ISB scouts for more intl students

Towards this, the B-school is planning to conduct road shows in Moscow, Paris, Madrid, Zurich, and Milan among others in Europe. It is also visiting Australia for the first time this year in July.

Apart from these, it is also focusing on West Asia, particularly Dubai, where there is a high concentration of NRIs and international students.

Speaking to Business Standard, VK Menon, senior director (admissions and financial aid and career advancement services), ISB, said the institute was looking to tap new markets as it would increase the intake from the present 440 to 560 for the class 2010 (the admission will begin in 2009).

The exercise is in line with the efforts to have "a truly international mix of students."

This year, at least a third of the batch comprises NRIs. There are 20 international students.

"We are looking to double the international students strength," he said. The outreach programmes started three years ago but are now being pursued with renewed vigour due to the international ranking, he said.

The number of international offers is expected to increase to 150 for this batch from 110 in the last academic year, which saw as many as 60 companies from 23 countries.

According to Menon, ISB will also explore the Asia Pacific countries. There are students in Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, who have academic qualifications and are looking for a value-addition to their careers. It will also conduct similar programmes in the neighbouring countries - Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh.

"We will foray into the Chinese market gradually," he said, adding some companies there too had shown interest in the ISB students.

The US, however, will remain a potential market. "The US, which has a large chuck of students is an important market," he said, adding the H-1B visas though are a problem with the US companies.

Nevertheless, a significantly number of US-based companies offer employment to the ISBians. The admission process would be the same for all students except that the international students would be given more time to apply.

"We expect at least 1,500 students to apply for the ISB after we conduct the information sessions," Menon said.