India's System of Higher Education is the Third Largest in the World
India’s system of higher education is the third largest in the world. While the engineering schools have been the flag bearers of the India’s higher education, in keeping with the times and the skill needs of the global workforce India universities are offering a host of other courses such as Masters in Business Administration, Sciences, Liberal Arts, Artificial Intelligence, Photonics and Design Thinking among others. As a result, many of its higher education institutions figure in the top 100 Asian Universities as per QS and The World University rankings of 2018. At the same time, interesting and niche courses such as Yoga, Ayurveda or Buddhism are also on offer.
A rising economic power with a rapidly growing diverse economy, the Indian economy is ranked sixth in the world is also world’s second largest democracy. Home to some fortune 500 companies such as Indian Oil, Reliance Industries and State Bank of India (SBI), it also has startups such as Flipkart, Ola and PayTM which are disrupting norms to create and innovate and adding to India’s incredible growth story in the world stage.
Cities such as Bangalore and Hyderabad are known for their entrepreneurial and technology ecosystem and ranked amongst the most dynamic cities in the world. Most of the higher education is delivered in English which can offer an ease of communication which would be enjoyed by an overseas student. Rich culture, beautiful landscape that ranges from Great Himalayas in the North to the rocks of Kanyakumari, from the great Rann of Kutch in the West to the abode of clouds in the East, wildlife, beaches and its varied cuisines will make studying in India a memorable experience for you.
Many Indian universities are placed in luxurious natural campuses, celebrating host of festivals and events, opportunities to experience local cultures and traditions will ensure an exciting campus life.
If you are looking to experience culture, art, tradition, heritage, history, innovation and creativity and be part of a dynamic education system, India is the place to be!
Student visas are granted to people who wish to come to India and study at an officially recognized educational institution. This includes the study of Yoga, Vedic culture, and Indian system of dance and music. The main document required is student admission/registration papers from the institution.
Indian Missions/Posts grant a student visa for a period of five years or for the duration of the course of study, whichever is less, to the below:
- To foreigner students coming to India to pursue regular and full time academic studies in India.
- For foreigner students coming for Industrial training, summer project and internship.
- Provisional student visa valid for six months for the students exploring admission or taking admission tests.
- Applicant should possess the proof of admission to a full time regular academic course in a reputed/recognized educational institution in India and evidence of financial support.
- The applicant should also possess a "No Objection Certificate" from the Ministry of Health in case of admission in medical or Para-medical course.
- Spouse and dependent family members accompanying the applicant must apply for an Entry Visa (Not Tourist Visa. Its termination date will coincide with the period of the principal Visa holder.
Validity:
Student visas are issued for up to five years, depending on the duration of the course. They can also be extended in India.
Passengers having valid Student visa can enter India from any desired port of immigration check post (Airport, Seaport).
Visa fees for student visa is different for all the countries. It ranges from $13 to $118.
The visitors are required to fill online visa Application by visiting website https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/visa/ and visit their nearest embassy with printout of the online filled application and required travel documents.
- Passport with 6 month validity
- Passport size photographs
- Photo copy of passport
- Proof of residential address
- Copy of online filled form
- University admission letter
- University details
Details of Indian Education Systems
The undergraduate course i.e. the Bachelor's degree is obtained after three years of study in the case of arts (B.A), science (B.Sc) and commerce (B.Com). UG courses in professional subjects, for the Bachelor's degree, like Engineering (B.E, B.Tech), Medicine (M.B.B.S), Dentistry (M.D) and Pharmacy (B.Pharma) range from 4 to 5 and a half years.
M.Phil. Program is of one and-half year to two years in duration. PhD program is for a minimum of 3 years and can take several years. These courses involve research work under a chosen/allotted guide, leading to thesis submission and viva-voce. Successful completion of PhD course designates the title of 'Doctor' to the individual.
Post-graduate courses in Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering and Medicine are 2 year courses for the award of a Master's degrees. Master's program can be pursued only after completion of a bachelor's degree.
In addition to the degree programs, a number of diploma and certificate programs are also available in universities. Their range is wide and they cover anything from poetics to computers. Some of them are undergraduate diploma programs and others postgraduate programs. The duration varies from course to course and program to program an usually ranges between one year and three years.
Requirement for Foreign Nationals
Every Foreigner visiting India on Student Visa(S) (including those coming for study of Yoga, Vedic Culture, Indian system of dance and Music), Research Visa(R), Medical Visa(M) or Medical Attendant (MED-X) Visa and Employment Visa(E) valid for more than 180 days is required to get himself / herself registered with concerned FRRO , within 14 days of his/her first arrival, irrespective of the duration of his / her stay. Even in other Visa types, if the Indian Visa has a stipulation/ observation/ Special endorsement for registration made by Indian Mission / Embassy on the Indian Visa and on Employment, Medical, Medical Attendant Visas for less than 180 days, the Foreigners are required to be registered Foreigners visiting India on other categories of long term Visa (valid for more than 180 days) including Business/Entry(X) / Journalist Visa would not require registration with the concerned FRRO if duration of his/her stay does not exceed 180 days on a single visit. In case a foreigner intends to stay for more than 180 days on a single visit he / she should get himself registered well before the expiry of 180 days. Foreigners possessing tourist Visa are required registration only if they re-enter within 60 days of the last departure and they are asked to register through special endorsement etc.
