Here's How to Study in India

Who’s ready to study abroad in India? Whether you’re looking for a semester abroad or want to complete your entire education there, you’re bound to learn a lot from a study in India experience. Immerse yourself in a culture older than most which has made an immense impact across the world – from music and religion to philosophy and cuisine.

There are many pros and cons to taking your study abroad adventure to India. For example, the affordable tuition fees for a quality education in a diverse culture are a definite pro. One con to consider? The culture shock of getting adjusted to the environment and the potential language barrier.

On this page, we’ll provide a comprehensive breakdown of the ins and outs of studying abroad in India, including details on what India’s education system looks like, what the nation’s top schools are, and a list of study in India websites and scholarships for you to explore.

 

Jump Ahead

• Study in India: The Basics
• Study in India Eligibility
• Housing and Transportation in India
• Indian Universities for International Students
• Study in India Program
• Study in India Scholarship

 

Study India: The Basics

There are many reasons why someone would want to study in India. This southeast Asian country has a population of well over a billion and is very diverse with many different spoken languages. The top five biggest cities in India by population are Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad.

 

Quick Facts About India

Here are some facts everyone should know about India:

• The capital of India is New Delhi. This city is located in the northern part of the country.
• India’s currency is the Indian rupee.
• The country’s official languages are Hindi and English.
• India makes up about one-sixth of the world’s total population and is the second most populous country behind China.
• India is part of the British Commonwealth.
• India is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world. 

 

India’s Higher Education System

India’s higher education system has three different layers: universities, colleges, and courses. According to India’s Ministry of Education, there are over 1,000 universities and over 42,000 colleges in India’s higher education system. India is considered to have the most challenging mathematics curriculum in the world making it a great choice for students wanting a rigorous education.

In higher education, its system is publicly funded and is the third largest in the world, behind the United States and China.

 

 

The Cost of Studying in India

Higher education in India is very affordable. It’s usually about INR 350,000 (or $5,000) per academic year because of state funding. This is a stark contrast to the cost of higher education in the U.S.

Looking to study medicine in India? You’re probably wondering how much it costs to study medicine in India so you can compare it to other countries and universities. Currently, the first-year fee at Christian Medical College, a top university for medicine in India, is INR 48,330, or $593.

 

University Classifications in India

The universities in India have different classifications:

• Central Universities – These are set up through Parliament and funded by the Union Government.
  
  
• State Universities – These are set up through the State Legislature and funded and operated by the State Government.
  
  
• Private Universities – These are set up through the State Legislature. They include multidisciplinary research universities and specialized institutions.
  
  
• Deemed Universities – These are institutes that perform well and are considered of equal standing as the Central Government’s universities by the Union Grants Commission (UGC).
  
  
• Institutes of National Importance (INI) – These are eminent institutions of India that are funded by the Government and have a reputation for developing individuals with high skill sets. They include the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), National Institutes of Technology (NITs), and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

Accreditation for the colleges and universities is done through the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), while technical education is regulated by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

 

Study in India Eligibility

There are certain requirements needed to obtain study in India eligibility. In fact, higher education in India has four program levels: undergraduate (bachelor’s), post-graduate (master’s), doctoral studies, or a diploma or certificate-based path.

How does admission for foreign students in India work? Students from other countries wishing to study in India can join a university through a student exchange program or direct admission.

The first resources to take advantage of are your school’s guidance counselors or study abroad counselors. High school students looking to complete their higher education can gain a lot of insight from their guidance counselor. They will be able to connect you with resources and information for applying to an international school.

College students looking to spend a semester or year abroad in India should meet with a study abroad counselor at their school. They can provide information on any existing relationships your school may have with Indian schools as well as information regarding study abroad programs.

There are many study abroad programs that can help with admission for foreign students in India while also providing financial assistance. (See examples of study abroad programs farther down this page.)

 

 

Student Visa for India

India requires most international students to apply for a visa to study in the country. (Exceptions include nationals from Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal). Students will want to apply for the multiple-entry visa for their entire duration of study. You will need to obtain this visa prior to arriving to the country.

