The Indian education system has conquered a strong position in international circuit. India is a popular destination for higher education amongst foreign students as the country has an unparalleled variety of academic courses.
A large number of students fly to India every year from all corners of the globe to satisfy their desire for learning more. Studying in India, the second largest higher education network in the World is an enriching experience in itself.
A welcoming atmosphere, non-discriminative approach and an assured educational and career growth is what attracts students from all over the world to India and assured educational and career growth.
There are universities focusing on the study of medicine, arts and language, journalism, social work, business, commerce, planning, architecture, engineering, and other specialised studies. Most Indian universities teach in English Medium and conduct special language classes for those weak in English.
India has an impressive list of universities and colleges sprawled across its major states and cities, which have inducted numerous foreign students from time to time. With 343 universities and 17000 colleges, India offers a wide spectrum of courses that are recognised globally.
Apart from undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral courses, there are many training and diploma-level institutes and polytechnics that cater to the growing demand for skill-based and vocational education. The quality education that India offers is within the reach of every income-group considering the reasonable fee structure. With 66 distance education institutions functioning in 60 universities besides 11 open universities, India has an enlarged outreach of distance education as well.
So, visit India and be a part of an educational system that lives on the values of quality, growth and truthfulness.
Courses
Studying in India is an enriching experience in itself that opens gates to professional growth. India offers many graduate, post graduate and doctoral level courses to NRIs and PIOs.Most state and central level colleges have excellent faculty, course curriculum and accommodation facilities keeping in view the career growth and comfort of the students. Cited below is a list of the major undergraduate and post-graduate courses in India. The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs provides detailed information on the colleges and institutes offering these courses:
Engineering and Technical Education
With 36 universities and 1195 colleges offering undergraduate and postgraduate engineering courses in various branches, India is rightly referred as a Mecca for finding engineers suited to cutting edge technology jobs.Over 200,000 students take admission in Indian engineering institutes and colleges. All the engineering colleges / institutions in India are recognised and regulated by All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE).
Medical Education
Indian Medical Institutes are known worldwide for providing medical education of international standards. There are 18 university level institutions and 785 medical colleges offering undergraduate Programmes in medicine and related areas (including pharmacy, Ayurveda, Unani, Homeopathic and nursing).All medical/ dental/ pharmacy/ nursing colleges in India are recognised and regulated by the statuary bodies i.e. Medical council of India / Dental Council of India /Pharmacy Council of India / Indian Nursing Council at central level.
Agricultural/Veterinary Education
India is the most preferred destination for agricultural education including study of animal sciences, dairy and fishery sciences. There are 40 renowned university level institutions and more than 199 colleges offering various courses in Agriculture. Undergraduate Programmes are offered in 11 major disciplines and postgraduate Programmes in as many as 65 different specialisations. All universities also offer Ph.D Programmes in these specialisations.The universities offering medical educations in Indi/a are under the control of an apex national body, Indian Council for Agricultural research (IICAR), which is responsible for the promotion and coordination of agricultural research and higher education in various branches of Agriculture and Allied Science in India.
Management Courses
To meet the growing demand of management professionals, India started its first formalized management educational Programme in the late 1950s. Today, India has 600 institutes offering Programmes in management at undergraduate and postgraduate levels with prestigious institutes like the Indian Institute of management (IIMs).All management colleges/institutes in India are recognized and regulated by All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), a statutory body of Government of India.
Natural/Applied Sciences/Liberal Arts and Humanities
Students from all over the world come to the Indian shores for study of Natural and Applies Sciences, Liberal Arts and Humanities, the reason- India has a wealth of resources, from infrastructure to faculty. A variety of Programmes are available in traditional liberal arts and humanities. There are 162 traditional universities and more than 7,494 colleges offering degree in Science/ Arts / Commerce. Undergraduate Programmes are offered in more than 150 disciplines and post graduate in 50 more than 50 specializations.Hotel Management and Tourism
The degrees offered by the Indian institutions in Hotel Management and Tourism studies equip students with all required skills and knowledge to effectively discharge supervisory and managerial responsibilities in the hospitality industry.With 24 Institutes of Hotel Management (IHMs) and 6 Food Craft Institutes spread all over the country, India offers three-year degree Programme in hotel management and catering technology. The Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management (IITM) offers short term courses designed for travel and tourism studies.
