Why India?
India has the second largest higher education system in the world, and is one among the most developed education systems. The quality of education offered by Indian institutions is of international standards and recognised all over the world. Besides a safe learning environment, the cost of education is very reasonable.

Are there students from Asian and African countries in India?
Almost 80 per cent of the international students studying in India are from Asian and African countries like Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Kuwait, Bahrain, UAE, Oman, Syria, Tanzania, Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Botswana, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Ghana, Egypt, Zambia, etc.

Tell me about higher education in India?
The higher education system of India comprises of 343 universities and 17,000 colleges of higher learning that offer a wide variety of courses to suit the needs of international students. The disciplines include engineering and technology, information technology, biotechnology, bioinformatics, medical and paramedical, management, agriculture/dairy technology/ fisheries, tourism and hotel management, arts, commerce and science, etc. The academic programmes are offered at diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral levels.

Are the programmes offered by Indian institutions recognised?
It is mandatory for all universities/institutions offering professional and technical courses in India to be recognised by the national level statutory bodies established for the maintenance of norms and standards in the higher education system throughout the country. Indian degrees are recognised worldwide, and would open up a world of possibilities for you with even US and European countries vying for Indian-educated manpower.

Are distance learning programmes offered in India?
Yes. India has about 11 universities exclusively offering distance education programmes. In addition, several regular universities also have separate distance education cells. The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), New Delhi, is one of largest open universities in the world, running distance education programmes and catering to over one million students worldwide.

What conditions do I have to meet if I want to study in India?
You must definitely be in possession of Higher Secondary/ GCE ‘A’ level/any other examination
equivalent to +2 stage of Indian qualification (12 years of schooling) with sufficient knowledge of English, for admission to undergraduate programmes. However, for entry into diploma programmes, the qualification should comprise of 10 years of schooling.

Can I get exemptions based on what I have already studied at diploma level?
Yes, it is possible to get exemptions. You will need to send your course syllabus and transcripts to Ed.CIL for onward transmission to the concerned institutions, to decide on the type of exemption that you may get.

Do I need to give GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, IELTS or any other test?
Indian universities mostly do not insist for the above scores. However, since the academic programmes are taught in English, proficiency in English is a must. One should have studied his/her Higher Secondary in English medium or English should have been one of the subjects.

When does the Indian academic year start?
Generally the academic year is from July to June. However, in some professional colleges offering engineering courses, the academic year begins in August/September.

I have no clue about India. How do I find the right institute?
The Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India has authorised ‘Educational Consultants India Limited (Ed.CIL)’, a professional organisation, for the placement of NRIs/PIOs/ foreign nationals in Indian institutions for higher education. Ed.CIL has tie-ups with a vast range of universities/institutions spread over India that offer an array of courses in various disciplines. You may approach Ed.CIL for further details on studying in India. Depending on your requirement regarding type of course, place, financial capacity, etc. Ed.CIL will provide you with a variety of options with regard to institutions and fee structures to choose from. (The contact address is given ahead under ‘How to Apply’ section)

Who will I turn to for advice when I am in India?
All institutions have international student advisers, who will always be available for guidance. Further, if you are placed through Ed.CIL, you can always look up to Ed.CIL as your local guardian.

What options of accommodation can I have during my study?
You have two options. All institutions provide hostel accommodation for international students in the hostels located on campus. Those who want to stay outside can do so. However, staying in the institute’s hostel is more economical.

Is there any healthcare facility for overseas students?
Most Indian institutions have their own campus clinics, where the students are treated for ordinary ailments like fever, cough, colds, etc. However, for special treatment, the students have to contact outside hospitals. If they wish, the institute will help the students get a medical insurance cover.

Where can I find more about Indian education and quality levels?
You can visit:
www.education.nic.in; www.india.gov.in
www.aicte.ernet.in
www.ugc.ac.in

Where can I find more about Indian culture?
You can find more about Indian culture in the following websites:
www.indiancultureonline.com
www.indianvisit.com
www.searchindia.com

FINANCE

What is the cost of studying in India?
Indian universities offer education at more affordable cost than any other educational destination of importance. The average cost of studying in India is only about one-fourth when compared to a similar course in the western universities. The average institutional costs (tuition fees + accommodation charges) for undergraduate programmes ranges from 2000-12000 USD per year depending on the course of study.

