Author – Ritesh Ranjan: The Indian Institute of Technology Madras, popularly known as IIT Madras, celebrated an important moment in its journey towards global academic excellence by hosting the Degree Distribution Programme for International Students on 5 June 2026. The ceremony honoured students from the 2024 batch and highlighted the institute’s growing role as a global destination for higher education, research and innovation.
The event was graced by Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, Government of India, who presented degrees to international students and congratulated them on completing their academic journey at one of India’s most prestigious institutions. A total of 46 international students from 12 countries received their degrees during the programme.
The ceremony was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also a reflection of IIT Madras’ increasing international presence. With students coming from countries such as Nepal, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Liberia, Cameroon, the United States of America and India, the event showcased the institute’s multicultural and globally connected academic environment.
46 Students from 12 Countries Receive Degrees
The Degree Distribution Programme for International Students 2026 brought together a diverse group of graduates from multiple academic disciplines and nationalities. The 46 graduating students received degrees across various programmes, including M.Tech, I2MP M.Tech, M.A., M.Sc., JMP KU–IITM M.Tech and IITM Zanzibar M.Tech.
The range of programmes represented at the ceremony showed the academic depth and interdisciplinary strength of IIT Madras. Students graduated from areas such as Civil Engineering, Ocean Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Humanities and Social Sciences, Data Science and AI, and Energy Systems.
This diversity reflects the growing appeal of IIT Madras among students from different parts of the world. The institute is no longer seen only as a top Indian engineering institution but also as an emerging global centre for advanced education, research exposure, technology development and innovation.
IIT Madras as a Global Classroom
One of the key highlights of the event was the idea of IIT Madras as a “global classroom.” The presence of students from 12 countries demonstrated how the institute is building an inclusive and multicultural academic ecosystem.
International students at IIT Madras get the opportunity to study in a highly competitive academic environment while also engaging with India’s vibrant research and startup ecosystem. The institute offers exposure to advanced laboratories, experienced faculty members, global collaborations and innovation-driven learning.
For students from Africa, South Asia, the Middle East and other regions, IIT Madras provides a strong platform to gain knowledge, build networks and contribute to solving real-world problems. The graduation ceremony therefore represented much more than the completion of a degree. It symbolised the beginning of new academic, professional and entrepreneurial journeys.
Vikram Misri’s Message to Graduates
In his address to the graduating students, Shri Vikram Misri spoke about the rapidly changing nature of technology and innovation. He highlighted the growing importance of fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Space Systems and Sustainable Infrastructure.
He noted that every new discovery creates more questions and that the world is now becoming increasingly multipolar. Innovation, he suggested, is no longer limited to a few countries, institutions or technology hubs. Instead, new centres of creativity and problem-solving are emerging across the world.
Shri Misri referred to cities such as Nairobi, Bengaluru, Lagos, Accra, Cairo and Colombo as examples of emerging innovation hubs. These cities are producing startups, patents and solutions at an impressive pace. His message to the graduates was inspiring and direct: the world is waiting for them to innovate.
This message was especially relevant for international students graduating from IIT Madras. With the skills and knowledge gained at the institute, they are now positioned to contribute to technology, research, industry and public service in their home countries and across the world.
IIT Madras’ Vision for Internationalisation
Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, addressed the graduating students and emphasised the importance of international collaboration. He said that global challenges cannot be solved by one country or institution alone. Instead, nations must work together through shared knowledge, research partnerships and innovation.
He also referred to the idea of “One Earth, One Future, One Family,” highlighting the need for collective action in addressing global issues. According to him, the international students graduating from IIT Madras would serve as ambassadors for stronger partnerships between India and their respective countries.
Prof. Preeti Aghalayam, Dean of Global Engagement at IIT Madras, also spoke about the institute’s internationalisation efforts. She said that IIT Madras’ Strategic Plan 2021–27 and the National Education Policy 2020 place international engagement at the centre of the institute’s growth.
