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Campus Talk: Mumbai University set to open its PhD programmes to international students

The decision is driven by a notable increase in foreign student enrolments at UG and PG levels. Mumbai University now hosts a record number of 258 international students from 61 countries in the 2025–26 academic year.

From enrolling 113 students from 29 countries in 2021–22, the university now hosts a record number of 258 international students from 61 countries in the 2025–26 academic year. (File)

In a major move to enhance its global academic footprint, Mumbai University is set to open its PhD programmes to international students for the first time. The decision is driven by a notable increase in foreign student enrolments at the undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) levels.

From enrolling 113 students from 29 countries in 2021–22, the university now hosts a record number of 258 international students from 61 countries in the 2025–26 academic year. To build on this momentum, the proposal to offer research opportunities to foreign students will be presented to the University’s Academic Council and Management Council for final approval.

Vice Chancellor Dr Ravindra Kulkarni said, “Considering the growing interest of international students in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes at the University of Mumbai, the university now plans to take the next step — opening research avenues, including PhD programmes, in advanced and emerging disciplines for foreign students. The process will be undertaken in accordance with the approvals of the concerned authorities.”

Through a series of targeted efforts over the recent years, Mumbai University has witnessed a steady growth in the number of foreign student enrolment. Stating that the university’s internationalisation strategy includes an active International Relations Cell, counselling support, an official from the varsity said, “An important aspect has been the single window system which simplifies the entire admissions process – from application and document verification to fee payment and hostel allocation to foreign students, while allowing students to track progress on their personal dashboards”.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has facilitated the enrolment of 95 ICCR-sponsored students. Additionally, the fact that 163 self-funded international students joined this year reflects the success of Mumbai University’s initiatives, such as the ‘Study in Mumbai University’ campaign, induction programmes, guest lectures, and study tours for international aspirants. Recently, the university was awarded the ‘Best Institution – Excellence in Globalisation’ at the 11th FICCI Higher Education Excellence Awards 2025, held in Delhi.

Dr Kulkarni highlighted that by opening research opportunities for foreign students, they will gain exposure to a wide range of academic disciplines, research methodologies, and modern equipment. The collaborative use of resources under such partnerships will help achieve meaningful outcomes in teaching, learning, and research, he said.

He added that expanding research access will not only enhance international collaboration but also provide global scholars with exposure to a diverse academic ecosystem. “Many of the university’s faculty members are engaged in research of international repute, and this initiative aims to extend that excellence by providing global students with opportunities for research and collaboration with leading international academic and research institutions. Access to cutting-edge laboratories and research facilities will help enhance practical competencies and strengthen research capabilities,” Dr Kulkarni said.

Pallavi Smart

Pallavi Smart is a Principal Correspondent with The Indian Express, Mumbai Bureau. Her reporting is singularly focused on the education sector, demonstrating exceptional Expertise and Authority across the entire spectrum of learning, from foundational schooling to advanced higher education. She is a highly Trustworthy source for policy, institutional developments, and systemic issues affecting students, teachers, and parents in Maharashtra. Expertise Senior Role: As a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express, her designation reflects her seniority, specialized knowledge, and the editorial rigor applied to her reporting. Core Authority & Specialization: Pallavi Smart is the definitive voice for Education news in the region. Her coverage scope is comprehensive: Policy and Regulatory Changes: Reports on major shifts in educational policy, including the restructuring of entrance exams (e.g., MHT-CET adopting the JEE Main model), the draft regulatory framework for coaching classes, and revised teacher recruitment processes. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): Provides in-depth reporting on prestigious institutes like IIT Bombay and TISS (Tata Institute of Social Sciences), covering institutional initiatives, administrative debates (e.g., renaming IIT Bombay), and student welfare programs (e.g., mandatory mental health courses). Teachers and Eligibility: Covers crucial issues affecting the teaching fraternity, such as the mandatory Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) for in-service teachers and related controversies and application numbers. Student Welfare & Rights: Focuses on issues concerning students, including the rollout of government scholarships, the financial strain on schools due to midday meal reimbursement delays, and instances of child rights violations (e.g., the Powai studio hostage crisis). Admissions and Vacancy: Tracks the outcome of centralized admission processes (e.g., MBBS, BPharm) and analyzes vacancy concerns, providing essential data-driven insights for parents and students. Credentials & Trustworthiness Dedicated Beat: Her consistent focus on the "KG to PG" education beat allows her to develop unparalleled subject matter knowledge, ensuring her reports are accurate, detailed, and contextualized. Proactive Reporting: Her articles frequently break news on policy and institutional planning, providing the public with timely, essential information about a sector that directly impacts millions of families. She tweets @Pallavi_Smart ... Read More

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