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Kerala Expands Student Migration Portal to US, China

  //politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. xpands-student-migration-portal-to-us-china.html
  Published in Politics and Government on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 22:10 GMT by The New Indian Express
      Locales: INDIA, UNITED STATES, CHINA

Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala - February 9th, 2026 - Kerala's Norka Roots, the state government's dedicated agency for supporting the diaspora and facilitating overseas opportunities, today announced a significant expansion of its successful student migration portal. The second phase of the program will incorporate the United States and China as key destinations, extending the reach of support services for Keralite students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad. This expansion signals a growing recognition of the shifting global landscape of education and a commitment to providing comprehensive assistance to Kerala's burgeoning student population seeking international opportunities.

The original portal, launched to streamline and support student migration, has already proven successful in assisting students pursuing studies in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, and New Zealand. Officials report a positive uptake in the initial phase, with a demonstrable increase in the number of Keralite students successfully navigating the complexities of applying to, being accepted into, and settling into life at universities in those countries. This success has paved the way for the more ambitious second phase, broadening the scope to include two of the world's most sought-after - and competitive - educational hubs.

"The inclusion of the US and China is a natural progression," explained a Norka Roots spokesperson. "We've observed a steadily increasing demand from students interested in these destinations. While they present unique challenges - differing visa requirements, competitive admissions processes, and cultural adjustments - they also offer a wealth of opportunities across a diverse range of disciplines. Norka Roots is dedicated to ensuring our students are fully prepared to capitalize on these opportunities."

The expansion will go beyond simply adding the US and China to a list of supported destinations. Norka Roots is actively forging strategic partnerships with universities and accredited placement agencies in both countries. These collaborations are crucial to providing students with accurate information regarding admission requirements, course offerings, and scholarship opportunities. The agency aims to create a vetted network of resources, mitigating the risks of fraudulent agents and ensuring students receive reliable guidance.

Financial assistance will remain a cornerstone of the program. While details are still being finalized, Norka Roots is exploring options for providing subsidized loan schemes and scholarship information tailored to studying in the US and China. The cost of education in these countries can be substantial, and addressing the financial barrier is considered paramount to ensuring equitable access for students from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

Counseling services will also be significantly expanded. The agency recognizes that navigating the application process, securing visas, and adapting to a new culture can be incredibly stressful for students and their families. Norka Roots will offer pre-departure orientation programs, covering topics such as cultural sensitivity, financial planning, and legal rights. Post-arrival support will also be available, including access to mentorship programs and a network of alumni already studying in the US and China.

The inclusion of China as a destination is particularly noteworthy. While traditionally, the UK, US, and Australia have been the primary choices for Keralite students, there is a growing recognition of the quality and affordability of higher education in China, particularly in fields like engineering, technology, and medicine. Norka Roots anticipates a significant number of students will be drawn to the opportunities available in Chinese universities.

However, the geopolitical context surrounding China is being carefully considered. Norka Roots is committed to providing students with transparent information about potential challenges and ensuring they are fully informed before making a decision. The agency will also work closely with the Ministry of External Affairs to provide consular support in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

The long-term vision for the Norka Roots student migration portal is to establish Kerala as a hub for international education. By providing comprehensive support to students throughout the entire migration process, the agency hopes to foster a skilled and globally connected diaspora that will contribute to the economic and social development of the state.