Fashion and Design Technology
India has always been the hub of textile and garment trade. There are as many as 75 institutes in India that offer courses in fashion, design technology and related fields. Training at these institutes is imparted keeping in mind the demands of the international market. The institutes are equipped with latest technologies, laboratories, workshops, design and research centres, libraries, and computers.Source: National Portal Content Management Team, Reviewed on:10-01-2011
Eligibility and Procedure
For admission to all undergraduate courses, universities/institutes of higher education in India, the candidates need to be in possession of Higher Secondary/GCE 'A' level/any other examination equivalent to 10+2 stage in Indian qualification with subjects related to their chosen area of study.Eligibility criteria for admission into different courses differ from one college to another. The students need to comply with the rules and regulations laid down by Education Consultants of India Ltd.
Documents required for foreign students coming to India are:
- Valid passport (minimum for six months)
- Confirmed letter of acceptance or a provisional admission certificate from a university or a college or institution.
- Proof of availability of sufficient funds for the duration of studies in India for self-financing for NRI students.
- Health certificate and AIDS-free certificate
- Student Visa (not required for the children of Indian Diaspora)
- Proof of long term (at least three years)/permanent residence in the country (not for the children of Indian Diaspora)
Procedure
Choosing the Course and Institute
- Foreign students can choose from a wide variety of courses offered by Indian Universities, institutes and colleges. Ed. CIL gives advice on suitable colleges and Programmes after ascertaining the requirements and interests of the students.
- For further information, foreign students can access individual institution or university websites. UGC (University Grants Commission) gives useful information on Indian universities.
Application
The academic year in India starts in July/August. Interested students should therefore apply well in advance. They can either apply to the institution of their choice directly or to Ed. CIL. Once you register with Ed. CIL and submit your application, it will take care of the formalities from pre-admission to post admission and act as your local guardian, till you complete your course in India and return to your home country.Students should send their request clearly stating the desired course of study in India at the following address:
Head (Placement & Secondment),
Educational Consultants of India
Ed.CIL House, 18-A, Sector 16-A,Noida- 201301, INDIA
Direct: 91-120-2515281
EPABX: 91-120-2512001-06
Fax: 91-120-2515372
Email: placement@edcil.co.in
Website: www.edcil.co.in
Applications to various institutes and courses can be made online and forms for the same can be downloaded from Education Consultants of India Ltd.
The documents to be attached with the application are cited below:
- Attested copies of certificates of the qualifying examination
- Two passport size photographs
- Non-refundable processing fee of US$ 100 through a demand draft in favour of 'Educational Consultants of India' payable at New Delhi.
Educational Schemes for Indian Diaspora
The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, Government of India, introduced a in the academic year 2006-07, for wards of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Non Resident Indians (NRIs) to assist them in pursuing Higher and Technical Education in India.Educational Consultants India Limited (Ed.CIL), a Government of India Enterprise, has been designated as the Nodal Agency for implementation of the Programme.
This Scheme is applicable for undergraduate studies in Professional and General Courses (except Medical and related courses). Assistance provided under this scheme comprises of financial assistance primarily towards tuition fee, admission fee, and post admission services.
This Programme is applicable to Indian Diaspora from the following 40 select countries, as these countries have larger concentration of Persons of Indian origin. These countries are:
List of countries 1-20 | |
Sl. No. | Name of the Country |
1 | Australia |
2 | Bahrain |
3 | Canada |
4 | Fiji |
5 | France |
6 | Germany |
7 | Guyana |
8 | Hong Kong, China |
9 | Indonesia |
10 | Israel |
11 | Italy |
12 | Jamaica |
13 | Kenya |
14 | Kuwait |
15 | Madagascar |
16 | Malaysia |
17 | Mauritius |
18 | Mozambique |
19 | Myanmar |
20 | Netherlands |
List of countries 21-40 | |
Sl. No. | Name of the Country |
21 | New Zealand |
22 | Nigeria |
23 | Oman |
24 | Philippines |
25 | Portugal |
26 | Qatar |
27 | Reunion Island |
28 | Saudi Arabia |
29 | Sri lanka |
30 | Singapore |
31 | South Africa |
32 | Spain |
33 | Surinam |
34 | Tanzania |
35 | Thailand |
36 | Trinidad and Tobago |
37 | U.A.E. |
38 | UK |
39 | USA |
40 | Yemen |
Scholarship is provided to 100 selected students with 50 under Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) NRI category and 50 under Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) category. In case of no availability of suitable PIO candidates, the unfilled slots could be offered to NRI candidates.
