Unit introduction

The international mobility of students and scholars in search of quality and affordable education is a long-standing phenomenon. Historically, India was a prominent destination for scholars worldwide, especially during the eras of Nalanda, Takshashila, and Vedamashikan. Today, India is home to one of the largest education systems globally, with the highest number of institutions and the second-largest student enrollment. To reclaim the prestige of its ancient academic institutions and establish itself as a "Vishwa Guru" (global leader in education), India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes comprehensive internationalization, particularly by enhancing international student mobility.

In alignment with NEP 2020, regulatory bodies have established frameworks that support internationalization, allowing Indian institutions to develop strategies that include academic and research partnerships, faculty and student exchanges, the establishment of international branch campuses, and increasing the capacity for international students up to 25% of total student strength in Indian Institutions.

Facilitator bios

Zachariah Mathew is the Director of the Center for Global Engagement at the University of Michigan-Flint. In this role, he oversees international student and scholar services, education abroad, and international partnerships. He also leads comprehensive internationalization efforts and serves on the University Strategic Transformation Committee.  

Zachariah holds a doctorate in Higher Education Administration and Leadership from Indiana State University and brings nearly twenty-five years of experience in higher education administration. Over 25 years ago, he moved from India to the United States as an international student to pursue his higher education in the field of Sports Science. His lived experience as an international student inspired his career in international education and administration. 

Kuldeep Dagar, Joint Secretary with Association of Indian Universities (AIU), is leading a team of experts in accreditation/recognition of school and universities level foreign qualifications in India. He works closely with universities across the world for accreditation/recognition of qualification awarded by them and has served as Member and expert in various Inter- Government Joint Taskforce of India including the recently concluded India- UK, India-Australia committees that drafted the MoU on Mutual Recognition of Qualifications.

He is actively contributing to various initiatives of AIU on internationalization of Indian Higher education involving the capacity building of Indian universities on Internationalization at Home, forging academic and research partnerships, promoting Indian TNE initiatives, organizing various international conferences, moderating panel discussions on contemporary educational issues etc. Prior to joining AIU, he has worked with the JP Morgan Chase, Nokia Siemens network and Indian Navy. He is an alumnus of IIT Kharagpur and IIFT, Delhi.

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