The Hindu Business Line : Rigid visa system, poor marketing affect students' flow: Report

NEW DELHI: India has failed to attract more number of international students despite having huge scope because of the rigid visa system and poor marketing of the higher educational institutions, a recent report has said.

There are a number of advantages of studying in India which is an emerging economy and offers cultural diversity and hospitable environment. The cost of education and other expenses are reasonable in India, the Ernst & Young-EDGE 2008 report on 'Globalis ing Higher Education in India' said.

In comparison to the outbound students from India, the number of inbound students to pursue higher studies here has remained abysmal, it said. The current laws for student visas can be made easier to enable smoother inflow of foreign students into the co untry, the report said.

The visa offered to foreign students in India is valid for the duration of the course or for a period of five years, whichever is less. But in Britain, the visa has no set duration. Once an institution is mentioned in the Indian visa, it cannot be change d. Students can change their institution or course only after obtaining permission from Foreign Regional Registration Office. But in the UK, a student can change university or institution if it meets the immigration requirements, the report said.

The Indian government must amend the immigration law at par with the global norms. There should be flexibility in granting multiple entry requests at the point of visa interview itself, it said. - PTI

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