India is known as “the cradle of the human race,” with a reverence for speech, history, stories, and custom.
It is home to a diverse range of cultures, languages, and faiths. It also houses some of the world’s most stunning structures, such as the Taj Mahal and the Golden Temple.
Moreso, India has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, making it ideal for overseas students.
India is an interesting and beautiful country with one of the world’s largest higher education institutions. India has been one of the most popular destinations for overseas students as a result of these appealing qualities.
We’ll look at how overseas students can apply to study in India as international students in this article.
About India.
India is one of the world’s oldest civilizations, having a wide range of cultures and a rich cultural legacy.
India is the world’s second-most populated country, with approximately 1.2 billion inhabitants. It is located in South Asia. Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Bhutan, and Myanmar share a land border. The Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea, and the Bay of Bengal all surround it.
India is currently known as a communication powerhouse and is desirable because to its foresight. India is home to the headquarters of a large number of worldwide corporations.
Ford, Suzuki, and Coca-Cola are among them. Students will have a fresh cultural experience thanks to the remarkable architecture and capacity to appeal to all five senses.
Mahatma Gandhi, the civil rights activist, and actor Mohammad Ali (not to be confused with the boxer!) are both famous Indians. If you decide to study in India, make sure to try as much of the cuisine as possible, as the cuisine differs across the country.
India is a megadiverse country with three ‘biodiversity hotspots.’ India is home to 9% of the world’s mammals and 6% of the world’s blooming plants.
This is largely owing to the country’s varied terrain and climate. The environments range from Himalayan coniferous forests to tropical rainforests.
In tropical climate locations, temperatures are moderate all year, with abundant rainfall. Their educational institutes are the epitome of excellence and learning making them a study destination for many international students. Hence, how to apply to India for studies is now a serious issue.
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Types Of Higher Education Institutions
There are five main types of higher education institutions in India. These are:
- Central universities: The central government controls them.
- State universities: governed by one of the country’s regions
- Deemed universities: high-performing institutions with equal status to universities
- Institutes of National Importance (INI): funded by the central government, these include the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institutes of Management.
- Private universities: privately established and funded institutes of higher education.
Why Study in India?
India’s higher education system has grown and developed rapidly during the last few decades. You can choose from thousands of higher education institutes in India that provide high-quality degree programs in a wide range of subjects.
India was home to the world’s first university and the originator of the digit 0. And this is one reason why people want to apply to India for studies.
Quality Education
India is a popular destination for overseas students because of its extensive course offerings and high-quality education.
Official bodies periodically examine and grade the quality of teaching at Indian universities and colleges to guarantee that they are meeting educational standards.
Every course at every institution follows a predetermined syllabus. Educational bodies that accredit institutes also help to shape the curriculum and conduct reviews of various departments within the institute.
Affordable Tuition Fees
India is known for providing high-quality education at a low cost when compared to several of the world’s best educational locations for higher education.
Apart from the tuition fees, the cost of living in India is also low. In addition, a variety of scholarships, loans, and financial schemes are available to help students with the cost of school.
In a country like India, the cost of living is the last thing from one’s mind. Compared to big education hubs such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, the cost of education in India is far lower.
Popular Programs
There are various reasons why international students should consider India for their next study abroad experience. International students learn about the huge Indian education system, which includes a variety of courses, in addition to premier universities and vibrant culture.
The country has several top-ranked universities, but it is the wide range of programs available that is one of the most compelling reasons for international students to study in India.
For international students, studying in a foreign country becomes a major concern, and the cost of living in a foreign country can appear daunting at first.
Ranking Universities
Apart from stunning cultures, natural beauty, and diverse history, the country has a lot to offer students. There are thousands of institutions and colleges to choose from for international students.
The bulk of the Indian Institutes of Technology and All India Institutes of Medical Sciences are on the ranking list for students to apply to. One of the most interesting reasons to study in India is the opportunity to study at a top-ranked university abroad.
There are 935 universities in India, with 409 state universities, 349 private universities, 50 central universities, and 127 universities that are recognized to be universities.
Many of India’s institutions have received international recognition, demonstrating that the country is committed to providing high-quality education.
Cost of Studying and Living in India
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the country’s currency.
Because Indian colleges are free to determine their own tuition fees, they will differ amongst schools. For degree studies, international students should budget between INR 250,000 and INR 600,000 per year.
