Studying in India, The Definitive Guide, (Updated 2022)

  • Population: 1.38 billion
  • Currency: Indian rupee (₹)
  • University Students: 250 million
  • International Students: 49,348
  • English-taught Programs: N/A

Everything about India is massive. With a population of more than a billion people, sprawling cities, and a vast expanse of land, India is clearly a subcontinent. There are many communities, dialects, and faiths in India. The Taj-Mahal and the Golden Temple are two of the world’s most recognisable landmarks that may be found in the country of India.

It is also because of India’s colonial history that English is so widely spoken. The majority of Indians are fluent in Hindi and English, as well as one or more of the many regional and minority languages spoken in the country.

One of the most intriguing aspects of studying abroad in India is that it is a developing country. In spite of the country’s rapid technological advancements, India remains a developing country plagued by poverty and social concerns. Middle-class incomes in India are rising, and poverty and early death rates are decreasing as a result of this growth. As a result, people’s average lifespans are lengthening.

Studying abroad in India is a great way to immerse yourself in a new culture or way of life. The food in India is one of the most popular attractions for international students, as well as one of the most well-known aspects of the country.

OVERVIEW STUDY IN INDIA

India’s education system is based on that of the United Kingdom. Nevertheless, as India’s role and position in the globe has evolved and grown, so has the education system. There has been a tremendous growth in Indian higher education. More than a thousand schools in India are currently recognised as such. It’s estimated that about 50 of them are known over the world. The National Institute Ranking Framework accredits and ranks all academic institutions in the country (NIRF).

This century has seen a sea change in Indian higher education. As a result, it’s no longer considered acceptable and is now strictly regulated. So, some of India’s best institutions are now on a level with American institutions when it comes to certain academic subjects.

In India, English courses are widely available and cover a wide range of topics. The vast majority of Indian academics can communicate fluently in English. Many educational institutions provide students with the option of choosing between two identical courses, one taught in English and the other in Hindi. However, English is becoming more and more prevalent in Indian university classes.

You’ll probably be pushed to acquire at least the basics of Hindi throughout your time in an Indian school because it is more common than English in everyday life.

An undergraduate degree takes three to five years to complete, depending on the field of study and the length of time spent studying abroad. Master’s degrees, also known as professional degrees in India, typically take one year to complete, or two if they’re in the medical sector. PhDs take between three and five years to complete, depending on whether or not you teach while conducting research.

UNIVERSITIES IN INDIA

Many overseas students are opting to study in India because of the establishment of a number of national-level universities, as well as private and state-level institutions. There have been a number of agreements signed between Indian educational institutions and international universities and educational institutions to allow students to use academic facilities that can assist them gain a better understanding of a certain subject area. The best universities and institutes from across the world are now working together with Indian universities to offer PhD programmes and student exchanges.

Some of the best Indian universities not only provide students with academic opportunities, but also a platform for professors and experts from around the world to come together and share their knowledge and experiences with the students, so that they can better prepare them for their future careers.

International students will be able to pursue programmes in Engineering, Management, Information Technology, Law, Arts, Commerce, and Science at some of India’s most prestigious universities. Students in India have a plethora of options when it comes to higher education institutions, thanks to the country’s almost 900 universities.

TUITION FEES IN INDIA

Most Indian institutions charge between $3,300 and $7,800 every academic year, irrespective of the degree of education they provide. Higher-demanding degrees like medical and engineering tend to be more expensive because they require a lot of time and resources to complete. A monthly stipend of at least 25,000INR ($340) is provided to PhD students, who are normally not paid but are eligible for financial aid.

SCHOLARSHIPS IN INDIA

After three years in India, you can apply for financial assistance from the Indian government. When applying for a study visa, you must show that you can support yourself financially. As far as scholarships go, there are several to choose from. Students from other countries are being aggressively encouraged and recruited by the Indian government. In order to make India as popular a study-abroad destination as the United States or the United Kingdom, the Indian government has made it clear.

The Study in India Scholarship is the most coveted of these. The prize is renewable for up to five academic years and provides a free ride for the recipient. The cost of living is capped, although it is a high cap. Free Hindi classes are also included as part of the scholarship, providing you a strong foothold in the second-largest labour market in the world. Unfortunately, Pakistani citizens are not eligible for this scholarship.

COST OF LIVING IN INDIA

According to a UNESCO survey, India is one of the most cost-effective countries for foreign students to study abroad. Compared to other countries, the cost of living here is extremely low. Many prestigious universities in India provide on-campus housing for its students. However, some colleges and institutions do not have this option available to them. When it comes to housing, a student has the option of renting a private hostel room (with or without food service), renting a room on his own, or renting a serviced apartment. There are numerous advantages to each form of housing that a student can take advantage of. For $160, a student can have a comfortable month-long stay. So $1850 a year would be plenty to keep the student happy, safe, and comfortable.

Living expenses (in US dollars):

  • From $4 to $10 a week for public transportation.
  • From $7 to $15 per week for sports and recreation
  • A one-bedroom apartment costs 18,200INR ($245) each month.
  • Monthly utility costs: 5100INR ($70).

Compared to other developing countries and industrialised nations like the United States and the United Kingdom, India’s cost of higher education is extremely inexpensive. There has also been a dramatic shift in educational quality during the past decade.

The cost of living in India is on the rise, although it is still far less expensive than in the United States and many other developed countries. Many popular study abroad locations in the east, such as China, Japan, and South Korea, have higher living costs than India. As in other countries, the cost of living is higher in major cities like the capital and other major metropolises.