The objective of the 'Scholarship Programme for Diaspora Children' (SPDC) is to make available India's highly developed higher education system to Children of Indian Diaspora (PIOs and NRIs) living in select countries. There are ample facilities for higher education in India. The scheme also aims to strengthen ties between Indian Diaspora and Indian culture.
DASA (Direct Admission to Students Abroad)
DASA stands for Direct Admission to Students Abroad. Run by the Government of India, this scheme offers direct admission to undergraduate Programmes to the deserving foreign nationals/ Persons of Indian Origins (PIOs) and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Administered by the Educational Consultants of India, the courses under this programme are offered by the National Institutes of Technology (formerly Regional Engineering Colleges) and other centrally funded institutes (other than IITs) and Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh.Through this scheme, the Government of India aims to provide quality education to the children of overseas Indians in the field of Engineering and technology. The institutions covered under this scheme are known for providing quality education in Engineering and technology. All these institutions have reasonably good facilities for accommodation, sports and extra curricular activities.
Under DASA Scheme, admissions are offered to Foreign Nationals / PIOs / NRIs who fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
- Candidates must have passed the qualifying examination i.e. senior secondary or any other examination equivalent to 12 years of schooling in India.
- Candidates must have scored minimum aggregate marks of 60% or 6.75 CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) on 10 point Scale or Equivalent Grades in all the subject of the qualifying Examination.
- Indian nationals seeking admissions should have studied abroad for a minimum period of five years (including the qualifying examination i.e. XI & XII Standards) during the last eight years.
Some of the Institutes that come under DASA are listed below:
- Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
- National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Kerala
- National Institute of Technology, Durgapur, West Bengal
- National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh
- Malaviya National Institute of Technology, Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar, Punjab
- National Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand
- National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra, Haryana
- Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, Orissa
- Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat
- National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Karnataka
- National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu
- National Institute of Technology, Warangal, Andhra Pradesh
- Indian Institute of Information Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee Indian Institute of Information Technology and Management, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh
- National Institute of Foundry and Forge Technology, Ranchi, Jharkhand
- North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh
- Sant Longowal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Longowal, Punjab
- Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh
Government of India Scholarships for International Students
The Government of India offers a number of scholarships every year to international students who wish to pursue their studies in India. Offer of scholarships are sent to the respective Governments through Indian diplomatic missions abroad. Nominations are received from the respective Governments in the Indian diplomatic missions concerned. The information on such scholarships and schemes can be availed from the Indian missions abroad.Some of the Scholarships are:
General Cultural Scholarship Scheme (GCSS)
Scholarships are awarded under this scheme (GCSS) annually to international students belonging to certain Asian, African and Latin American countries for the undergraduate, postgraduate degrees and for pursuing research at Indian universities. However, scholarships for medical studies for MBBS, BDS or for medical research leading to a Ph.D. degree are not offered under the GCSS scheme. A list of countries covered under the GCSS is given below:Afghanistan, Barbados, Botswana, Cambodia, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gambia, Guyana, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Laos, Lesotho, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Malawi, Namibia, Nepal, Palestine, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Republic of Ireland, Sri Lanka, Syria, Seychelles, Sudan, Tanzania, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Uganda, Uzbekistan, UAE, Vietnam, Yemen, Zaire, Zambia. Zimbabwe.