What does it cost for living in India?
Living expenses are very cheap in India. About USD 100-150 a month will be sufficient to meet your food and other expenses.

Will I be able to get a grant/scholarship?
Indian universities/institutions do not give grants for study. But, some institutions do provide some sort of concessions for nationals from SAARC countries. However, the Government of India does provide scholarships for students from developing countries. For details, please contact the Indian Diplomatic Mission in your country or visit the website www.educationsupport.nic.in

IMMIGRATION

What is the procedure involved in coming to India for higher education?
Children of NRIs and PIO cardholders do not need to procure a student visa. Other international
students coming to India for higher education require a student visa or research visa for Doctorallevel courses.

What is a student visa?
India offers various kinds of visas, depending on the purpose of visit. Student visa is meant specifically for the students wanting to come to India for education. Student visas are issued for the duration of the academic course of study on the basis of firm letters of admission from universities/recognised colleges or educational institutions in India.

What are the pre-requisites for procuring a student visa?
You need to produce confirmed letters of admission from universities or recognised colleges and institutions in India for obtaining the regular student visa.

Where can I apply for the visa?
The visa can be applied for from any of the Indian Missions.

Are there any rules and regulations that I need to conform to?
Yes, while applying for the visa you need to keep in mind the following regulations:
Passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the date of intended departure from India
should accompany your visa application.
Students holding other nationalities (other than the country where applying for visa), should submit proof of long-term (at least three years)/ permanent residence in the country (where applying). For citizens of other countries, a reference has to be made to their country of residence for which an additional fee is applicable and will involve extra processing time.

How much is the student visa fees?
The fee structure depends on the nationality of the passport holder and type/duration of visa applied. The existing fee structure for a student visa is approximately US$ 50. These fees are payable in the local currency as well. Please check with the Indian embassy in your country for exact visa fees.

What are the points to be taken care of before embarking?
The climate across India does vary. Before you start packing, understand the weather conditions of the city you are going to be stationed at. Some of the cities like Mumbai have a moderate temperature round the year, while others like Delhi have about 4-8 degree centigrade in winters and 32-36 degree centigrade in summers.
Carry all your money in the form of travellers’ cheques. These can be redeemed at the airport, all five star hotels, and a number of foreign exchange offices.
Don’t forget to carry the confirmed letters of admission received from the institution and also the originals and copies of your certificates/degrees. You will require them at the time of final admission.
Carry extra passport size photographs, which might be required at the institute for identity card, library card, etc.
Keep all contact phone numbers handy, specially the phone number of your institute and the
place you are going to stay.
Ensure that you have taken all the required vaccinations, to avoid medical complications while
you are in India.

WHILE IN INDIA

What formalities do I need to complete once I report at the institution?
You need to complete the following formalities:

Admission Formalities:
Be in touch with the contact person of the institution that has provided you the admission, to complete the admission formalities. Once you complete the admission formalities, you will be allotted hostel accommodation.

Medical Examination and AIDS Test:
All Foreign/PIO students coming to India for studies need to go through a medical test for AIDS. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) requires this test as a pre-requisite for obtaining the Residence Permit Form. If the test is done at a government centre, then it is free of cost. If taken at a private clinic, the student needs to pay for the cost of the test.

Registration with FRRO Office:
All PIO students staying in India longer than 6 months are required to register with the Foreigners’ Regional Registration Office (FRRO). The college will guide the student to complete this formality. The following documents are required at the time of registration with the FRRO Officer.
Photocopy of the passport and initial visa
Four photographs of the applicant
Details of residence in India
HIV test report from one of the WHO recognised institutions for people in the age group of 15 to 60 years, if the foreigner is visiting India on a visa for more than one year
Bonafide certificate from the university/college/institution
Proof of a bank account/sufficient funds for non-scholarship students Foreigners can visit restricted/protected areas only after getting a valid Resident Permit as visa alone is not enough to visit such places.