While Delhi is the capital, Mumbai is the most populous city. These two cities are the most common destinations for international students. New Delhi’s costs will be reflected in these prices because they both have a pretty similar cost of living level. Some typical costs (in Indian rupees and dollars):

Dorms are available at several of the major Indian schools. In India, these are referred to as halls of residence. If you live in a dorm, you may be paying for utilities like electricity, water, and even internet access. Depending on the type of room and location, halls of residence can cost anywhere from 51,300INR ($700) to 146,600INR ($2000) every academic year.

It costs an Indian household $2,620 a month on average to live in India. Rent is included in this total. As many locals do, you can save money on food by shopping at markets and from street vendors. If the price isn’t plainly marked, don’t be afraid to negotiate! This also gives you a better sense of India than if you were shopping in a supermarket.

India’s halls of residence are a popular choice for international students. This is easier because you must notify the authorities if you move. An expensive and time-consuming bureaucracy awaits. Private rooms with common kitchens are available in several halls of residence. In certain cases, students share a room with other students in a dormitory-style setting.

INTERNSHIPS & COMPANY PLACEMENTS IN INDIA

Students and young people often use internships and placements to gain experience in the workplace. As a general rule, internships are short-term opportunities for students to get experience in the workplace, whereas placements are more long-term and can lead to full-time employment with the organisation. Depending on where and what you’re studying, they may be required components of your curriculum. The bulk of internships are done in India, although a few are done abroad.

The application process for internships and placements in India is just like applying for a regular job. To land an internship, you’ll need to submit a resume and cover letter. The majority of the application process can be completed online via the company’s career website and an e-mail to the hiring manager. For tax and social-security purposes, you must notify your prospective employer when applying for an internship that you are currently enrolled in school.

There are a plethora of websites that provide details about available internship opportunities. The placement options offered by private companies can be found on their own websites. If you’re travelling to India from another nation, be sure to fill out an application before you arrive. In this time, you’ll be able to plan for needs like lodging, food, and transportation.

The following are some of the advantages of doing an internship or a placement:

  • Working in an industry environment will provide you a new perspective on your academic studies, as well as a better understanding of how things work.
  • It’s possible to learn a wide range of skills via a work experience, such as problem-solving, working under pressure, responsibility, and cultural understanding.
  • Employers look at work experience as a sign of your commitment and interest in pursuing a specific professional path.

WORKING IN INDIA

The country is steadily rising the ranks of favoured study destinations, at least for students from Asian and African countries. Many international students come to India to study, but they also look for career possibilities while they’re there, as well as after they finish their studies.

Many international students who come to India to study end up looking for work once their studies are over. NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs are free from the Indian government’s ban on international students working while enrolled in an Indian university. The following are a few things to keep in mind when looking for work in India:

  • During their studies in India, foreign nationals are not permitted to work
  • People of Indian descent (PIOs) are excluded from this regulation and are allowed to work and study in India.
  • For international students, internships and training are permitted in India. It must, however, be part of the plan they are working on.
  • For the most part, internships and training opportunities for international students in India are not paid.
  • Permission from the university or institute where they are enrolled is required for OCIs and PIOs to embark on any part-time jobs.
  • The working hours of OCI and PIO students who desire to study and work in India are not limited.
  • Foreign students’ internships and training must be related to the programme they are enrolled in.
  • International students studying in India are not eligible for a work permit. But students who wish to work after graduation can get work permits if they meet the immigration office’s requirements and have been employed for a paid position by an employer.

APPLYING FOR A STUDENT VISA TO STUDY IN INDIA

In order to study in India, you’ll need a visa unless you’re from Bhutan or Nepal. The visa-exempt status is also applicable if you are an Overseas Citizen or a Person of Indian Origin, as they grant many of the same rights and privileges as full citizenship. Fortunately for the rest of us, India streamlines the process to the greatest extent possible.

An official letter of acceptance from an Indian school is required in the first place. Both Hindi and English versions are usually provided in schools. This programme is best suited to the English language. A minimum of six months is required for the course. Additionally, you’ll need to demonstrate how you can afford to live in India without working.

The Ministry of Health will also require a No Objection Certificate, which certifies that you are in good health. This is possible if you submit in your medical records in a timely manner. There are two options if you’re not from an English-speaking country: Hindi or English translations of your documents are required.

An official statement confirming you have no family members in India or any Indians residing elsewhere is also required. Then they must co-sponsor your student visa along with your college or university, if you have any.

Indian student visas are only good for five years at a time. Depending on your nationality, there is a cost ranging from $13 to $118. Your passport, not your nation of citizenship, is the only thing that matters. The charge for this service is typically paid in US dollars. Some countries do not recognise the Indian rupee. Visa centres, embassies, and consulates in India are increasingly accepting card payments as a method of payment.

FAQ:

Can I study in India for free?

According to the institution, the cost of a semester in India can range from $300 to $4,000 for international students. Depending on the type of scholarship that you may be eligible for in India, you may be able to study for free in the country.

Is India good place to study?

Students can choose from a wide range of subjects in India because of its diversity and history. In India, the educational landscape is as wide and varied as the country itself. Despite the difficulties of living in India, it is an economical and fulfilling experience for overseas students.

Which Indian city is best for study?

Mumbai and Kanpur are the best cities to study in India. One of India’s oldest and largest manufacturing centres, Kanpur is a city located in Uttar Pradesh in the country’s north.

Which is safest state in India?

Tamil Nadu in the south India is considered to the safest state to study in India. Chennai, the social hub of southern India, has been named the safest city in India in a recent survey.

Is India safe for students?

Yes, India is safe for students. Students can choose from a wide range of subjects in India because of its diversity and history. The educational landscape in India is as diverse as the country itself. Despite the difficulties of living in India, it is an economical and fulfilling experience for overseas students.