BHU receives over 250 international enrollments in 2022-23; Highest in five years

NEW DELHI: Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi has recorded a total of 276 international enrolments in academic year 2022-23. The current strength of international students at BHU stands at 551 with students enrolled in various courses such as undergraduate, postgraduate, research and short term certificate or diploma.

Out of the 276 students in 2022-23, 83 students have been admitted under the ICCR scholarship category while 193 students have taken admission in the self finance category. To achieve a boost of enrolments in foreign students at BHI, the university has taken various initiatives.

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International Students strength at BHU during last five years

BHU initiatives for international students

BHU introduced a new scheme of providing a scholarship of Rs. 72,000 each year to all the international students who don’t have any scholarship. Under this scheme, those receiving a lesser amount as scholarship will be provided the difference amount.

The university also commissioned a boys' hostel for international students with 400 seats. This hostel is is equipped with all the modern facilities like spacious living rooms with attached kitchen and washrooms, wi-fi, pantry, laundry, gym, indoor games facilities, conference room, common dining area of nearly 125 seating capacity, CCTV surveillance and round-the-clock security along with free medical facility for the students.

On the other hand, to enhance the hostels for international girl students, the previous boys' hostel has been converted into girls’ hostel, adding 176 seats. The existing international girls’ hostel has a capacity of 62. The new BHU international girls’ hostel is almost completed and will add 200 rooms offering 400 seats. The new complex iwill be equipped with modern amenities.

Speaking about education for foreign students a BHU, coordinator, international centre, SVS Raju, said: "The Centre is proactive in assisting and supporting foreign students in the admission process and helping them in registration formalities." He further added that BHU offers higher education of international standards at very reasonable course fee charges compared to other institutions.