Cultural Exchange Programme
Every year The Indian Council for Cultural Relations administers scholarships international students according to the terms and conditions of the Cultural Exchange Programme signed between the Government of India and the Government of the respective country for studying, training and research in various fields. At present India has Cultural Exchange Programmes with the following countries:Australia, Algeria, Argentina, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Belgium, Bahrain, Colombia, Cyprus, China, Czech, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Hungary, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrghyzstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Maldives, Mauritius, Malaysia, Mexico, Mali, Netherlands, Nigeria, North Korea, Norway, Pakistan, Philippines, Portugal, Poland, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, South Korea, Senegal, Sudan, Syria, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, United Arab Emirates (UAE), United Arab Republic (Egypt), Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen, Zaire, Zimbabwe.
Commonwealth Fellowship Plan
Scholarships and fellowships are offered annually under this scheme to candidates from Commonwealth countries mainly for postgraduate studies, though a few awards may be made available for undergraduate studies in those disciplines for which adequate facilities may not exist in the applicants' country. Short duration scholarships are also available under this scheme for scholars wishing to collect material for conducting research projects back home.Reciprocal Scholarships Scheme
Candidates wishing to do postgraduate study or research in any subject, for whom facilities exist in India, may apply for a scholarship under this scheme. Applicants wanting to study or wishing to specialise in Indian Classical Music, Indian Classical Dance, Painting, Sculpture, Drama and Indian Languages may also be considered for admission at the undergraduate level. For undergraduate courses, international students may join any university or a recognised institution. An international student wishing to study Indian languages should join a university or institution as a regular student.Scholarships under this scheme are available to candidates from Latin American countries and to certain specified European countries: Austria, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Denmark, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Switzerland, Surinam, and Uruguay.
Technical Cooperation Scheme of the Colombo Plan
This scheme is administered on behalf of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Ministry of External Affairs and is meant for students who are nationals of Asian countries.Under the TCS of the Colombo Plan, scholarships are awarded to the candidates of the following countries:
Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Iran, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Thailand.
According to the scheme, scholarships are offered for under-graduate, post-graduate and research towards a Ph.D. degree. At the under-graduate level a few scholarships are also available for engineering degrees or diploma courses.
The scholarships in this scheme are of two categories,
- Category I: This category is for training of officers coming for short or medium-term courses.
- Category II: This is meant for students, trainees, undergraduates and postgraduates coming for short, medium or long-term courses.
- One year or less
- Up to two years
- More than two years
SAARC Fellowship Scheme
To promote interaction among students, scholars, academicians from SAARC countries, the Government of India has introduced the SAARC Fellowship and Scholarship Scheme. Six fellowships and twelve scholarships are offered annually to the nationals of member countries viz. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Therefore, one fellowship and two scholarships are offered to nationals of each member country.Fellowships and scholarships are offered for studies in areas of Economics, Education, Environment, Agriculture, Mass Communication, Language and Literature, Sociology, Transport Engineering, Applied Economics, Master of Business Administration Programme, Biochemistry, Social Work, Food Technology and Home Science.
In addition, one Chair is also awarded to a member country on rotation basis. Only such courses, for which no adequate facilities exist in the member countries, are offered for study by the Government of India. The financial terms and conditions are finalised by the SAARC secretariat.
Apasaheb Pant Scholarship Scheme
Under this scheme one scholarship is offered to a Kenyan national to pursue studies at the postgraduate level, preferably in the field of Economics or International Relations at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Apart from the usual dues, economy class air-fare is also provided.ICCR Scholarship Scheme
The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India offers ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarships to the students all over the world. ICCR covers 60 scholarships under its umbrella, offered for undergraduate and post graduate Programmes in Performing and Visual Arts. Subjects include Indian Classical Music, Dance, Painting and Sculpture.Craft Instructors Scheme
Under this scheme 10 bursaries are offered annually to nationals of Commonwealth countries for training as craft instructors.Scholarship Scheme for Sri Lanka and Mauritius
Under this scheme 77 scholarships are offered annually, 47 for Sri Lanka and 30 for Mauritius. These scholarships are for pursuing studies towards under-graduate, post-graduate degrees and for pursuing research towards fulfilment of a Ph.D. degree. Nationals of Sri Lanka can also study specialised subjects such as Agriculture, Engineering and Pharmacy under this scheme.Source: National Portal Content Management Team, Reviewed on:25-3-2011
Educational Consultants India Limited (Ed.CIL) was conceived and incorporated as a Public Sector enterprise by the Government of India in 1981, under the Ministry of Education and Culture (reconstituted as the Ministry of Human Resource Development in 1985). Recently the company has adopted new logo and is known as Ed.CIL (India) Limited with effect from 30-01-2009, offers consultancy and technical services in different areas of Education and Human Resource Development not only within the country but also on a global basis.Ed.CIL's performance has been rated as excellent by the Department of Public Enterprises for 4 years during the last one decade. Ed.CIL has also been awarded the Prime Minister's Award of Excellence for the year 1998-99 and is categorised as a 'Mini Ratna Organisation' by the Government of India.