She also noted that around 150 students from 17 countries have been selected this year for Master’s and PhD programmes. This indicates that IIT Madras is continuing to expand its global academic community. Another important highlight was the graduation of four students from IIT Madras Zanzibar, which further reflects the institute’s expanding international footprint.
IIT Madras Zanzibar and Global Expansion
The inclusion of IIT Madras Zanzibar graduates in the ceremony was a significant moment. IIT Madras Zanzibar represents an important step in India’s efforts to take high-quality technical education to international locations.
Through this initiative, IIT Madras is strengthening its global presence and creating new opportunities for students outside India. The Zanzibar campus also reflects India’s growing role in international education, especially in building academic partnerships with countries in Africa and the Global South.
By offering advanced programmes and connecting students to IIT Madras’ academic ecosystem, the Zanzibar initiative has the potential to become a major platform for global learning and collaboration.
Why the 2026 Degree Distribution Programme Matters
The 2026 Degree Distribution Programme for International Students was more than a ceremonial event. It represented a larger shift in Indian higher education. Institutions such as IIT Madras are increasingly becoming global platforms where students, researchers and innovators from different countries come together.
This is important for several reasons. First, it strengthens India’s position as a preferred destination for international students. Second, it encourages cross-cultural learning and collaboration. Third, it creates a global network of alumni who can contribute to research, industry and public policy across nations.
IIT Madras already has more than 60,000 alumni across the world, including hundreds of international graduates. With every graduating batch, this global network becomes stronger. International alumni can play an important role in building academic, industrial and diplomatic bridges between India and other countries.
A New Chapter for Graduates
For the 46 students who received their degrees, the ceremony marked the completion of one important journey and the beginning of another. Their time at IIT Madras has equipped them with technical knowledge, research experience, problem-solving skills and global exposure.
As they move forward, these graduates are expected to contribute to diverse fields such as engineering, technology, research, education, governance, entrepreneurship and sustainability. Many of them may return to their home countries and use their learning to solve local challenges. Others may continue in academia, join global companies or launch their own ventures.
The ceremony therefore celebrated not just academic success but also the future potential of a globally trained generation of innovators.
Conclusion
IIT Madras’ International Students’ Degree Distribution Programme 2026 was a proud moment for the institute and for the graduating students. With 46 students from 12 countries receiving degrees, the event reflected the institute’s growing international character and commitment to global education.
The presence of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri added significance to the occasion, while the messages from IIT Madras leadership reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation and global engagement.
As Indian higher education becomes more international, IIT Madras continues to lead by example. Through its academic programmes, international partnerships, global alumni network and initiatives such as IIT Madras Zanzibar, the institute is building a powerful platform for students from across the world.
The 2026 graduation event stands as a reminder that education is no longer limited by borders. It is a bridge between nations, cultures and ideas. For the international students who graduated from IIT Madras, the ceremony was not just an end. It was the beginning of a new global journey.
FAQs
1. When was the IIT Madras Degree Distribution Programme for International Students held?
The IIT Madras Degree Distribution Programme for International Students was held on 5 June 2026. The event honoured international students from the 2024 batch.
2. Who presented the degrees at the IIT Madras international students’ ceremony?
Shri Vikram Misri, Foreign Secretary, Government of India, presented the degrees to the graduating international students and congratulated them on their achievements.
3. How many international students received degrees at IIT Madras in 2026?
A total of 46 international students received degrees during the IIT Madras Degree Distribution Programme for International Students 2026.
4. Students from how many countries graduated at the ceremony?
Students from 12 countries graduated at the ceremony, including Nepal, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Sudan, Uganda, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Liberia, Cameroon, the United States of America and India.
5. Why is the IIT Madras international students’ degree distribution important?
The event highlights IIT Madras’ growing role as a global education and innovation hub. It reflects the institute’s commitment to internationalisation, multicultural learning, research collaboration and global academic partnerships.