Pune: The Department of International Centre of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has drafted a proposal to start a one-year programme, ‘Study in India’, which will be put forward at an academic council meeting on Thursday.

Earlier, the university conducted a four-month English language intensive course for international students, which will now be revamped to one year. Now, it will be redesigned as ‘Study in India’, which will include English course in the first semester and a study of Contemporary India in the second semester.

“Most of the international students are from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, who opt for these courses. We have now planned this one year course for them. We will submit the proposal in the academic council meeting,” said the Director of Department of International Centre, Vijay Khare.

Moreover, there is a demand to study Indian heritage, culture and history among foreign students, which has paved the way to start the course in the university.

“Many students from European countries are intrigued and keen to learn and understand history, art, culture, heritage and many more things about India,” said Khare.