Delhi University admits 520 foreign students this year, a decline from 2021

Delhi University has enrolled a total of 520 international students for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs in the current academic season, marking a decrease of more than 27.5% compared to the previous year. The prominent countries of origin this year include Nepal (110 students), Tibet (100 students), and Bangladesh (85 students). University officials attribute the decline to the delayed start of the academic session.

In 2022, the university admitted 520 foreign students, down from 663 in 2021. The number of applications from international candidates has also fallen by over 28%, with the university receiving forms from more than 7,000 applicants this year compared to over 9,000 the previous year, as noted by Professor Amarjiva Lochan, Joint Dean of International Relations.

Among the various courses, the most sought-after programs by foreign students are B.Com (Hons), English (Hons), BA Psychology, and BA Computer Science. The admission process, initiated in March and concluded in mid-July, saw the selection of 1,500 students, out of which 520 confirmed their admission.

Foreign nationals seeking admission at Delhi University fall into two categories: self-financing students and those sponsored by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) under various scholarship schemes. Admission for foreign nationals is based on merit, and they are exempt from entrance tests.

The four-step admission process includes application submission, evaluation by the university, online admission formalities, and post-arrival formalities in Delhi. This year, the university allowed all applicants to express their college preferences, a departure from the previous practice where only the top 30 students could do so. Colleges in North Campus remain the most preferred among foreign nationals due to the presence of hostels and the majority of classes conducted in English.

The decline in applications is attributed to a delayed academic session, resulting in fewer submissions from foreign nationals. Despite the decrease, Delhi University continues to be a destination for international students pursuing diverse academic programs.