CHENNAI: As the Trump administration introduces more restrictions for higher education programmes in the US, many countries like Australia and Malaysia are capitalising on the opportunity to set up base in south India, including Tamil Nadu, to attract students to pursue higher studies in their countries.
The University of Western Australia (UWA), a global top 100 university and a member of Australia's Group of Eight (Go8), has already announced its new campus in Chennai.
Similarly, Education Malaysia Global Services (EMGS), with the support of the Consulate General of Malaysia in Chennai, organised a mega 'Study in Malaysia Education Fair' to attract more students. The event saw the participation of 15 leading Malaysian higher education institutions.
As of 2025, higher education in the US has become costlier, thanks to the latest administration reforms, which are forcing the institutions to increase the fee, say experts.
"Due to the policies, the price of the imported educational technology, including electrical and electronic instruments and lab equipment, has caused the institutions to increase their various costs," pointed out S Prasana, a senior student career consultant in the city.
He also attributed the situation to tightened visa policies and said, "Therefore, institutions abroad are taking the opportunity to come to the country and set up their bases."
The consultant also explained that the Centre's National Education Policy (NEP 2020) encourages and allows foreign universities to set up shop here to boost global education. He said that the University Grants Commission (UGC) had already approved five foreign universities to provide higher education to Indian students.
A senior Higher Education official said, on the prospects for Tamil Nadu, "With an ever-expanding infrastructure, rigorous academic programmes, and a commitment to improving quality standards, Tamil Nadu has established itself as the leading state for higher learning with an astounding Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER). Therefore, it is quite obvious that foreign universities are approaching our state."
At the time of his announcement for setting up his institution's base here, Prof Amit Chakma, Vice-Chancellor, UWA, said, "By connecting Tamil Nadu's strengths with Western Australia's leadership in oceans, critical technologies and innovation, we are creating a platform for capability-building that will shape the region's next decade."
The EMGS, about the education fair, said their event received an overwhelming response and was one of the largest of its kind ever held in Chennai. It noted a strong interest from Indian students and families exploring Malaysia as a preferred higher education location.
However, E Balagurusamy, former vice chancellor of Anna University, also pointed out that UGC, in a hurry to implement NEP, has asked to implement a slew of initiatives in higher education without proper thought, preparation and planning.
"For instance, inviting foreign universities here is not only detrimental to the quality of education but also defies the basic tenets of NEP," he said.