Against the backdrop of rapid modernisation, a progress-oriented state agenda, and warm diplomatic relations, India’s importance as a key market and partner for Australian higher education is growing.
For OES’s Executive Director of Strategy, Dr Clare Harding, a recent trip to Bengaluru (Bangalore) revealed the nation’s enormous appetite for strategic innovation, especially in online education – a market expected to reach $10 billion by 2025.
Clare was in India as part of Global Victoria’s esteemed delegation attending DIDAC India 2023, Asia’s largest education technology and services exhibition. She says India presents as an exciting market for exploration.
“With the country forecast to have 126 million people of university age by 2026, the demand for higher education is substantial. India’s current supply of higher education places falls far short of the coming demand and so the sector is poised to grow susbtantially.”
Population growth is one demand driver, but in addition, the Indian government has set an ambitious target of approximately doubling the gross enrolment ratio (the number of primary school starters who ultimately enroll in higher education) to 50 per cent by 2035. This aspiration highlights the need for innovative solutions, including in online education,” Clare says.
“With its history of embracing technology disruption and innovation, India represents fertile ground for the introduction of innovative educational solutions. The ambitious – and largely achieved – goal set by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to shift the nation from cash to digital transactions exemplifies India’s openness to technological advancements.”
Clare describes DIDAC India 2023 as a unique event.
“With more than 20,000 educators from 34 countries, there was an incredible exchange of the latest trends, best practices, and innovative ideas in education and skills.”
“OES was proud to be exhibiting within the Global Victoria Pavilion. OES has already made select investments into the Indian market, and our role at DIDAC facilitated further productive conversations with top-tier universities and aspiring educational institutions. This visit allowed us to deepen our understanding of and interest in this fascinating market.”
OES extends its heartfelt gratitude to Global Victoria for organizing this impactful trip. The opportunity to explore trade opportunities, exchange knowledge, and foster connections with like-minded industry professionals further solidified OES’s commitment to expanding its reach and impact in the education sector.
