An Indian engineering, science or technology degree could become easier to recognise across BRICS countries if ongoing discussions on a Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQ) framework result in a formal agreement. The proposed mechanism could improve academic mobility for students and researchers, particularly in STEM fields, while professional licensing requirements would continue to apply separately.
India is hosting the BRICS Summit in New Delhi on September 12 and 13, 2026, and has been advocating stronger collaboration in education, research and academic mobility. The BRICS grouping currently consists of 11 countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
During the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting in Bhubaneswar in August, member countries agreed to hold additional Working Group meetings to take forward discussions on an MRQ agreement. The proposed framework is aimed at promoting greater academic mobility and cooperation among BRICS nations.
The MRQ initiative could have particular significance for STEM education. A system that maps and recognises academic qualifications, credits and educational standards across participating countries could make it easier for students to pursue higher education, research opportunities and exchange programmes at universities across the bloc. It could also eventually support employment mobility, subject to each country's regulations.
Current data from the Ministry of External Affairs, based on registrations with Indian missions, shows that Russia is the largest BRICS destination for Indian university students. Around 27,000 Indian students were reported in Russian universities and tertiary institutions in January 2025.
China was the next major destination, with 5,330 Indian university students, followed by Iran with 2,930 and Egypt with 1,500. South Africa reported 536 Indian university students, while Saudi Arabia had 830.
The UAE has a significantly larger Indian student population overall, with 2,53,832 students reported. However, only 6,507 were enrolled in universities or tertiary institutions. More than 2.47 lakh were school students, making the UAE's higher-education numbers considerably smaller than its overall Indian student population suggests.
The other BRICS members had relatively small numbers of Indian students in higher education. Indonesia reported 17 Indian university students and Brazil had seven, while the January 2025 dataset recorded no Indian university students in Ethiopia.
These figures highlight the potential importance of a workable BRICS education framework rather than limiting cooperation to broad policy commitments. A stronger education corridor could initially concentrate on STEM disciplines such as engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, medicine, climate technology and advanced manufacturing.
If implemented, such cooperation could support easier credit transfers, clearer degree equivalence, joint academic programmes, scholarships and research exchanges. It could also improve opportunities for students and researchers to move between institutions across BRICS countries.
However, mutual recognition of educational qualifications would not automatically make an Indian degree sufficient for professional practice in another BRICS country. Regulated professions would continue to be subject to local licensing requirements, discipline-specific standards and other professional regulations. Quality-assurance mechanisms would also need to be aligned for the framework to work effectively.
For Indian students, the key question will be whether BRICS members can turn the current discussions into a practical MRQ system. If that happens, Indian STEM qualifications could become more portable across several major emerging education, research and technology hubs.
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