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.
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.
Here are some facts everyone should know about India:
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.
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.
The universities in India have different classifications:
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).
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.)
PRO TIP! The Study in India program is very popular and a direct path to finding out everything needed to study in India. This includes any financial assistance, coursework, and other vital components of being admitted into a program. You can also find study in India scholarships for 2023 to help you finance your education.
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:
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.
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:
Want to Know Where to Study Robotics in India? Some of the best schools for this major are the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur, the Brila Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani, The Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, the Manipal Institute of Technology in Manipal, and Jadavpur University in Kolkata.
There are a few study abroad programs in India available that can provide cultural immersion and a rewarding educational experience. Here are a few:
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:
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.