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OU emerging as hub for Afro-Asians
With each passing year, the number of foreign students is increasing in Osmania University. Till date students from 87 countries have studied at the university. Students from Maldives to Malawi, Somalia to Sudan are making their way to Hyderabad.
From a mere 77 students in 1999-2000 batch to the present cumulative strength of 3,897 foreign students, Osmania Digitisation University is fast turning into the most preferred university
Hyderabad: With each passing year, the number of foreign students is increasing in Osmania University. Till date students from 87 countries have studied at the university. Students from Maldives to Malawi, Somalia to Sudan are making their way to Hyderabad.
Interestingly, it is from African countries that most students come to study. In the 2016-17 academic year, from Yemen (500), Somalia (784), Sudan (285), Nigeria (155), Djibouti (108), Kenya (76), Ethiopia (83) joined several courses.
Thanks to the soft approach to war torn countries by the Modi government, a large number of students from Afghanistan are now coming to Osmania University. Last year, 485 Afghani students enrolled for courses. Iranian students have been a regular at Osmania University. Last year, 367 students joined the university.
Speaking to The Hans India T V S Lakshmi, assistant registrar, University Foreign Relations Office (UFRO) says, “The UFRO was established in 1999 and from then on there is a steady increase in number of students. Foreign students especially from African countries find Hyderabad climate conducive and are comfortable with the food.
As far as academics is concerned, the sheer number of students proves that they are a satisfied lot.” The sought-after courses are BBA, BSc, BCom, MBA and MA English. About 70 per cent of the admissions are for undergraduate programmes. Dr Sujatha, PRO, OU says, “there are also quite a few students who enroll for PhD programmes.”
Osmania University gets revenue of Rs 22 crore every year from foreign students. A Professor from the Chemistry department said, “The popularity is growing and the best advertisement is by word of mouth.
Many students who return after completing their course spread a good word about the facilities at the university.” The tag University with Potential for Excellence (UPE) also helps. Ahmed Khalid, a student from Maldives, says, “I come from a small island nation and the facilities here are good.
Osmania University is becoming popular in the Maldives as it is just a couple of hours by flight.” Many students join Bhavan’s Vivekananda, Sainikpuri, AV College, Anwar- Ul-loom, St Mary’s Yousufguda, Nizam College, St Francis, Villa Marie and Koti Women’s College.
Mallika, a social activist says the influx of foreign students has also had a positive effect as many people let out their houses and get good income. Many African students reside in Sainikpuri, Masab Tank, DD Colony. There is a flip side as well as some students are known to party all night but that comes with a cultural infusion.
