Philip Altbach is noted in this Chronicle of Higher Education article for saying that Manipal's uniqueness is that its plans essentially make large-scale globalization of higher education into a different animal, broadening the current circumstances where the US and the UK rule basically everything. It is something new - an institution "born in a developing country and focusing on students in other developing nations."

Manipal studies potential markets carefully. Places with a large South Asian population get close consideration since families are likely to have heard of the university. The company also wants to enter markets with a growing, aspirational middle class. Mr. Sudarshan says he is focusing now on emerging markets in Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa.

Finally, Manipal's officials look for places where there is a demand for Manipal's core expertise: medicine and engineering.

"It is not risky for us; it is taking advantage of our capability," says Mr. Sudarshan of the company's expansionist strategy.

 Click on the title, A New Kind of Global University, to access the resource described above.