The Government of India has designated Education Consultants of India (External website that opens in a new window) (Ed.CIL) as the Single Window agency to facilitate the admission of children of Indian Diaspora and foreign students. Ed. CIL provides foreign students a comprehensive package of services that include:
- Providing required information to the students about Indian education
- Identifying appropriate courses/institutions which meet the student's needs
- Forwarding the application to a choice of institutes and following it till the receipt of provisional admission letters
- Obtaining necessary statutory approvals from concerned ministries
- Sending the provisional admission letters to the students
- Facilitating pre-departure and visa formalities
- Receiving the students in groups of 5 or more, on arrival in India
- Arranging for preparatory courses if required
- Disbursing institutional/student cost
- Acting as a local guardian
ICCR Scholarship
The Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India offers ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations) scholarships to the students all over the world. ICCR covers 60 scholarships under its umbrella, offered for undergraduate and post graduate Programmes in Performing and Visual Arts. Subjects include Indian Classical Music, Dance, Painting and Sculpture.Application Procedure
Offer of scholarships are sent to the respective Governments through Indian diplomatic missions abroad. Nominations are received from the respective Governments in the Indian diplomatic missions concerned. These are forwarded to ICCR for final selection and placement. Direct applications from candidates cannot be considered by ICCR. International government nominees have to fill prescribed forms for Scholarships for Foreign Nationals that are available with Indian missions abroad. While filling in the forms, the candidate must specify the course he wishes to pursue such as:- Certificate/diploma
- Undergraduate degree
- Postgraduate degree
- Doctoral research work only
ICCR offers the following facilities to the scholars:
- Living allowance
- Contingent Grant
- Tuition Fees
- Thesis and dissertation charges
- Medical benefits
- Study Tour Expenses
For details on Educational schemes and scholarship Programmes for the Indian Diaspora, visit our section on 'Indian Diaspora'.
Are the Programmes offered by Indian institutions recognised?
It is mandatory for all universities/institutions offering professional and technical courses in India to be recognised by the national level statutory bodies established for the maintenance of norms and standards. Indian degrees are recognised worldwide.
Are distance learning Programmes offered in India?
Yes. India has about 11 universities exclusively offering distance education Programmes. Several regular universities also have separate distance education cells. Like, Delhi University has School of Open Learning that offers distance learning courses to students. The Indra Gandhi Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, is one of the largest open universities in the world, running distance learning Programmes and catering to over one million students worldwide.
Do foreign students need to give GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS or any other test?
Indian universities do not insist on the above scores. However, since the academic programmes are taught in English medium, proficiency in English is a must. One should have studied Higher Secondary in English medium or English should have been one of his/her subjects.
Are there healthcare facilities in India for overseas students?
Most Indian institutions have their own campus clinics, where students are treated for ailments like fever, cough, cold, etc. If the students wish, the institutes can also help the students get medical insurances.
What are the accommodation alternatives available for overseas students in India?
All Indian institutions provide hostel accommodation for international students in the hostels located on campus. If they wish, the students can also stay outside, in private accommodations and rented flats.
From where can foreign students know more about the education options and quality level in India?
Foreign students can visit the following websites:
- www.education.nic.in
- www.aicte.ernet.in
- www.ugc.ac.in
Indian Universities offer education at more affordable cost than any other recognised university in the world. The average cost of studying in India is almost one-fourth to that charged in western universities.
