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Foreign students flock to Kerala University, 138% rise in applications over last 4 years

University authorities have received 2,620 applications from 81 countries in 2025-26, up from 1,100 students in 2021-22. The number of foreign students has been steadily rising for the last four years, with the university receiving 1,400 in 2022-23 and 2,600 in 2024-25.

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Currently, 205 international students are from 52 countries — including Colombia, Peru, U.K and the USA.

While Kerala youths are scouting for higher education abroad, their international peers appear to be increasingly turning towards the University of Kerala. According to the university, the current academic year of 2025-26 has seen a 138 percent rise in foreign applications compared four years ago.

University authorities have received 2,620 applications from 81 countries in 2025-26, up from 1,100 students in 2021-22. The number of foreign students has been steadily rising for the last four years, with the university receiving 1,400 in 2022-23 and 2,600 in 2024-25.

“The university has consistently attracted the highest number of foreign students among all universities in Kerala,” Sabu Joseph, director of the Centre for Global Academics (CGA) at University of Kerala, said. “This year’s applications include 1,265 for undergraduate programmes, 1,020 for postgraduate courses, and 335 for PhD programmes. The processed applications were submitted to the portal of Indian Council for Cultural Relations, under the External Affairs Ministry, for final selection.”

While the majority of applicants hail from Africa, there are students from Iran, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Philippines, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, South Africa, Russia, France, and the USA.

Commerce and management studies remain the top choices, followed by political science, psychology, economics, education, linguistics, and English literature. Science disciplines like computer science, biotechnology, chemistry, environmental sciences, mathematics, physics, and statistics also draw significant interest.

Currently, 205 international students are from 52 countries — including Colombia, Peru, UK and the USA.

“The university supports its global scholars with orientation programmes, cultural events, and annual graduation ceremonies, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. The growth in number of applicants underscores the university’s rising global prominence and unwavering commitment to academic excellence and cultural diversity,” Sabu said.

Shaju Philip

Shaju Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, where he leads the publication's coverage from Kerala. With over 25 years of experience in mainstream journalism, he is one of the most authoritative voices on the socio-political, religious, and developmental landscape of South India. Expertise, Experience, and Authority Decades of Regional Specialization: Shaju has spent more than two decades documenting the "Kerala Model" of development, its complex communal dynamics, and its high-stakes political environment. Key Coverage Beats: His extensive reporting portfolio includes: Political & Governance Analysis: In-depth tracking of the LDF and UDF coalitions, the growth of the BJP in the state, and the intricate workings of the Kerala administration. Crime & Investigative Journalism: Noted for his coverage of high-profile cases such as the gold smuggling probe, political killings, and the state’s counter-terrorism efforts regarding radicalization modules. Crisis Management: He has led ground-level reporting during major regional crises, including the devastating 2018 floods, the Nipah virus outbreaks, and the Covid-19 pandemic response. ... Read More

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