Study in India
by Robyn Tellefsen
When you study in India, you'll be learning in the second largest higher education network in the world. With more than 300 universities and 17,000 colleges, India offers a wide spectrum of programs recognized globally. Beyond undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs, there are many diploma-level institutes that cater to the growing international demand for vocational education. Plus, most universities in India provide instruction in English. How can you go wrong?
Areas of Study in India
Universities in India are able to offer unique, area-specific courses such as ayurveda, Hindi, Sanskrit, and yoga, to name a few. Schools in India also offer a variety of popular undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and at just a quarter of the average tuition cost at Western universities.
With close to 2,000 colleges and more than 36 universities in India offering engineering programs, this South Asian country has been referred to as the mecca for engineers seeking cutting-edge technology careers. All of the engineering colleges in India are accredited by the All India Council of Technical Education.
India is also known worldwide for providing high-quality medical education. There are 18 university-level institutions and 785 medical colleges in India offering undergraduate programs in medicine and related areas, including ayurveda, homeopathy, pharmacy, nursing, and Unani. All of these colleges in India are accredited by the Medical Council of India, Dental Council of India, Pharmacy Council of India, or Indian Nursing Council, respectively.
In addition, India is a preferred destination for agricultural education, which encompasses animal sciences as well as dairy and fishery sciences. There are 40 renowned university-level institutions and more than 99 colleges in India offering courses in agriculture. Undergraduate programs are offered in 11 major disciplines and graduate programs are available in as many as 65 different specializations. All of these schools in India offer Ph.D. programs in various specializations; agricultural universities are accredited by the Indian Council for Agricultural Research.
As a hub of the textile and garment trade, India offers courses in fashion and design technology in as many as 75 institutes. The curriculum is tailored to the demands of the international market, incorporates the latest technologies, and utilizes high-end laboratories, workshops, and design and research centers.
Not only that, but international students interested in natural and applied sciences, liberal arts, and the humanities also choose to study in India. There are 162 traditional universities and more than 7,494 colleges offering degrees in these fields. Undergraduate programs are offered in more than 150 disciplines and graduate programs in more than 50 specializations. Plus, about 600 schools in India offer programs in management at undergraduate and graduate levels.
Finally, hotel management and tourism degrees offered by universities in India will equip you with the knowledge and skills you'll need to become an effective supervisor or manager in the hospitality industry. India offers three-year hotel management and catering technology degree programs in 24 Institutes of Hotel Management and six Food Craft Institutes across the country. The Indian Institute of Travel and Tourism Management also offers short-term courses for travel and tourism studies.
As India becomes a major economic power in the international marketplace, universities in India offer world-class education in every major industry. Study in India, and expand your world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scholarships available?
While Indian universities do not provide grants for study, the Government of India does offer scholarships to overseas students. Scholarship offers are sent to foreign governments through Indian missions abroad, and the governments nominate students for scholarships. Contact your Indian mission for details on a variety of scholarship opportunities.
Can I stay in the country after I have finished studying?
You cannot extend or convert an Indian visa. If you want to spend more time in India, you’ll need to leave India and apply for a new visa (e.g., tourist, work) before you can reenter the country.
Can I work while I am studying?
It is illegal to work in India while on a student visa.
Do I have to speak the country's native language to study there?
Academic programs in India are taught in English, so proficiency in English is a must.
What are the average tuition and living expenses?
Tuition in Indian universities is almost one-fourth of the tuition in Western universities. The average cost of tuition and accommodations in India is $1,500 to $5,000 per year, depending on the course of study. Costs for medical programs, however, are higher - between $14,000 and $20,000 per year. Living expenses in India average $100 to $150 a month.
What are the visa application requirements?
To study in India, you'll need a letter of admission from an Indian university. If your admission has not been confirmed, you may obtain a provisional student visa, which is valid for three months. Other required documents for a student visa include a valid passport; proof of sufficient funds; health and AIDS-free certificates; and proof of current residence. Contact an Indian mission or embassy in your home country to apply for a student visa. If you are on a Government of India scholarship, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations will contact the Indian mission on your behalf to issue your student visa.
What is the application procedure to study in this country?
International students may apply directly to the institution of their choice, except in the case of highly specialized programs such as medicine or pharmacy. The simplest route to applying to study in India is to register with and submit your application through Educational Consultants of India (Ed.CIL), an enterprise of the Government of India. This public agency will take care of pre-admission through post-admission formalities and act as your local guardian until you complete your studies in India.
What are the housing options available?
All Indian institutions provide on-campus hostel accommodations for international students. You could also choose to rent a flat or find private, off-campus housing.
What exams will I need to take to get into schools in this country?
There are no exams required for entrance to undergraduate programs in India; profession-specific entrance exams may be required for graduate programs such as business, engineering, and medicine.