What is the cost of living in India?
Living expenses (food and other) in India are about USD 100-150 a month.
Do Indian universities offer scholarships to overseas students?
The Government of India provides scholarships to overseas students. For more details visit www.educationsupport.nic.in
Do foreign students need to undergo any medical tests before coming to India?
All foreign students coming to India need to undergo a medical test for AIDS. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) requires this test as a pre-requisite for obtaining the Residence Permit Form.
Is registration with FRRO office mandatory?
All PIO students staying in India longer than 6 months are required to register with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The following documents are required for registration:
- Photocopy of the passport and initial visa
- Four photographs of the applicant
- Details of residents in India
- HIVtest report from one of the WHO recognised institutions for people in the age group of 15 to 60
- Bonafide certificate from the university/college/institution
- Proof of Bank Account/sufficient funds for non-scholarship students
For enquires and admission, contact:
Head (Placement & Secondment),
Educational Consultants of India
Ed.CIL House, 18-A, Sector 16-A,Noida- 201301, INDIA
Direct: 91-120-2515281
EPABX: 91-120-2512001-06
Fax: 91-120-2515372
Email: placement@edcil.co.in
Website: www.edcil.co.in / www.educationindia4u.nic.in
What is a student visa?
India offers various kinds of visas, depending on the purpose of visit. Student visa is a visa specifically for the students to desire to come to India for education purpose. Student Visas are issued for the duration of the academic course of study or for a period of five years whichever is less, on the basis of letters of admission from Universities/recognised colleges or educational institutions in India. The children of NRIs and PIOs cardholders need not procure a student visa. Other international students need student visa or research visa for Doctoral level courses.
What are the pre-requisites for procuring a student visa? From where can one avail student visa?
Students need to procure confirmed letters of admission from universities or recognised colleges and institutions. Student visas can be obtained from any of the Indian Missions.
What are the pre-requisites for procuring a student visa?
To apply/ be eligible for a student visa, you need to conform to the following conditions.
If you are on Government of India scholarship, the respective Indian Missions would be advised by Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to issue a regular student visa after your admission in an Indian university is confirmed. However, if you are coming as a self-financing student, you need to produce letters of admission from universities or recognised colleges and institutions in India for obtaining the regular student visa.
If you are coming as a research student, synopsis of the research project countersigned by the sponsoring institution in India along with letter of approval are no objection certificate from the concerned Ministries in India should be submitted for necessary visa.
Note: Processing of applications for research may take about three months.
Can I get the visa even if I don't have a confirmed admission letter?
There is nothing to worry if your admission is still not confirmed. Students who do not having firm letters of admission from universities or institutions are issued Provisional Student Visa by the Indian Missions abroad, on the basis of provisional letters of admissions. However Provisional Student Visa is valid for 3 months. Within these 3 months, your admission needs to be confirmed otherwise you will have to leave India.
Note: No extension of Provisional Student Visa is permitted.
Can I change my University/ College after coming to India?
You need to mention the name of the Institute while applying for the visa, which is then mentioned on the visa. A request for change of university or institution subsequently made cannot be considered. In this case you would be required to go back to your home country and apply for a new visa.
Can I get my tourist visa converted to a student visa?
"Change of purpose" of visit of international students to India is not allowed once they arrive in India. Therefore, if you come to India on tourist or any other type of visa, you cannot get this visa changed to student visa. According to government regulations, if an international student coming to India on a tourist or any other type of visa (except a student visa ), obtains admission into a university or any institution in India, the student will be required to return to his country and obtain a new visa (i.e. a student visa) from the Indian mission there.
To avoid this situation, all self- financing international students are advised to obtain regular or provisional student visa from Indian missions abroad by producing confirmed or provisional letters of admission from a university or an institution.
Can I get a Student Visa directly from Indian Missions abroad?
Yes, you can provided you have confirmed admission to a course in a reputed/recognised institute in India.
Where can I apply for the visa?
The visa can be applied for from any of the Indian Embassies / High Commission. View the list of Indian Embassies / High Commission.
Are there any rules and regulations that I need to conform to?