You may be qualified for a scholarship, despite the fact that these tuition rates are rather low. To learn more, go to the National Portal of India’s website, which lists funding and grant opportunities.
Institutions frequently provide low-cost student housing, which is the most cost-effective alternative. Privately rented housing is still reasonably priced.
In a city like Mumbai, a one-bedroom flat will set you back roughly 15,000 INR each month, with an annual living cost of around 130,000 INR.
You will not be allowed to work while studying in India if you are on a student visa, so make sure you budget carefully.
Another cost to consider for overseas students is health insurance. A good health insurance policy is required if you desire to study in India.
If you have health insurance in your home country, make sure it will cover you during your trip. If you do not have health insurance in your home country, you must obtain one for the duration of your studies. This is something that your chosen institution will tell you about.
Apply to Study in India: Application Process
Your 5 Steps to Study in India is a national application platform for India. It allows you to apply for up to three different programs.
Three options are available: three separate programs or three different colleges. Ph.D. applications are made to specific schools.
You will need to register some basic personal information to apply through the national portal. After that, you’ll be taken to an upload page.
You can upload your academic credentials, a motivation letter, proof of English proficiency (unless you’re from an Anglophone country recognized by the Ministry of Education), and any other documentation your school may require.
If your documents are not in Hindi or English, you must submit the originals and a notarized translation.
Ph.D. applications are comparable to master’s applications, but you must also provide an academic CV. Ph.D. applications are like job advertisements in that they are sent out in response to a specific opening or post.
In addition, Ph.D. candidates must pass a discipline-specific Research Eligibility Test (RET). The RET guarantees that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your chosen field. As part of your application, you must submit the results.
The application deadline varies from year to year, but it usually occurs near the end of January in the academic year before your chosen program begins.
Visas
To apply and study in India, all international students require a visa. Student visas are valid for the duration of your degree program or a maximum of five years. You can apply for a visa at your home country’s Indian embassy or High Commission.
You’ll need an unconditional offer from an Indian university, as well as additional supporting documents like a passport with at least six months left on it, to get a visa.
Language
There is no official language in India, yet there are two official languages: Hindi and English.
Many Indians speak English since it is regarded as a vital commercial and educational language. Hindi is India’s most widely spoken language and the official language of the country.
Other regional languages are spoken throughout the country besides the two official languages. Because all university courses are taught in English, international students can pursue higher education in India.
If English isn’t your first language, you may be needed to take a proficiency exam to show that you satisfy the minimum requirements. Institutions frequently provide English language classes to help you improve if you do not satisfy the requirements.
Even if you are studying in English, endeavor to learn as much as possible about the local language.
This will make things easier for you, and conversing with the locals and other students is a terrific way to practice. Having experience in another language is a valuable asset to have on your CV or resume.
4 Steps How To Apply To Study In India For International Students
If you desire to study in India, you need to do:
#1. Financing Your Education in India
True, This is one of the requirements to apply to study in India. Indian universities are inexpensive. Private universities cost around $3,000 per year, whereas government institutions cost around $400.
Postgraduate education costs an average of $4,000 per year intuition.
You can even study in India for free thanks to the government’s “Study in India” scholarship scheme. 2,000 students will get a $3,500 bursary apiece. This is true at all levels of education (undergraduate to graduate).
Living in India is also quite inexpensive – 67 percent less expensive than in the United States. Every month, housing costs between $200 and $600.
Other monthly expenses include $37 for utilities, $10 for a transportation pass, and $60 for meals. This leaves you with enough money to spend on entertainment, which can range from $28 to $60 per month.
#2. Meet the Application Requirements for Indian Universities
To study in India as an international student, you need to complete the following requirements:
General English Requirements (Undergraduate)
This is also one of the requirements if you want to study in India as an international student. They teach all courses at Indian universities in English. Despite the fact that this is true, not all institutions demand proof of testing.
As a result, you should check with your university to see if it requires applicants to take competency tests.
Jawaharlal Nehru University, for example, requires English tests. For the IELTS, TOEFL, and ELICS, a B+ is the minimum acceptable score. This corresponds to an IELTS band of 6.5 and a TOEFL iBT score of 79-93.
Meanwhile, the needed scores at the University of Delhi are significantly lower. Applicants having a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 90 and an IELTS band of 6 will be considered.
It also accepts a grade of C or 60% for the Intermediate Level of English Language Proficiency Course (ELPC).
