The  overseas students opting for Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (IIMA) to continue their studies has increased significantly this year. About 60 students from 13 countries have already landed here and more are scheduled to arrive at the institute in the next few months. In fact, the total number of foreign students at IIMA in the academic year 2010-11 is expected to cross 70, the figure for foreign students last year.Most of these students have come through student exchange programmes or under dual degree programmes. This year the institute has received students from some universities for the first time.

Last year, IIM-A had a total of around 70 students. Their number this academic year is likely to exceed last year’s figure. By January 2011, the number of overseas students at the institute is expected to go up to 75 or even more.

Authorities believe there has been a growing keenness among foreign students to study at IIMA. The students are attracted by the institute’s growing reputation as a centre of excellence. Of the overseas students coming to the institute this year, 25 are from France, the highest from any country. Germany is next with around a dozen students. There are also students from Canada, Japan, UK, USA, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Belgium and Sweden. In exchange, more than 90 students from IIMA will be going to these countries for studies.