universities, each eager to highlight the unique opportunities they offer to Mauritian students. From cutting-edge engineering programmes and comprehensive business degrees to specialised courses in health sciences and aviation, these institutions showcased their commitment to providing world-class education and fostering strong international ties. Here’s a glimpse into what some of the leading universities had to offer:
Mr Mohammed Farukh, Assistant Manager at Alliance University, Bangalore, detailed the university’s comprehensive offerings and supportive environment. “Our university offers around 70 plus courses in various disciplines, and we offer a 50% scholarship for students from Mauritius. It’s a very beautiful experience if you come to Bangalore for your higher studies. We have a lot of offerings in terms of scholarships, accommodation, and campus placements. Bangalore is the Silicon Valley of India, known as the hub of startups and new opportunities in entrepreneurship. We have a diverse student body, with over 170 foreign nationals from 15 countries. Students from Africa, including Zambia, Nigeria, and Cameroon, often pursue engineering and business administration. We help them secure internships, and if they excel, they can receive job offers with work visas. We also conduct events like the AIB Alliance International Business Summit to foster cultural exchange.”
Dr. Meena Laad, Professor & Head, Dept. of Applied Sciences, Head, International Initiatives at Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Pune, emphasised the institution’s long-standing connection with Mauritius and its commitment to international students. “Symbiosis was established to cater to international students. Our motto itself is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family.’ We have a very long and close association with Mauritius, and our first international student was from there. We are one of the top 100 universities in India, offering a wide range of programs, including engineering, medicine, media, law, management, architecture, and design. We are always updated as per industry requirements, focusing on internationalisation and industry connections. We have MoUs signed with 85 countries and a significant number of students from the African continent. They prefer BBA, law, engineering, architecture, and culinary arts. Our campus has world-class infrastructure, a special centre for international students, and a mentor-mentee system. We also provide language training and have strong industry partnerships with companies like Amazon, Google, and Bajaj, who have invested in on-campus training facilities.”
Next, Dr. David T. Easow, Deputy Director for International Affairs, Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science Chennai, provided a comprehensive overview of the institution’s rich history and diverse offerings, emphasising its commitment to international students. “Hindustan Group, established in 1966, boasts a legacy of nearly 60 years, now educating over 20,000 students,” David began. “Our diverse portfolio includes Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, an engineering college, an arts and science college, a polytechnic college, and three international schools. We offer a comprehensive range of programs, from engineering & technology, architecture, arts and sciences, management, and law, to health sciences, pharmacy, fashion technology, and food technology. We are truly a multi-faceted institution catering to a wide spectrum of academic aspirations.”
He then highlighted the university’s commitment to international students through extensive scholarship programs. “Students are encouraged to apply through the Indian Embassy in Mauritius. We are proud to host over five percent foreign students, with a significant presence from the African continent, including Ethiopia. We currently have Mauritian students pursuing BCA, BBA, and economics. We offer both direct university scholarships and those available through government channels. Our commitment extends to providing internships and comprehensive placement support through our dedicated placement office, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for their careers.”
David emphasised the university’s strong global connections and unique academic opportunities. “Hindustan University has forged strong international ties, with over 150 MOUs with universities worldwide. Students can participate in semester exchange programs at our partner institutions, earning credits that transfer back to their Hindustan degree, at no extra cost for up to two semesters. We also offer dual degree programs, twinning programs, and articulation programs, allowing students to complete part of their studies at our partner universities, significantly reducing costs and providing valuable international exposure. This is a significant cost saver for students, and allows for a more mature transition to studying abroad. Our international collaborations are robust, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for global engagement.”
Shedding light into the university’s specialised aviation programs and strong industry connections, Mr Abel Mathew Prasad, Vice President of Orient Flights Aviation Academy said, “Our Orient Flights Aviation Academy, established 30 years ago, is one of the oldest flying schools in India, approved by the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). We offer commercial pilot license training, requiring 200 hours of flying, and have a fleet of 10 aircraft operating from Mysore. While this program is expensive and does not offer scholarships, we have trained students from various African countries, including those sponsored by their governments. We also provide aircraft maintenance engineering (AME) programs, training students in both airframe and avionics engineering. Our founder pioneered private aviation in India, and we maintain strong industry connections. Hindustan is Asia’s largest aviation campus, with top-ranked aerospace and aeronautics programs.”
Furthermore, Dr David highlighted the university’s focus on holistic development and extracurricular opportunities. “We prioritise holistic student development, offering a wide range of extracurricular activities. We have a space centre where students can monitor satellites, horse riding facilities, and numerous clubs. We also offer a unique sports scholarship program, where district or state-level athletes in basketball, football, hockey, and other sports can receive full scholarships, including travel and stipends, to study sports management and represent the university. Our international hostel provides a comfortable living environment with diverse food options, especially catering to the needs of African students. Many of our foreign students are top performers, coming to Hindustan to excel in their studies. We are committed to nurturing talent and providing a well-rounded educational experience.”
Next, N. Sridhar, Assistant Manager (Business Development – International Relations) at SRM Institute of Science and Technology, passionately outlined the institution’s dedication to academic rigour and global engagement. “SRM is a top 12 ranked university in India,” he began, emphasising its prestigious standing. “We are an NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) ranked institution. If you look at the top 12, the first nine are IITs, and we are at 12th. We also have NAAC A++ accreditation, and we participate in international rankings like the QS World Rankings. Just two days ago, QS released their 2025 rankings, and we are now in the top 501 to 600 globally. We also participate in the Shanghai Ranking and the Times Higher Education World Ranking. We have ABET accreditation for our engineering programmes, both computer science and non-computer science, which ensures our certificates are recognised worldwide.”