Certain applicants may be exempt notwithstanding the competency criteria. Students from English-speaking nations, as well as those who passed the qualifying exam using English as the medium of instruction, will not be required to take proficiency tests.
General English Requirements (Graduate)
Post-graduate applicants receive the same English proficiency grades. Make sure to double-check with your university because minimum accepted scores vary by school/program.
Consider the University of Hyderabad, which, in comparison to most Indian universities, has a higher grade requirement.
Graduate students should have an IELTS score of 6.5, a TOEFL iBT score of 80, a TOEFL PBT score of 560, and a TOEFL CBT score of 220.
Meanwhile, an IELTS band of 6 or a TOEFL iBT score of 79 will suffice at Christ University. A TOEFL CBT score of 213 and a TOEFL PBT grade of 550 are also taken into account by the school.
If you don’t have any of these tests, you’ll need to sign up for an Intensive Certificate Course from March to May. A Semester Certificate Course, which runs from June to December, is another option.
Application Requirements (Undergraduate)
If you want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in India as an international student, you must meet the following admission requirements:
– Passport
– Proof of secondary schooling (at least 12 years)
– Transcript of records
Your university may have additional criteria, so check with your admissions advisor for more information.
Certain programs at the University of Delhi have unique requirements. Fine arts applicants, for example, must send a copy of their painting, whereas music students must submit an audio file.
Meanwhile, applicants to Jadavpur University must submit an SAT score, letters of recommendation, and a 300-word essay. A finished paper, a personal interview, and a statement of purpose, to name a few, are all required by some programs.
Application Requirements (Graduate)
Graduate students must meet the same standards as undergraduates. These applicants, on the other hand, must present a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in lieu of a secondary school diploma.
Other prerequisites may be required depending on the university. You can inquire about this with the admissions office at your institution.
The University of Delhi is a wonderful example. Post-graduate applicants must provide confirmation of financial assistance, a research plan, and letters of recommendation.
Master’s applicants must also submit their GMAT score, a self-introduction or bio-note statement, and a statement of purpose to Nalanda University. Working executives must additionally have 5 years of experience and an employer’s no-objection certificate.
Doctoral students have significantly more requirements, as foreign students must also present the following:
- Master’s degree certification with a GPA of at least 65%
- Recommendation letters
- Detailed research proposal
- Evidence of past research/publications
Interviews are also an element of the admissions process at several colleges.
One of the most significant procedures for foreign students studying in India is to prepare their application criteria. Plan of time.
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#3. Apply
Applying early will help you increase your chances of being accepted as an international student to study in India. As a result, you must adhere to the following deadlines:
Undergraduate
In India, universities begin their semesters in August or September. As a result, application deadlines differ. With that in mind, inquire about your school’s international student intake period.
Jadavpur University, for example, accepts admissions until late June. Applicants can submit their paperwork to Madras University from mid-April to early May.
The cost of an application can range from as little as $2 to $50.
Graduate
As previously stated, university deadline schedules fluctuate. As always, you should inquire about your admissions office’s application intake.
Submission deadlines at Jadavpur University are determined by the program. MA applicants have until mid-June to submit their documentation, while M.Sc. students have until mid-July to do so.
Most Master’s programs at Madras University accept applications from mid-April to mid-June. Doctoral students, on the other hand, must apply by the end of July.
The average application price is $7 to $8, with some private universities charging up to $50 per candidate.
#4. Getting a Student Visa
You can apply for a student visa once you’ve been accepted into your desired program. Obtaining an Indian student visa is the simplest stage in the overseas student’s journey to study in India.
You don’t have to go to the consulate right away because you can apply for a visa using the Indian Visa Online page. Simply complete the online application form and send the relevant documents, which include the following:
- Passport with 6 months validity
- Photocopy of the passport ID page
- A proof of residential address
- Passport size photographs
- – Proof of admission to an Indian higher education institution
- – University/college details
In most cases, the processing time is three business days (minimum). The charge is dependent on your nationality and the location of your application. This can cost anything between $70.70 and $236.70.
An Indian student visa is valid for the duration of your study in India. It allows for numerous admissions over the course of a maximum of five years. You can even extend the visa validity while in India if necessary.
Conclusion
With its educational legacy, India has become one of the most popular locations for overseas students. India can provide you with a world-class education for a very modest price, thanks to the country’s rich culture and low tuition prices.
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