Odisha is rapidly establishing itself as a major destination for international students seeking higher education in India. A recent report from NITI Aayog has placed the state among the country's top 10 regions for attracting students from abroad, outperforming neighboring states like West Bengal, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.
KIIT University: A Beacon for Global Talent
Driving this trend is the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar. The university has been ranked as the 5th best in India for attracting foreign students. Despite being located in a Tier-II city, KIIT currently hosts over 2,000 international students from 70 different countries. This figure represents a significant portion of the 2,362 foreign students enrolled across all universities in eastern India.
The institution's global network is further strengthened by a robust alumni base of more than 5,000 former international students. Aligning with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, KIIT has prioritized the internationalization of its campus and academic programs.
Flagship Initiatives and Global Collaborations
KIIT's success is bolstered by dynamic programs designed to create a global learning environment. Its IndiaTrek initiative is a cultural-academic platform that brought a 350-member international delegation to India in 2025. The program invites diplomats, scholars, and youth leaders to experience India's educational and cultural landscape.
Furthermore, the university attracts over 1,000 foreign delegates annually. The current academic session has seen nearly 350 visiting faculty members and Ph.D. scholars from prestigious global institutions, including:
- Harvard University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of Washington
- City University of New York (CUNY)
- University of Virginia
These scholars typically spend 10 to 15 days on campus, engaging with students and exploring local tourism sites. The university has also hosted lectures by about 25 Nobel Laureates, enhancing its academic prestige.
Building a Comprehensive Global Ecosystem
KIIT's international appeal is attributed to several key factors. The university facilitates extensive academic exchange through programs like the Global Faculty Programme, the Global Immersion Programme, and Credit-Based Study Abroad Programmes. Its world-class infrastructure, including sports facilities, and the societal impact of its founder, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, are also significant draws.
The city of Bhubaneswar itself has emerged as a more attractive destination for international students compared to metropolitan hubs like Kolkata and Hyderabad. This shift highlights Odisha's growing prominence on the global education map, moving beyond traditional centers to offer a unique and welcoming academic experience.
With a consistent flow of global talent and delegations, Odisha and its leading institutions are setting a new benchmark for international higher education in India.
