About SIU

Symbiosis is a family of academic institutions which include the University, Colleges, Centres, and Schools which have been imparting quality education for more than 50 years. Symbiosis was established in 1971 to promote international understanding through quality education. It is host to over 40,000 students from all States of India and over 85 countries across the globe.

The Symbiosis International (Deemed University) offers programmes in the field of Law, Management, Computer Studies, Health Sciences, Media & Communication, Humanities & Social Sciences, Engineering, Architecture & Design and Education. Today the University comprises of 45 Constituents, 13 Research Centres, 12 Support departments and 11 Departments of Skills & Continuing Education across four states and 6 cities in India and one International Campus in Dubai, U.A.E.

SIU attracts students from all Indian states and international students from over 85 countries. The university's qualified and dedicated faculty are committed to disseminating knowledge and transforming students into qualified, skilled, and responsible global citizens. SIU's strong academic reputation has led to its selection as a participating institution in the Government of India's "Study in India" Program. With nearly 100% placements, the university has become a preferred destination for learners from across India and abroad.

The Symbiosis International University has consistently excelled in national and international rankings. It has been ranked 24th in India by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025. Internationally, the University has made a significant impact. Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025 has ranked the university in the 601–800 band globally and 4th in India, and the University is ranked 251-300 band by Times Higher Education Asia University rankings 2025. Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024 has ranked the University 601-800 Overall, 201-300 in gender equality, 301-400 in reducing inequalities, 201-300 in partnerships for the goals, 401-406 in good health and well-being and 72 in responsible consumption and production. Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025 by Subject has ranked the university among 301–400 in Computer Science, 301–400 in Social Sciences, 501–600 in Business and Economics, 601–800 in Engineering, and 601–800 in Medical and Health. Symbiosis International (Deemed University) has also been ranked 12th for International Outlook with in India, 351- 400 Band in Asia, 22nd position among Indian Institutions, 65th for Teaching in India, 64th for Industry in India, 32nd for Research Quality in India, 49th for Research Environment in India by Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024.

QS World University Rankings 2025 has ranked the University 31st globally and 1st in India for Employer Reputation. The University is ranked 216 in Asia, 42nd in Southern Asia, and 23rd in India in the QS World University Rankings (Asia) 2025. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 has ranked the university among the top universities, it has been ranked 253rd Globally in Social Sciences and Management, in the 151-200 band Globally in Business & Management Studies, in the 301-375 band Globally in Accounting & Finance, among 551-700 Globally in Economics & Econometrics and among 451-500 Globally in Computer Science & Information Systems.

Beyond academic excellence, SIU has received several accolades, such as being recognized as a 2000-Watt Smart City and receiving the Asia Pacific Quality Label (APQL). It is also a permanent member of the Global University Network for Innovation (GUNi).

SIU's research credentials are robust, with numerous Ph.D. students, publications, patents, and R&D projects funded by government and non-government organizations. The Symbiosis Centre for Research and Innovation (SCRI) spearheads research initiatives, fostering a vibrant research culture through well-equipped laboratories and research centers in fields like applied artificial intelligence, medical imaging, behavioral science, stem cell research, urban studies, climate change and sustainability, waste management, and nanotechnology. International collaborations further enhance SIU's research capabilities.

IHE 2026

The global education ecology is constantly evolving due to the mobility of scholars, programs, institutions and the cross-border collaboration among education systems. While the mobility of scholars was seen as a norm since the time of the earliest universities, programs and universities crossing borders is a relatively newer phenomenon. Transnational education (TNE), therefore, is reshaping the traditionally national character of education systems worldwide, including that in India.

Several countries in Asia have established special education zones or educational hubs to attract international students to their respective countries by opening up their borders for universities from other parts of the world, particularly from the West. Developments in this direction include the growth of Dubai International Academic City, Education City in Qatar, Uniciti International Education Hub in Mauritius, or Global Schoolhouse initiative in Singapore. Encouraged by these developments, countries like Sri Lanka, Malaysia and South Korea have also made policy changes to facilitate establishment of campuses of foreign universities on their lands with special concessions.

India’s response to these developments came in through the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020) that opened the doors for foreign universities to enter India, just as it encouraged Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to open campuses in other parts of the world. As a complement, the University Grants Commission through its Regulation in 2023 on Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions in India provided a landmark framework to allow foreign HEIs to set up campuses in India with autonomy in admission, fee structures, and governance.

As of now, a few foreign universities have already opened their campuses in India. New higher education hubs or clusters are being created by state governments within India like the GIFT City in Gujarat, or EduCity in Navi Mumbai and those around Delhi. At the same time, Indian HEIs¬, both public and private, are now crossing the border with earnestness and establishing campuses in other parts of the world.

This has necessitated understanding the complex phenomenon of TNE crucial for policymakers, institutions, and students alike.

Symbiosis International (Deemed University) which has regularly observed such phenomenon closely is thus organizing an international conference to make sense of this unfolding phenomenon.

The objectives of the Conference are to:

• Unpack the idea of transnational education in theory and practice
• Analyze the implications of TNE on the individuals, higher education institutions and systems at large
• Explore the opportunities provided by global opening up for the HEIs
• Facilitate sharing of best practices in TNE
• Examine the challenges faced by local or national HEIs in coping with the competition posed by these education hubs

The three-day deliberations will begin with paper presentations on the first day (9 April) followed by panel discussions on the second and third day.