Global growth of ayurvedic education: Meeting the international demand

In recent years, the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda has experienced a marked surge in global interest—not only in wellness and products, but also in formal education and training.

Institutions in India are seeing increasing demand from international students, while global wellness centres and practitioners seek qualified graduates. One Indian brand deeply involved in this field is Patanjali, which has expanded into Ayurvedic education as part of a broader effort to disseminate traditional knowledge.

Surging Global Interest in Ayurvedic Education

Globally, Ayurveda’s appeal is grounded in its holistic “mind–body–spirit” approach, herbal therapies and lifestyle focus.

Surveys indicate that hundreds of thousands of people in countries like the United States have reported using Ayurvedic medicine. In India, the number of undergraduate Ayurveda colleges has grown steadily to around 450 institutions with nearly 32,000 seats, alongside about 140 postgraduate institutes offering 4,600 seats.

While these figures primarily reflect Indian educational infrastructure, many foreign students enroll in Indian programs, and Indian institutions increasingly reach abroad.

Patanjali has branched into education from its original consumer goods and wellness business. The brand operates an Ayurvedic college offering BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) and MD/MS courses. Its curriculum emphasizes not only classical texts and plant‑based therapies but also integrates modern laboratories, research components, and global outreach through an “International Cell” for foreign admissions.

Additionally, Patanjali’s hiring surge in the Ayurveda sector reflects growing educational and professional demand. Reports suggest that professionals with Ayurvedic qualifications command significant salary premiums within this expanding market.

Why the Demand?

Wellness tourism and global health trends favour natural, integrative approaches. Ayurvedic education offers a pathway to work in wellness resorts, spas, and international clinics.Branding and credibility of institutions like Patanjali contribute to international visibility of Ayurveda‑training programmes.Career opportunities: Ayurveda graduates can practice clinically in India, join research and development, work in wellness establishments abroad, or teach internationally.Challenges and ConsiderationsDespite growing interest, significant barriers remain:A recent review of Ayurveda education in India found a considerable deficit in teaching faculty across institutions, raising concerns about quality.Global recognition of Ayurvedic degrees remains uneven; in many countries, practice rights are restricted for graduates of BAMS programmes.For Indian institutions attracting foreign students, logistical issues such as admission processes, accreditation, and regulatory alignment with international standards require attention.

Ayurvedic education is clearly moving into the international spotlight.

With institutions like Patanjali leading the way in offering comprehensive training, and global wellness sectors hungry for trained professionals, this trend opens new opportunities. At the same time, stakeholders—educators, regulators, and students—must ensure rigorous academic standards, transparency in outcomes, and clear pathways for international practice.For prospective students or institutions abroad considering Ayurvedic training, the field is expanding, but it is important to choose programmes with strong pedagogy, research components, and global recognition. For Indian institutions, investing in faculty quality, infrastructure, and international accreditation will help match worldwide demand with educational excellence.In sum, the world is tuning in to Ayurveda not just as a wellness option, but as an educational and professional pathway—and together with responsible institutions, this could mark a global shift in holistic health education.