As international universities eye Bengaluru for campuses and partnerships, and Karnataka’s students increasingly pursue multi-location education pathways, the question of what genuine internationalisation means for graduate outcomes has never been more urgent. Andreea Willmott, Founder and CEO, Athena GESDA, brings a sharp global lens to this shift. In an exclusive interaction with Kaanchi Chawla of Elets News Network (ENN), she reflects on why India is moving from a source market to a strategic education hub, what a truly internationalised university looks like, and where the future of global higher education is heading. Edited excerpts:
Karnataka is sending more students abroad than ever, and UK and Australian universities are now opening campuses in Bengaluru. What does that tell you about where Indian higher education is heading?
India is shifting from being mainly a source of students to becoming a strategic hub in global education. Karnataka is a clear example.
Bengaluru combines an ambitious student population, a globally connected technology economy and families focused on employability returns. It remains a strong outbound region, especially for STEM, business and postgraduate study. When international universities choose Bengaluru for campuses or partnerships, they are positioning themselves near talent, innovation and employers.
Indian higher education is moving toward a hybrid model: local access to global brands, flexible pathways, industry-linked learning and lower-cost mobility. The next phase is not study abroad versus study in India, but multi-location education.
If you could change one thing about how the international higher education system works today, what would it be and why?
I would replace the transactional, recruitment-led mindset with a long-term ecosystem model of internationalisation.
Too often, the focus is converting applicants rather than preparing learners. Real internationalisation should begin earlier, in schools and colleges, through guidance from Grades 9–12, counsellor and teacher development, and meaningful exposure to global pathways and future careers.
India’s National Education Policy 2020 supports global readiness, yet implementation remains uneven. Students and parents need clearer information. Educators need continuous upskilling on global shifts, AI evolution and career trends. International universities should invest more deeply in sending countries through partnerships, training and outreach. Build trust first, and enrolments follow.
Also Read: Karnataka Redefining Medical Education for a New India
What does the future of international higher education look like to you, and where does Athena GESDA fit in that picture five years from now?
The future is flexible, connected and outcomes-driven. Students will combine study across countries, institutions and career stages. Degrees must prove relevance in an AI-enabled world.
In five years, Athena GESDA will help shape that future by supporting schools, colleges and universities to internationalise strategically. We equip counsellors, educators, students and parents with insight on destinations, affordability, careers and skills, while creating earlier access to international universities.
We also help institutions in the United Kingdom and other destinations build ethical growth strategies, stronger partnerships and diversified recruitment channels.
The sector needs fewer transactions and smarter bridges between aspiration, access and opportunity. This is where Athena GESDA sits.
