Study in India

Located in South Asia and home to over 1.2 billion people, India is the second most populous country in the world. It shares a land border with Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, China, Bhutan and Myanmar. It is also surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.

There are five main types of higher education institutions in India. These are:

• Central universities: controlled by the central government
• 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.

India is now known as a communication hub, and is attractive due to its forward thinking. You will find the headquarters of many international companies located in India. These include Ford, Suzuki and Coca Cola. With impressive architecture and the ability to appease all five of your senses, students will enjoy a whole new cultural experience. Famous Indians include the civil rights leader Mahatma Gandhi, and the actor Mohammad Ali (not to be confused with the boxer!). If you choose to study in India, make sure to sample as much of the cuisine as you can, as the style of food varies across the country.

India is a ‘megadiverse’ country, and contains three regions known as ‘biodiversity hotspots. You will find 9% of all mammals living in India, as well as 6% of all flowering plants. This is partly due to the varying terrain and climate in the country. The habitats range from coniferous forests in the Himalayas to tropical rainforests. Temperatures tend to be mild all year round, with heavy rainfall in the tropic climate areas.

India uses the Indian Rupee (INR) as its currency.

Indian universities are permitted to set their own tuition fees, so they will vary at the different institutions. International students should expect to pay between INR 250,000 and INR 600,000 per year for degree courses. Whilst these tuition fees are relatively low, you may be eligible for a scholarship. To find out more, visit the National Portal of India website, where you will find details of funding and grants.

It is common for institutions to offer low cost student accommodation, which is the cheapest option. Renting privately is still relatively cheap. A one-bedroom flat in a city such as Mumbai will cost around 15,000 INR per month, with the annual living cost starting from INR 130,000. If you are in India on a student visa, you will not be permitted to work during your studies, so you will need to make sure you budget well.

Another cost that international students need to consider is health insurance. If you wish to study in India you will need a valid health insurance policy. If you have health insurance in your home country, you should check that it would be valid for your stay. If you do not have health insurance in your home country, you need to purchase a policy for your study duration. Your chosen institution will be able to provide information about this.

All international students require a visa to study in India. Student visas are either issued for the duration of your degree program, or for a maximum of 5 years. You can apply for a visa at either the Indian embassy or High Commission in your home country. To obtain a visa, you need to have an unconditional offer from an Indian university, as well as other supporting documents such as your passport with at least six months validity remaining.

India has no national language, but does have two official languages; Hindi and English.

Many Indian citizens speak English, as it is seen as an important business and education language. Hindi has the largest amount of speakers in India, and is the language of the government. On top of these two official languages, you will hear other regional languages spoken throughout the country.

All university courses are taught in English, making higher education in India accessible for international students. If English isn’t your native language, you may have to sit a proficiency test to prove you meet the required standards. If you do not meet the standards, it is common for institutions to offer English language courses to help you improve.

Even if you study in English, you should still try to learn as much of the local language as possible. This will make your everyday life easier, and communicating with the locals and other students is a great way to practice. Having experience of another language is a skill that looks fantastic on your CV/resume!

New Delhi

The capital city of India, New Delhi has only been around since 1911. Sometimes referred to as Delhi, the city was designed by two British architects and was finished in 1931. Home to the government and Prime Minister, New Delhi is an important political centre in India.

Located in New Delhi there are 5 central universities, 7 state universities and 13 deemed universities. One of these institutions is the Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women, founded in 1998. In 2013 it gained autonomy and became the first women’s technical university in India.

Mumbai

Also known as Bombay, Mumbai is the most populous city in India. It is home to more than 12.4 million people, and is an alpha world city. Because of its business opportunities and offer of a higher standard of living, people from all over India migrate to the city, making it a melting pot of different cultures. There are three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Mumbai, as well as a distinctive combination of Victorian and Art Deco architecture.

There are many higher education institutions located in the city of Mumbai. The University of Mumbai is one of the premier institutions in India. Also found in the city is the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Bombay) and the Institute of Chemical Technology (UICT). Both of these institutions offer engineering and technology courses.