India has not been a popular university destination in the past, but the large-scale development and educational progress in the country now means that more and more international students are considering the South Asian country for their next degree. Today, over 50,000 international students are enrolled at India’s universities.
For international students from nearby countries including Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, as well as African countries, India is increasingly becoming a preferred educational destination. This is due to India’s highly affordable college tuition fees, living costs, and convenient travel location within a few hours of both Africa and Asia. Indeed, a year at an Indian university can cost as little as 5,000 US Dollars, including living and tuition fees!
| University Name | QS World Rank 2023 | THE World Rank 2023 |
| Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB) | =149 | – |
| Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD) | 197 | – |
| Indian Institute of Science | 225 | 251-300 |
| University of Delhi | =407 | 1,001-1,200 |
| Anna University | 427 | 801-1,000 |
| University of Madras | =526 | – |
| Jawaharlal Nehru University | 601-610 | 601-800 |
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | 711-720 | 601-800 |
| Jadavpur University | 741-750 | 1,001-1,200 |
| University of Mumbai | 751-760 | 1,200-1,500 |
As well as IITB and IITD, there are several other Indian Institutes of Technology in the top 10:
The Indian Institute of Science, located in the vibrant south Indian city of Bangalore is a world-renowned institute for scientific research and education. Established over a century ago in 1909 by the Tata group of companies in partnership with the Indian government, The Indian Institute of Science boasts a single campus in the heart of Bangalore. The Indian Institute of Science is home to nearly 4,000 enrolled students.
The Indian Institute of Science is especially well-known for its commitment to research and is home to exceptional research centres. Notably, the Indian Institute of Science houses the Center for Nano Science and Engineering where scientists explore the fascinating world of nanotechnology, and the Center for Earth Sciences which researches several aspects of our planet.
In addition to its exceptional research facilities, the Indian Institute of Science collaborates with esteemed institutions worldwide. This enables international students at the Indian Institute of Science to engage in world-class research projects across the globe.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, situated in India’s financial capital city of Mumbai is the highest ranked Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), a collection of world-class public institutes where admission is only offered to the sharpest minds from both India and abroad. Established in 1958, IIT Bombay attracts a diverse community of students from various backgrounds and has an overall enrollment of over 12,000 students, including over 100 international students.
IIT Bombay is home to several cutting-edge research centres such as the Center for Environmental Science and Engineering where international students can research environmental science and find solutions to challenges like pollution and sustainable development. Additionally, the Center for Biomedical Engineering focuses on innovative advancements in healthcare technology, aiming to improve medical treatments and diagnostics in India and the world.
IIT Bombay is well-known for its world-class engineering programs. IIT Bombay offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate engineering programs, including Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Aerospace Engineering. These programs are known for their rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities for international students.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is located in India’s national capital city of New Delhi. Founded in 1961 in New Delhi’s Hauz Khas neighbourhood, IIT Delhi hosts an overall enrollment of over 8,000 students.
IIT Delhi is particularly famous for its focus on world-class research and houses notable research centres. The Center for Energy Studies, for example, conducts innovative research in the field of energy by exploring sustainable and efficient energy sources for a greener future. IIT Delhi is also renowned for its expertise in computer science and information technology. IIT Delhi’s Computer Science and Engineering program is highly regarded and attracts top talent from around the world.
The sixth member of the IIT group, The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati was founded in 1994 and is situated in the scenic hill city of Guwahati in East India. IIT Guwahati operates from a single campus nestled in the beautiful Amingaon neighbourhood of North Guwahati. IIT Guwahati is home to over 7,000 enrolled students including over 100 international admits.
IIT Guwahati is also recognized for its expertise in scientific research. IIT Guwahati excels in disciplines such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biosciences, and offers international students world-class facilities and faculty in each of these subjects. International students at IIT Guwahati can make the most of their experience by exploring the scenic surroundings of Assam and the Indian North-East, participating in cultural events and engaging in sports and recreation.
Established in 1922, the University of Delhi is primarily located on two campuses – in South and North Delhi – and with over 150,000 enrolled students is one of India’s largest and most popular universities. The University of Delhi welcomes over 600 international students each year, most of them arriving from Nepal and Bangladesh.
Among the top colleges at the University of Delhi are St. Stephen’s College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Hindu College, Miranda House, and Ramjas College. Most of the University of Delhi’s top-ranked colleges are located on its North Campus. These colleges consistently rank high in various disciplines and provide excellent faculty, infrastructure, and extracurricular activities.
Anna University, located in the South Indian megacity of Chennai in Tamil Nadu state, is a prestigious institute known for its excellence in engineering and technology education. The university campus covers over 185 acres, providing a sprawling and green environment for learning for its international students. With an overall student enrollment of around 80,000, Anna University is one of India’s largest technical universities.
Anna University offers a wide range of programs and is particularly renowned for its engineering and technology disciplines. The university offers multiple high-quality programs including Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, and Information Technology. Anna University is also highly regarded for its industry-focused training.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is a well-known central university located in New Delhi. Situated in the southern part of the Indian capital city, the JNU campus spans over 1,000 acres, making it one of the largest university campuses in all of India. As a result, JNU is famous for its picture-perfect landscapes and greenery all over campus. With an overall student enrollment of about 8,000, JNU offers a multicultural environment for learning and research.
JNU’s School of Social Sciences, School of International Studies, and School of Languages are particularly well-known for their world-class teaching and research. JNU is recognized for its academic freedom and vibrant student activism, making it a leading institution in the subject areas of social sciences and humanities for international students in India.
OP Jindal Global University (JGU) is a prominent private university located in Sonipat, Haryana, India. The university campus is spread over 80 acres of lush greenery. OP Jindal Global University aims to provide a strong focus on ‘interdisciplinary education’ and offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines.
Founded recently in 2009 and located two hours away from the Indian capital city of New Delhi, JGU has an overall student enrollment of around 5,000 and the university is well-known for its excellence in law, business and social sciences. The Jindal Global Law School, Jindal Global Business School, and Jindal School of International Affairs are some of its top-ranked schools.
Outside the classroom, JGU offers a vibrant student life with numerous clubs, societies, and cultural events taking place throughout the year. The university hosts the annual Jindal Global Law School Moot Court Competition, JGU Annual Youth Fest, and various conferences and symposiums that provide international students with multiple opportunities for personal and professional growth
Located in Kolkata, a major Indian city in the state of West Bengal, Jadavpur University was founded in 1955. Jadavpur University is situated in a sprawling campus that spans over 58 acres in the Jadavpur neighbourhood of Kolkata. Jadavpur University has an overall student enrollment of approximately 10,000.
Jadavpur University offers a wide range of programs to international students in various disciplines including engineering, science and social sciences. The engineering programs at Jadavpur University, especially in fields like civil, mechanical, and computer science are well-regarded for their high-quality education and industry-specific training.
Student life at Jadavpur University is vibrant and dynamic; the university hosts the annual ‘Sanskriti’ cultural fest and ‘Exodia’ technical fest which attract student participants from across the country. The university’s student organisations and societies provide platforms for community engagement and a sense of belonging among students, making sure that you feel at home as an international student at the university.
Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) was founded in 1953 and is a leading private university located in Manipal in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, a global hub for IT businesses and start-up ventures. MAHE university is situated on a large-scale 600-acre campus.
MAHE is home to about 28,000 students, including a large enrollment of more than 3,000 international students. MAHE offers a wide range of top-ranked programs in multiple subject areas including medicine, engineering and allied health sciences. In addition to its world-class academics, MAHE organises multiple student events including ‘Revels’, the annual cultural and technical fest.
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