Andhra University foreign students become ministers, vice-chancellors

Visakhapatnam: Andhra University has admitted nearly 460 international students from 60 different countries this academic year, bringing the total to 1,200 foreign students.
According to AU officials, this is the highest number of international students the university has ever enrolled since its inception, and it is one of the highest figures for any public university in India.The increased focus on undergraduate courses has contributed to this growth. Students from Africa, the Middle East, and SAARC countries form the majority of the international student body of AU.
Several former students have gone on to hold prominent positions, including ministers and vice-chancellors in Ethiopia. For instance, Ergogie Tesfaye, the current Minister of Women and Social Affairs in the Ethiopian govt, is an alumnus of Andhra University. Similarly, Dr. Negeri Lencho, a former PhD student, served as the minister for communication affairs. Many other alumni have secured academic positions at various institutions. Out of the 42 public universities in Ethiopia, 10 are headed by the alumni of Andhra University.
Prof. G. Sasibhusana Rao, in-charge Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, said that the institution previously averaged about 300 foreign student admissions annually. "However, due to intensified efforts from the university and the Office of International Affairs, we enrolled nearly 460 new students this year, and the number continues to grow. International students are taking advantage of scholarships offered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the Study in India program. Engineering, management, and pharmacy are the most sought-after undergraduate courses. Andhra University has established a strong reputation across these nations, attracting an increasing number of students each passing year," said Prof. Sasibhusana Rao.
Prof. E.N. Dhanamjaya Rao, Registrar and Dean of International Affairs, elaborated on the university's initiatives and the successes of its international alumni. "From Madagascar off the southeastern coast of Africa to Tuvalu in the west-central Pacific, Andhra University has a student body representing nearly 60 countries. Afghanistan, Iraq, Sudan, Ethiopia, Nepal, and Bangladesh contribute the largest numbers. Our foreign alumni have attained significant positions, including ministers and heads of various universities in their respective countries after completing their education at Andhra University," he said.
Prof. Dhanamjaya Rao added that the university is conducting a grand international student day on the campus every year to celebrate the diverse backgrounds of its students.
"As our international student population grows, we are actively seeking additional accommodation options. The university is generating approximately Rs 30 crore in revenue from international students," he added.
During her visit to Andhra University in 2022, Ergogie Tesfaye, the current Minister of Women and Social Affairs in the Ethiopian govt, who earned her doctorate in anthropology from AU, remarked that the education she received at Andhra University shaped her career.
"There are many similarities between Ethiopia and India in terms of languages, cultures, and cuisine. I encourage Ethiopian students aspiring for foreign education to consider AU as their study abroad destination. Many Indians are now investing in Ethiopia," said the AU alumna.