Study in India

Key Highlights: Study in India

Study in India Cost – Tuition Fees

• Community Colleges & Vocational Courses: Tuition fees typically range from ₹50,000 to ₹150,000 annually, though some vocational courses may have lower fees.
• Undergraduate Programs (UG): Annual fees generally range between ₹75,000 and ₹300,000, depending on the institution and course.
• Master’s Programs (PG): Tuition fees usually fall between ₹100,000 and ₹500,000 per year.
• PhD Programs: Annual tuition fees are typically between ₹50,000 and ₹200,000, varying by institution and research facilities.

Intakes Available in India

• Monsoon (July/August): Primary intake cycle for most programs across UG, PG, and PhD.
• Winter (January/February): Secondary admission cycle for limited courses and institutions.
• Spring (April/May): Commonly followed cycle for diploma and other short-term courses.

Study in India for International Students – Types of Visa

• Student Visa (S-Visa): Issued for the duration of the academic program.
• Research Visa: For students pursuing doctoral studies or research-oriented programs.
• Provisional Visa: For those awaiting admission confirmation, valid for six months.
• Intern Visa: For students undergoing internships in India.

Study in India – Degrees and their Timelines

Why Study in India

Affordable Education

The best news for those looking to study in India is that education in India is relatively cost-effective and affordable. However, this doesn’t mean that there is any quality compromise. To study in India means to avail of quality education at affordable prices.

Diverse Learning Environment

India proudly houses more than one thousand universities and forty thousand colleges in various fields of arts, science, technology, medicine, and business management. There is hence appreciation of cultural differences and international exposure among international students.

International Standard of Technological Education

Indian Institute of Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Information Technology (IITs), Indian Institute of Management (IIMs), and National Institutes of Technology (NIT) provide technology and management education which are famous in international markets and produce the best corporate and technical leaders.

Work Opportunities Post-Study

India’s rapid economic growth fuels a high demand for employment across diverse sectors, including information technology, engineering, healthcare, and management.  Graduates in these fields may subsequently obtain work permits to remain in India.

Explore Top Universities in India

Admission Season and Timeline for Studying in India

Step 1: Research and Shortlist (November – January)

• Curate a list of universities and courses in India of your choice.
• Find out universities that admit students to specific fields of study of your choice (engineering, medicine, management, etc).
• Check out the requirements for enrolment, tuition, and admission to the point of entry.

Step 2: Entrance Exams (December – April)

• Register for relevant national or institution-level entrance exams:
  • There is JEE (Engineering) for IITs, NITs & other technical institutes.
  • NEET (Medical) for MBBS, BDS, and all fields related to the medical profession.
  • CAT/MAT/GMAT (Management) (for MBA / B-schools including IIMs).
  • Program-specific exams like CLAT (Law) or NID (Design).
  • Prepare using recommended study materials and online mock tests.

Step 3: Application (February – May)

• Submit applications to the universities of your choice using their online portal.
• Have all important documents in place:
  • Reports of academic records and credentials.
  • Entrance exam scores.
  • A statement of purpose (SOP) or another type of personal essay might be needed.
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs).

Step 4: Acceptance (April – June)

• Receive invitations for admission to various institutions.
• Secure a seat with acceptance by depositing tuition fees along with some other formalities.
• Ask for official letters of admission for visas.

Step 5: Visa Application (June – July)

• Contact your nearest Indian embassy to apply for a S-Visa.
• Keep these documents handy:
  • Admission letter from the university.
  • Valid passport (minimum 6-month validity).
  • Financial proof (scholarships, savings, or sponsorship).
  • Medical fitness certificate.

Step 6: Pre-Departure (July – August)

• Complete pre-departure requirements:
  • Book on-campus or off-campus accommodations.
  • Arrange health insurance.
  • Prepare a budget for living expenses.
  • Attend any orientation sessions provided by your institution.
  • Pack essentials, including academic materials, cultural attire, and necessary documentation.

Cost of Studying in India

Study in India Cost – Tuition Fees

• Public Universities: UG: ₹10,000–₹50,000 per year | PG: ₹20,000–₹75,000.
• Private Institutions: UG: ₹1,00,000–₹3,00,000 annually | PG: ₹2,00,000–₹5,00,000.

Study in India Cost – Accommodation

• On-Campus: ₹20,000 to ₹75,000 annually.
• Off-Campus: ₹5,000–₹15,000 per month, depending on location and facilities.

Study in India Cost-Living Expenses

• Food: ₹2,500–₹6,000 per month.
• Transportation: ₹500–₹2,000 monthly (public transport).
• Books and Materials: ₹5,000–₹10,000 annually.
• Miscellaneous: ₹1,000–₹3,000 monthly.

Study in India Cost – Health Insurance

Health insurance typically ranges from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 annually.

Job Opportunities After Study in India

On-Campus Jobs

• Common job roles include research assistant, library aide, administrative support, lab technician, or tutor.
• No additional permits are needed for on-campus employment generally.
• The work hours are relaxed, and students can devote 15-20 hours weekly during their academic term.

Off-Campus Jobs

• Eligible after completing the course, and with a relevant work permit.
• Roles include positions in IT, management, consulting, or any such domain depending on your area of academics.
• Work hours generally follow a 9-hour shift.

Part-Time Jobs

• Job roles and subsequent earnings in part-time jobs after studying in India can vary based on a lot of things. As a rough approximation, here are the kinds of salaries you can expect:
  • Private tutors: ₹500-1000/hour.
  • Freelance work (e.g., graphic design, content writing): ₹1000–₹2000/hour.
  • Retail and service industry roles (e.g., sales assistant, delivery personnel): ₹100–₹250/hour.
• Students must be over 18 and may require sponsorship from their institution for certain roles.
• The perk of such jobs is flexible timing, as many such jobs offer weekend as well as evening/late-night shifts.

Post-Study Work Opportunities

• Sectors in demand:
  • Roles such as software developers, data analysts, and IT consultants.
  • Mechanical, civil, and electrical engineers are highly sought after in both public and private sectors.
  • Opportunities as medical professionals, pharmacists, or hospital administrators.
  • Many universities have innovation hubs to support students starting their ventures.
• Graduates may need to apply for a residence or employment visa depending on their nationality and company requirements.
• Post-study work visas in India are typically valid for 1–2 years, depending on the nature of employment and sector demand.

Job Type & Common Roles

Job Opportunities for International Students in India:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to study in India for international students?

Indian tuition fees vary widely by institution and program.  International students typically pay ₹250,000-₹600,000 annually, while private universities may charge up to ₹105,000 and state universities up to ₹8,500.

Is studying in India affordable?

India offers affordable education and a low cost of living, with monthly expenses under ₹26,000 for international students and comparatively low tuition fees compared to Western countries.

What documents are required for a student visa in India?

To obtain an Indian student visa, you’ll need a valid passport, passport photo, acceptance letter, proof of funds, a completed application form, and possibly a medical certificate.

Can international students study in India after high school?

Yes, international high school graduates can enroll in Indian undergraduate programs, including engineering, medicine, business, and humanities.  Admission standards vary by institution and program.

Can international students work while studying in India?

Indian student visa holders may not work while studying.  On-campus internships are sometimes available but are limited.