Vadodara: Over the last five years, the number of foreign students studying at MS University has consistently increased. In the academic year 2023-24, the count of foreign students peaked at 747, surpassing all previous records.

This year, 128 students from 22 different countries gained admission through the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, while some students secured admission independently.

Professor Dhanesh Patel, Director of the University’s Office of International Affairs, opines that the stricter admission criteria implemented this year resulted in a reduced intake compared to previous years. However, the overall number of foreign students has peaked this year.  Of the 128 students admitted this year, 27 were in the faculty of technology. The updated policy has notably sparked increased interest in engineering studies among students from African countries.

Prof. Patel further reveals that new countries, including Madagascar, Indonesia, Ethiopia, and the Philippines, have joined the list this year. The campus now hosts students from more than 50 nations, an increase from 2016 when students from only 13 foreign nations were enrolled in the university.

Statistics on Foreign Students in the University by Academic Year:

2016-2017: 12

2017-2018: 12

2018-2019: 8

2019-2020: 62

2020-2021: 128

2021-2022: 557

2022-2023: 647

2023-2024: 747