Kerala University has received an unprecedented 2,620 applications from international students representing 81 countries for its academic programmes in 2025-26.
Sabu Joseph, Director of the university’s Centre for Global Academics, which oversees international admissions, said that Kerala University continues to lead all universities in the State in attracting foreign students.
According to him, the consistent growth in numbers speak volumes about the university’s rising global appeal. In 2021-22, the university received 1,1000 applications from 35 countries. The number rose to 1,400 in 2022-23, 1,600 in 2023-24, and 2,600 from 64 countries in 2024-25.
This year’s applications include 1,265 for the university’s four-year undergraduate programmes, 1,020 for postgraduate courses, and 335 for PhD programmes. While the majority of applications come from African nations, students from Iran, Iraq, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Bhutan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Jordan, Thailand, Vietnam, South Africa, Russia, France and the USA have applied.
Commerce and management studies remain the most sought-after choices, followed by political science, psychology, economics, education, linguistics, and English literature. The processed applications have been submitted to the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) for final selections, Dr. Joseph said.
Currently, 205 international students from 52 countries, including Colombia, Peru, United Kingdom and the USA, are enrolled through ICCR scholarships and self-financed routes.
Published – June 19, 2025 07:14 pm IST
