By Akanksha
July 13, 2026
India welcomed 58,134 foreign students in universities and colleges during the 2023-24 academic year. Here’s a look at the countries that send the highest number of students.
Nearly one in four foreign students studying in India came from Nepal. Nepal accounted for 24.1% of all international student enrolments in the country
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) accounted for 7% of foreign students enrolled in Indian higher education institutions during 2023-24.
Students from the United States made up 5.9% of all foreign students studying in India.
Bangladesh also accounted for 5.9% of foreign student enrolments in India during the 2023-24 academic year.
Nigeria contributed 5.5% of all foreign students enrolled in Indian universities and colleges in 2023-24.
Zimbabwe accounted for 4% of foreign students studying in India, placing it among the top source countries.