Here are the requirements for a student visa:

• Visa fee
• Passport (valid for at least 6 extra months and containing at least two blank pages)
• Photocopy of passport
• Proof of residential address
• Two passport-size photos
• Visa application form (filled out and printed)
• Letter from host institution indicating admission
• Proof of financial support adequate to cover tuition and stay in India (i.e., bank statement)

 

Housing and Transportation in India

Housing and transportation are two important logistics to sort out before the start of the school year. Unfortunately, on-campus housing may be harder to come by than off-campus housing. Available student housing only covers about 20% of the total demand.

With that being said, don’t expect to rely on student housing for your accommodations. Instead, spend some time researching housing options nearby. Note that bigger cities are likely to have more housing options. Hostels are popular affordable options for students. Many hostels tend to be situated near universities to specifically target students.

You’ll also want to make sure that you have transportation to and from the school sorted out. India’s public transportation system is vast and one of the most affordable ways to get around. Students can take advantage of trains, buses, taxis, cabs, automobiles, and other transportation options available in most Indian cities.

 

Use our step-by-step guide for studying abroad to help you prepare to study abroad in India.

 

Indian Universities for International Students

When considering Indian universities for international students, the goal is to get a high-quality education regardless of your budget. One of the great things about India is that almost all the institutions teach some classes in English to avoid any language barriers.

Check out this study in India university list for schools that teach programs in English:

• University of Delhi – This school offers a bachelor’s, master’s, or Ph.D. and is a globally recognized university. It has a wide range of programs available, with a fee structure that changes based on foreign students and their program of study.
  
  
• Indian Institute of Science – This institution is one of the most prestigious universities in the world. The concentrations here are science and technology, and Ph.D. programs are offered in all academic departments.
  
  
• Pondicherry University – The English-speaking programs at this university are at the master’s and Ph.D. levels. There are only a limited number of students accepted each year, and its target market is global professionals and bachelor’s degree holders.
  
  
• O.P. Jindal Global University – Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees are offered here. This university also accepts international students regardless of their nationality to offer equal opportunity to everyone. Scholarships are also available through their application process.
  
  
• Panjab University – Panjab is a leading university and one of the oldest in India. Their curriculum is one of the best, aligned with many prestigious universities.

 

 

Study in India Program

There are a few study abroad programs in India available that can provide cultural immersion and a rewarding educational experience. Here are a few:

• IFSA (Institute for Study Abroad) – This study in India program has three different programs worth 15 credits per semester. A summer program in Pune is also available for six credits. Scholarships and financial aid are available for students in amounts from $500 to $2,500. Subject areas include cultural studies, economics, entrepreneurship, humanities, public health, media relations, and more.
  
  
• Study in India – This program is sponsored by the Ministry of Education in India as a centralized solution for international students seeking admission in India. It covers how to apply, courses, scholarships, fee waivers, and how to plan your stay, and it is a direct link to partner institutes. Students using this portal can find out the criteria for eligibility and more.
  
  
• USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium) – This program has opportunities for STEM students, an accelerated Spring program, and more. Students learn in a month-long three-credit service-learning internship and study at one of the finest institutions in India. There is a program capacity of 40 students. Scholarships are available, and there is a minimum GPA of 2.5 required. The student must be a sophomore or higher.

 

Study in India Scholarships

If you plan to study in India in 2023 or later, there are many study in India scholarship for 2023 available.

One example is the Study in India Scholarship. The scholarship is worth USD $3,200 and is awarded to high-achieving students applying to their program.

There is also the SII Scholarship (Study in India Scholarship Scheme) which is awarded by the government of India and is worth USD $3,500 per year.

Other scholarships include:

• General Scholarship Scheme (GSS) for Foreign Students
• Indira Ghandi Institute of Development Research Scholarship
• KIIT University International Scholarship Program
• Indian School of Business International Scholarships
• ITEC/CASSP Government of India Fully Funded Scholarships
• SIU-ICCR Joint Scholarships for Developing Countries

There are many reasons why studying abroad in India can be an experience of a lifetime. Immersing yourself in the different cultures and learning new ways of life can add a unique perspective to how you see things academically and in business.