Nagarajan then painted a vivid picture of SRM’s expansive campus and world-class facilities. “SRM Institute of Science and Technology is located in Chennai, a metropolitan city, and our campus spans 450 acres. We have over 60,000 students from 80 countries studying on this massive campus. We boast India’s largest campus, India’s largest library, and India’s largest auditorium. We have an on-campus SRM hospital with 24/7 facilities, India’s second-largest Simulation Centre within our hospital, iMac labs for gaming technology, over 8,000 high-tech computers, 200+ high-tech labs, and 10+ foreign language departments. We have collaborations with over 200 universities worldwide, including Harvard University, UC Davis, and the University of California, with a strong focus on partnerships in the US and UK. Students have the opportunity to study abroad for six months, one year, or two years through our Semester Abroad Programmes (SAP), twinning programmes, and dual degree programmes.”
He then detailed the diverse programmes and the special scholarships available to Mauritian students. “We offer a wide range of programmes, including engineering, medicine and health sciences, science and humanities, management, law, agriculture, and architecture. For students from Africa, particularly Mauritius, we offer significant scholarships. For engineering programmes, we offer a 70% scholarship on the developmental fee. For computer science, the fee is reduced from $12,500 to $3,000 per year. For non-computer science engineering, like civil, mechanical, and electrical, the fee is a flat $2,070 per year. For health science programmes, we offer a 60% scholarship, and for other programmes like science and humanities, management, law, and agriculture, we offer a 50% scholarship. We have students from 17 African countries, including Angola, Somalia, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Togo, Ghana, Sudan, and Nigeria. SRM is a diverse university, and students will gain a diverse network of friends. We also conduct international competitions where international students have won prizes and secured jobs.”
Finally, Nagarajan emphasised SRM’s commitment to international student support and creating a welcoming campus environment. “We have an Office of International Relations dedicated to supporting international and NRI students. We have separate departments for accounts, student services, admissions, and marketing, with a director, assistant director, and a team handling student mobility and pathway programmes. We encourage students to enquire about university rankings, as it’s crucial to choose a reputable institution for their long-term studies. Accommodation is available on campus in 24 hostel blocks with various options, but it’s not mandatory. Our campus is located in a prime area with excellent transport facilities, including electric trains, autos, cabs, and buses. There are also many private accommodations nearby. Safety is a priority, and our campus is 100% anti-ragging and corruption-free. With students from 80 countries, SRM is a safe and welcoming environment for international students.”
Lastly, Mr. Vikas Sehrawat, Assistant Manager DES at EdCIL (India) Limited, highlighted the strong educational and cultural ties between India and Mauritius through the “Study in India” program. “This flagship program, under the Ministry of Education, is designed to provide Mauritian students with exceptional opportunities for higher education in India,” Sehrawat explained. “Given our shared history and cultural values, we believe Mauritian students will find a welcoming and familiar environment in India.”
The “Study in India” program boasts a vast network of institutions, offering a diverse range of academic disciplines. “We have thousands of participating institutions, including prestigious ones like IITs, IIMs, and NITs,” Sehrawat noted. “Mauritian students have access to all universities across India.”
A key aspect of the program is the availability of scholarships, including the ICCR Scholarship and the Direct Admission to Students Abroad (DASA) Scholarship. “We offer specific scholarships tailored for Mauritian students, providing them with enhanced benefits,” Sehrawat emphasised. He also addressed the ease of the application and transition process, stating, “The institutions and universities take excellent care of foreign students, providing support with accommodations, visa formalities, and registration. We have a streamlined six-step process, ensuring a smooth journey from registration to visa acquisition.”
Sehrawat also clarified that OCI cardholders are eligible for various scholarships offered by the institutions under the study in India program. Beyond facilitating higher education, EdCIL has also played a significant role in Mauritius’s early digital learning initiatives. “The EDLP project, a nine-year continuous education program, was launched in 2017-18,” Sehrawat shared. “We commissioned the program for grade one in government primary schools, distributing approximately 12,000 tablets, projectors, and charging racks. The content and software were developed in collaboration with the Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGI) and the Mauritius Institute of Education (MIE).”
The EDLP project has been implemented in phases, ultimately reaching all primary schools from grade one to grade six. “We’ve provided around 76,000 tablets,” Sehrawat stated. “The project, initially funded by the Indian government, saw the Mauritian government take over for grades five and six. Maintenance will continue until 2028.” Regarding the broader African student population, Sehrawat mentioned a diverse influx from nations like Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Madagascar. “Many students choose to work in India after their studies, and some eventually pursue opportunities abroad,” he added. Through its initiatives, EdCIL is solidifying the educational bond between India and Mauritius, fostering academic growth and cultural exchange.
The Study in India Fair wasn’t merely an event; it was a launchpad, a catalyst for transformative journeys. As Mauritian students embark on their Indian academic adventures, they’re not just earning degrees—they’re building bridges of understanding, forging futures rich with potential, and becoming integral parts of a global narrative of knowledge and innovation. They’re stepping into classrooms where ancient wisdom meets cutting-edge technology, and into a culture that embraces diversity and fosters growth. India’s doors are wide open, inviting these aspiring scholars to experience a world of opportunities. And as they do, the world is watching, eager to witness the fruits of this cross-cultural exchange, the breakthroughs, and the enduring partnerships that will shape tomorrow.