Yes, while applying for the visa you need to keep in mind the following regulations: Passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India should accompany your visa application. Students holding other nationalities (other than the country where applying for visa), should submit proof of long-term (at least three years)/ permanent residence in the country (where applying). For citizen of other countries, a reference has to be made to their country of residence for which an additional fee is applicable and will involve extra processing time. Please refrain from making inquiries about the status of application during this time.
How much is the student visa fees?
The fee structure depends on the nationality of the passport holder and type/duration of visa applied. These fees are payable in the local currency as well. Please check with the Indian embassy in your country for exact visa fees.
What are the formalities that foreign students should do on arrival?
Foreign students holding Student Visa of more than 180 days are required to register himself/herself with the local Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) within 14 days of arrival.
Is any approval/NOC required from any other Ministry or Department for technical courses?
So far as admission to diploma/degree/post-graduate degree in engineering and Technology, Architecture & Town Planning, Pharmacy, Applied Arts, MBA, MCA, Hotel Management & Catering Technology are concerned, there is no requirement of NOC from MHRD. However, with respect to courses in medical or para-military courses, NOC from M/o Health will be required.
What a foreign student should do for extension of his/her Student Visa?
He/she should approach the local FRRO/FRO with authentic certificate, proof of adequate financial standing etc.
How many entries are allowed to foreign students?
A. Normally one entry. However, on veritable reasons, a foreign student can apply for additional entries at Visa Facilitation Centre, Foreigners Division , Ministry of Home Affairs, Jaisalmer House, 26, Mansingh Road, New Delhi - 110003.
When a foreign student travels abroad on a return visa & he/she re-enters India after expiry of 90 days from the date of departure from India, will he/she be given entry?
Return VISA given to students is valid for re-entry to India within a period of 90 days only. In such case a foreigner should obtain a fresh student visa from Indian Mission abroad to enter into India and then can take regular extension on the basis of fresh authentic certificate from college/university.
Can a registered student, who has completed his graduation, get extension for Post Graduate courses by FRRO/FRO?
Yes. A registered student, who has completed graduation, can apply for extension to carryout a post graduate course from concerned FRRO/FRO cum Superintendent of Police provided he produces an authentic certificate from his institution.
If a foreign student who has come on a student visa joins a new course will fresh visa fee be charged from him?
Yes, on permission of undertaking a new course, a fresh course fee is charged.
Whether visa fee can be charged from foreign students every year?
Visa fee is charged once at the time of issuance of Student visa for completion of the course or for 5 years whichever is less.
In case of 'Provisional Student VISA' when a student seeks regular admission in any college/university then one time course fee is charged which is valid for the duration of the course or for 5 years whichever is less. If the visa is issued for a period less than the duration of the course, then the visa would be extended by the concerned authorities without charging any additional fees
Can foreign students with Indian Student Visa visit the restricted/prohibited areas?
Yes, foreign students can visit the restricted and prohibited areas in India after getting a valid Resident Permit as visa alone is not sufficient to visit such places.
Whether foreign students can carryout studies in M. Phil on student visa?
Yes, for carrying out M. Phil, a Student VISA is required.
Source: National Portal Content Management Team, Reviewed on: 31-03-2011 <!--[if !vml]-->
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<!--[endif]-->Before Departure from India
- All persons, except nationals of Bhutan and Nepal, leaving by air, road or rail have to fill in an Embarkation Card at the time of departure.
- Every foreigner who is about to depart finally from India must surrender his Certificate of Registration either to the Registration Officer of the place where he is registered or of the place from where he plans to depart or to the Immigration Officer at the Port / Check post of exit from India.
- Obtain a No Objection Certificate from the University. The student has to clear all his dues such as hostel, mess charges, library dues etc. before this certificate is issued.
- Submit an application on the appropriate form (i.e. mark sheet and proof of taking the examinations); it will be issued usually a week after the results are out
- Submit a form in the university administration office for the original degree/diploma to be sent home- that can take up to two years.
- Asking for a letter of recognition/recommendation/testimony from the student's professor(s), if required.