Children below 16 years of age are exempt from Registration if they have entered on PIO card or on any type of Visa and except where specified other wise. It is mandatory for all foreigners to personally appear at the concerned FRRO office for obtaining any Visa related services.
No fee is charged for registration, but a foreigner who has delayed registration and if delay is condoned, a penalty in Indian currency equivalent to US$ 30/- for late registration may be charged.
In the event of overstay foreigner is liable for prosecution under Foreigners Act 1946 and imprisonment up to 5 years with fine & expulsion from India.
Every foreigner who is about to depart finally from India shall surrender his certificate of registration either to the RegistrationOfficer of the place where he is registered or of the place from
where he intends to depart or to the Immigration Officer at the Port/Check post of exit at the time of final departure from India. If the certificate is surrendered other than to the Immigration
Officer of the port or check post of exit, a receipt indicating such surrender of the document may be obtained and shown to the Immigration Officer at the time of final departure.
If at any time a foreigner proposes to be absent from his / her registered address for a continuous period of eight weeks or more or change his / her registered address then the foreigner is required to inform in person or through an authorized representative or by registered post to his / her Registration Officer of his / her intention to change his registered address or to leave either temporarily or permanently the jurisdiction of the Registration Officer. In case of return, the foreigner should inform the Registration Officer of the date of return and in case the foreigner is moving away inform the change of address. Any changes made subsequently should also be intimated to the Registration Officer.
Every foreigner, who stays for a period of more than eight weeks at any place in any district other than the district in which his / her registered address is situated, shall inform the Registration Officer of that district of his / her presence. This can be made in writing and the requirements deemed to have been fulfilled if, prior to arrival the foreigner furnishes to the Registration Officer of the said district intimating the dates of his proposed arrival and departure from the district.
A foreigner shall be deemed to have changed his registered address, if he/she changes his residence from one place to another place in India and if having no residence, he leaves his registered address knowing that he is not likely to return within six months of leaving it.
Every foreigner is required to furnish to the Registration Officer of the district in which his registered address is situated, particulars of any circumstances affecting in any manner the accuracy of the particulars recorded in his certificate of registration within fourteen days after the circumstance has occurred, and generally shall provide to the Registration Officer all information as may be necessary for maintaining the accuracy of the certificate.
If any certificate of registration, issued under existing Acts / Rules is lost or destroyed, the foreigner to whom it was issued, shall make or send to the Registration Officer of the district of his registered address a report of circumstances in which it was so lost or destroyed along with an application in writing and a copy of police report in order to issue a duplicate copy of the certificate of registration.
Conversion of Coefficient, Grades, GPA, Marks etc. system(as followed in different countries) to Percentage system for Study in India programme
For a Well Planned Stay
- A proper Visa to enter and stay in India is a must. Make sure your all your documents are complete and secured.
- Be apprised of the campus rules and regulations of your institute.
- It is advisable to obtain adequate travel and health insurance.
- Take personal responsibility for your travel choices, your safety, finances and behaviour overseas, including obeying the laws of the country.
- Organise your finances to cover your planned travel.
- Protect your passport and report it promptly if it is lost, stolen or damaged.
- Make sure your passport is valid (with at least six months validity from your planned date of return and will not expire while you are in India.
- Make copies of your passport (including visa pages), insurance policy, traveller's cheques, visas and academic documents. Carry one copy in a separate place away from the originals and also leave a copy with someone at home.
- Don’t break the law or indulge in unlawful activities.
- Don’t enter places of worship without moderate dressing and shoes on.
- Don’t walk over or touch books or newspapers with your feet. For Indian people they are a metaphor of God's learning, considered sacred.
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol in public.
Among the top 30 countries for internationally inbound students according to a UNESCO report, India is one of the most economical viable country for foreign students. The cost of living here is very less as compared to other countries. In India, many reputed universities offer accommodation to their students within campus. However, some universities do not have this facility. In this case a student has the option to rent a room in a private hostel, rent a room on his own (with or without food facility), or get a serviced apartment on rent. There are various
benefits that a student gets in each type of accommodation that he/she chooses. A student can experience a comfortable stay for a month within $160. So annually $1850 would make the student's living comfortable, happy, and safe.
Accommodation shall be provided by the institute, otherwise cheap living options will be available through brokers.
Different universities will have either of the following facility:
- International Hostels
- Combined Hostels
- Option to live outside
- International Student Cells of respective colleges will assist you in finding accommodation.
The medium of instruction across all courses and institutions would be English. The candidates applying for the courses in India are supposed to have a functional knowledge of English, which implies that they should have an ability to read, write and speak the language.
- Eating out - $24 to $70 per week
- Utility bills - $4 to $10 per week
- Public transport - $4 to $10 per week
- Sports and leisure - $7 to $15 per week
As you can see the cost of studying in India is extremely affordable as compared to various developing countries and extremely low when compared to other developed nations such as the US and UK.
Moreover, the quality of education has undergone significant transformation and development over the last decade.
Indian cities are equipped with traditional brick and mortar "kirana" stores for buying all types of essentials. The small towns, just like the big cities are increasingly getting equipped with some malls as well as doorstep delivery of essentials, apart from having the traditional mom and pop stores.
