Study in India, and find the best universities in India.
This study guide will give you all the info you need to find universities and study in India.
India is one of the world’s great countries, a developing superpower armed with a billion workers and a unique and vibrant culture that attracts visitors from all across the world.
Studying a degree in India will give you an opportunity to live and study in one of the world’s most exciting countries, with a reputation for innovation and a developing expertise in education.
With thousands of institutions to choose from, you're sure to find the right university for your undergraduate studies in India.
Bachelor Degree In India
Find the right Bachelor Degree in India with our comprehensive guide.
Universities in India
India’s university system is complex and can be difficult to understand, but essentially there are four main types of university in India:
• Central universities – Overseen by the national government
• State universities – Curriculum set by local government
• Deemed-to-be-universities – Unofficial universities normally set up by private individuals
• Inter-university centres – Centres of education which share facilities between several universities
Each university is free to set its own curriculum, the subjects and undergraduate degrees its students study, and how they are assessed.
There are several universities that have ranked consistently high on the QS World University Rankings. These universities include:
- Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD)
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD)
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)
The subjects that Indian universities perform at the highest level at and are best known for include science, technology, medicine and business.
Tuition Fees in India
Explore tuition fees in India for bachelor's degrees and find the right bachelors degree at the right tuition cost for you.
It takes between three and four years to complete and undergraduate degree in India.
Subjects such as arts, commerce and science take three years and topics such as technology, engineering and pharmacy taking four years.
As is the general case at universities across the world, subjects such as law, veterinary science and medicine are likely to take longer.
India follows the bachelors degree structure for undergraduate studies. After completion of their bachelors degree students can decide whether to continue their education with a masters.
Immigration & Visa in India
Advice on Immigration & Visa in India, where you can make sure you get the right documents to make a successful application to your ideal university.
Indian student visas are issued for the duration of your undergraduate course up to a maximum of five years. In order to qualify for a student visa, you will need to demonstrate the following:
• You have a confirmed place on a course at a recognised education institution
• You are not already in the country on a tourist or business visa
• You have paid all relevant visa fees
You can apply for a student visa either at your national Indian embassy or online. Student visas are multiple entry but do not allow you to work while in India. Students with spouses will be able to apply for a spousal visa for their partner to join them.
Click here to view the list of Indian Embassies/High Commissions.
You can also view the sample visa form, by clicking here.
Advice on Accommodation & Living Costs in India
Advice on Accommodation & Living Costs in India.
Accommodation costs in India depend on where you want to live and the type of housing you want. Housing costs in cities like Delhi and Mumbai can be as high as most major cities in the world.
There are two main types of accommodation available to undergraduates while studying:
• University accommodation – such as halls of residence
• Private accommodation – House and flat rentals
The majority of Indian universities will provide on-campus accommodation for their international undergraduates.
Living costs/rent: In general, the cost of living in India is very low compared to most other countries. Transport, food and entertainment are all very cheap. For example, a three course meal can cost as little as £7 while a rickshaw ride home can be as little as 30p.
Expect to pay around $290-$435 per month for a one bedroom flat in a large city such as Mumbai.
Across the country, average rent costs per month are as follows:
1 bedroom apartment (city centre) – 11,540 Rs ($173.45)
1 bedroom apartment (outside city centre) – 7,095 Rs ($106.65)
3 bedroom apartment (city centre) – 27,900 Rs ($419.35)
3 bedroom apartment (outside city centre) – 17,073 Rs ($256.60)
(Rates are intended as a guide only).
Advice For Parents
Advice For Parents whose children may be looking to study in India. You can find complete information on costs, safety, security and tips on keeping in touch during their time away.
How safe is India?
India is a relatively safe country for its size and population, with violent crime against foreign students low. Petty crime and theft can be an issue, as can harassment from beggars and street children.
Female students should be aware that India is a naturally conservative country and you may be harassed if you wear revealing clothes or you should avoid walking alone at night. If you are harassed, you should tell the man in no uncertain terms that their behaviour is unwelcome – it’s not disrespectful for woman to tell a man she doesn’t want to talk.
Despite this, India in general is a friendly and welcoming place for students, with relatively low crime.
Students should always take care to protect their own personal safety in order to avoid becoming victims of crime. They can do this by:
• Avoiding carrying around large amounts of money
• Staying in groups, especially at night, and never walking alone
• Not making valuables obvious
• Always having a route home planned and never getting into unlicensed taxis
• Being wary of strangers
• Being careful of traffic
Staying in touch
Staying in touch when your child is studying on the other side of the world might seem daunting – but there are ways you can talk regularly that don’t have to involve long distance phone calls and a nasty bill at the end of the month. Here are a few tips if your child opts to study an undergraduate degree in India:
• Skype – the free video calling service can be downloaded within seconds, and will allow you to talk face to face anywhere you have an internet connection
• Blogging – maybe encourage your child to keep a blog of their adventures overseas, so that other families members (such as grandparents) can keep up to date
• Local sim cards – it is also a good idea for your child to buy a phone with a local pay as you go sim card when they arrive so that they can text and call home without running up a bill
Apply to Study in India
Apply to Study in India and get free online and telephone support with your application. The advice here will help you find the right bachelors at the right university in India.
If you would like to study overseas but are not certain as to where is the best fit in terms of country, course and funding you can register for free with the International Student Admissions Service (ISAS) where a dedicated admissions team will be able to help you every step of the way.
You can find out about studying in other countries with our country guides.