- Obtaining an Income Tax Clearance Certificate from the concerned Income Tax Office. This is required to be given to the Indian Immigration Authorities at the time of departure. The Income Tax Certificate is given upon presentation of a "No Objection Certificate" from Institute / University.
- The student should complete the customs' clearance form (obtaining from the Income Tax Office) after closing his bank account.
- Obtain a written permission or 'no objection' to leave India from FRRO in the FRRO registration booklet.
On Arrival
On your arrival in India, there are certain points that you should keep in mind.Customs Formalities:
Foreign students in India are generally required to make an oral baggage declaration of the possession of baggage and foreign currency as soon as they land in India.Under this they are also required to obtain the Currency Declaration Form from the Customs. The students should also fill in the Disembarkation Card (Arrival card) handed over to them by the airline during the course of the flight.
There are two channels for clearance:
- Green Channel: For passengers not in possession of any dutiable articles or unaccompanied baggage.
- Red Channel: For passengers in possession of dutiable articles or unaccompanied baggage or high value articles. High value articles are to be entered on the tourist Baggage Re-Export Form. Preferably arrange for someone to pick you up from the airport. Lot of hotels also arrange for an airport pickup.
If you are on your own, then always go for a pre-paid cab. They are more reliable than the ones you would get outside the airport. Exchange your foreign currency for some Indian rupees. It's better to make all payments in the local currency.
It's a good idea to purchase a city map right away, so that you don't loose your sense of direction in a new city. Maps are available at every bookshop at the airport.
Once the foreign students have settled, ensure that they complete the following formalities and paperwork.
Admission Formalities
Contact the Registrar or foreign student adviser of the university/institute, or the respective head of the department to take care of the admission formalities.Medical Examination and AIDS Test
All international students coming to India for studies need to go through a medical test for AIDS. The Foreigner's Regional Registration Office (FRRO) requires this test as a pre-requisite for obtaining the residence permit form.If the test is done at a government centre then it is free of cost, while if taken at a private clinic, the student needs to pay for the cost of the test.
Joining Report
After joining their respective institutes, all students need to send their joining report to Ed.CIL.Registration
All students staying in India, longer than 6 months are required to register with FRRO. For the process of registration the following documents would be required:- Photocopy of the passport and initial visa.
- Four photographs of the applicant.
- Details of residence in India.
- HIV test report from one of the WHO recognized institutions for people in the age group of 15 to 60 years, if the foreigner is visiting India on a visa for more than one year.
- Bona-fide certificate from the University/College/Institution in case of student visa.
- Proof of a bank account/ sufficient funds, for non-scholarship students
At other places, the Superintendents of police of the Districts are foreigners' registration officers. Certificates of registration will be issued by the registration officers. Foreigners should surrender their certificates of registration to the officer of the place where they are registered or of the place where they intend to depart or to the immigration officer at the port/check post of exit from India.
If the certificate is surrendered to anyone other than the immigration officer at the port/check post of exit, the foreigners should produce the receipt indicating such surrender of the document to the immigration officer at the port/check post of exit.
Registration is required to be done only once within the stipulated period, even though you may go out of India on multiple entry facility during the validity of the visa. Only if you enter India on a new visa will you be required to register again.
Foreigners can visit restricted /protected areas only after getting a valid permit as visa alone is not enough to visit such places.
Before Departure from Home Country
The following points will give our foreign students a quick preview of what all should be taken care of before they look forward to depart their home country:- Ensure that you obtain visa from Indian Embassy of your country. Also assure that you meet Medical fitness standard before you leave your country. Entry of HIV+ve persons or persons of notified diseases is restricted. Also ensure that you have taken all the required vaccinations (Typhoid Vaccine, Hepatitis Vaccine), to avoid medical complications while you are in India.
- Make sure that you carry the originals, copies of your certificates/degrees and some passport size photographs (which might be required at the institute for Identity card, library card etc.). Also ensure that letter of admission issued by Institute/Ed.CIL is brought. Also please ensure that your fee (IEC and student cost) has been received by Ed.CIL/Institution.
Hope You Have The Best Studies In India...!! Happy Study Hour
For more information, visit the Indian Government Portal: http://india.gov.in/overseas/study_india/studyinindia.php?id=9
