India Is Opening Its Education Sector – What Global Universities Should Know

India is rapidly emerging as one of the most attractive locations
for international universities. In this episode of KPMG on air, we
explore why India’s education market has undergone such fundamental
changes—and what regulatory framework foreign universities need to
be aware of now. Tax expert Prof. Dr. Thorsten Helm (KPMG, Germany)
speaks with Bhuwan Rudra (KPMG, India) about the National Education
Policy 2020, new regulatory models from the University Grants
Commission (UGC), and the special role of GIFT City—India’s first
planned, state-of-the-art financial and IT hub and a key location
for international educational offerings. Using concrete
examples—such as Deakin University, the University of Wollongong,
and the University of Southampton—it becomes clear that entering
the Indian market is no longer a topic for the future. The experts
explain which factors are driving growth, what structural and
regulatory challenges exist, and what strategies successful
institutions are pursuing as they enter the market. This episode
provides a concise, practical overview for universities considering
India as a new educational location—and seeking to understand how
to achieve a viable, sustainable entry into this dynamic market.