Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Indian Edtech Firms Pursue University Licenses
India has a lot of young people who want to go to college, but it's getting harder for them to study abroad.
So, some online teaching companies in India want to become universities themselves.
This way, they can give their own degrees and be ranked among other universities.
It's like when a kid wants to join a big club instead of just playing with friends.
But starting a university is hard because you need a lot of land and permission from the government.
Some companies are doing it, while others are still working with existing universities.
Indian edtech firms like Master’s Union, Scaler, and PhysicsWallah are seeking university licenses to grant their own degrees.
India has the world’s largest population eligible for higher education, with 50% of its 1.4 billion people under 25.
Stricter visa norms in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia are redirecting demand for higher education back to India.
Securing a university license involves significant infrastructure requirements, including owning or leasing 10 to 30 acres of land.
The Indian government is promoting private participation in higher education but maintains strict regulatory filters to ensure quality.
- Who
- Indian online skilling firms like Master’s Union, Scaler, and PhysicsWallah
- What
- Are pursuing university licenses to grant their own degrees and gain institutional credibility
- When
- Currently evaluating and applying for licenses
- Where
- In India, with specific plans in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra
- Why
- Due to a large population eligible for higher education, stricter visa norms overseas, and the desire for long-term institutional growth
- Population Under 25
- 50% of India's 1.4 billion people
- Higher Education Market Growth
- Expected to triple by 2030
- Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) Goal
- 50% by 2035
- Current GER
- 28.4% (as of 2021-22)
- Land Requirement for Private Universities
- 10 to 30 acres
