Why India Should Be On Your Study Abroad List 2022

Studying in India is not like what you’d expect.

You’ve heard a lot about India, but do you know that the country also has a diverse and vast educational system? While it is normal for international students to find living in India challenging, it can be a rewarding experience to live and study in there.

Here’s what you should know about life in India as an international student.

You’re Learning More Than Ever In India, Even Outside The Classroom

India is home to a millennia-old civilization and the world’s oldest religion, Hinduism.

Studying in India provides a thrilling learning experience if you enjoy exploring the cultures and traditions of a religiously diverse country. According to Pew Research Center’s 5 facts about religion in India, “India is a religiously pluralistic and multiethnic democracy – the largest in the world.”

Taj Mahal in India. Image source: Pexels

You’ll expand your horizons and gain a cross-cultural understanding, which makes you an open-minded candidate that many hiring companies look for.

Plus, you can be the first among your friends to say “I’ve visited the Taj Mahal in person!”

India Has A Rapidly Expanding Educational System

Top institutions in India are on par with American colleges.

India’s higher education is growing quickly. Out of more than 1,000 accredited schools, 50 of them have international recognition. You will find plenty of high-quality engineering schools too, so engineer wannabes can apply to study in India.

Since India’s independence from the UK in 1948, English is widely used as a medium of communication besides Hindi. You will find local students speaking fluent English. Adjusting to studying in India will be a breeze!

Below is a breakdown of a typical higher education pathway in India:

  • Bachelor’s degree – 3 to 5 years (depending on program)
  • Master’s degree – 1 year (2 years for medical students)
  • PhD – 3 to 5 years

Living In India Costs Lesser Than You Think

Living in India is surprisingly cheap.

In fact, the living cost is generally lower than the US and most European countries, as well as Asian study abroad destinations (China, Japan, South Korea).

You only need to spend approximately $1,000 to $1,500 a month, and this includes rent!

Foodies will also love food-hunting in India. There’s so many varieties to choose from, you can’t decide where to start! Markets and street vendors in the city have some of the most underrated and equally delicious local cuisines. From filling meals like biryani, chole batura, and dosa, to street snacks like samosa and pani puri, you’ll never get enough of Indian food!

Food in India. Image source: Pexels

Monthly rent in India costs about $250 to $300, transport pass only costs about $30 per month; and you only need $20 for groceries!

Low Tuition Fees, Plenty Of Scholarships 

Tuition fees in Indian universities are usually between $3,300 and $8,000 per year depending on your program.

And the cherry on top: scholarships are plentiful in Indian institutions!

This is a move made by the Indian government to recruit more international students. The most notable scholarship is the prestigious Study in India Scholarship. You are eligible to receive up to $3,500 per year. The scholarship covers tuition fees, room and boarding, as well as canteen costs.

Getting Your Indian Student Visa Sorted

To be eligible for a student visa in India, you must first be accepted into a recognized higher educational institution. If you are a citizen of Bhutan, Nepal, or the Maldives, you will be exempt from a student visa. The cost of a student visa varies based on the country you’re from.

Some of the required documents are:

  • Passport with an expiry date that is more than 180 days
  • Two passport-sized photographs
  • A copy of your passport
  • Proof of your residential details while you’re staying in India
  • Application form
  • Letter of admission from your university
  • Financial proof that you are able to cover your expenses in India

Applying for an Indian student visa is actually pretty simple as long as you have all your documents ready. Check out the steps below:

    1. Enroll at a recognized university in India, receive a letter of admission, and pay the enrollment fees (if any).
    2. Complete the visa application form. You can find it online. An incomplete form will be rejected.
    3. Attach your passport-sized photograph to the online form.
    4. Make an e-payment to the Indian authorities.
    5. Submit your application. Be sure to proofread all your details before you hit send!
    6. Print a copy of your application. This is an important step!
    7. Book an appointment with an Indian visa application center (IVAC). You must bring all the required documents with you.
    8. Congratulations! Your application is a success and your visa will be mailed to you. You can also collect it personally from the IVAC.

If you’re rejected, fret not! Chances are, you either missed out a document or detail in your application form; didn’t upload your photo; didn’t include proof of funds; or have a passport that will expire within 180 days.

You just have to thoroughly check all your details and documents and resubmit your application.

Or.. Leave it to Eduloco and we’ll get it sorted out for you!

You will receive a decision within two weeks of submission, so hold on tight and hope for the best!

Working In India As An International Student 

Student studying in India. Image source: Pexels

Unfortunately, you cannot work while studying in India.

This may be a bummer to some, but on the positive side, that means you have more time to focus on your studies as well as explore the beautiful India!

You must ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, accommodation, transportation, food, and other essentials throughout your stay.

India is an underrated place to study abroad. While others are looking into ‘mainstream’ places to study, this land of diverse culture and religions gets overlooked although it offers some of the best educational systems in the world!

If India is not on your radar, you’re totally missing out!

For more information about studying in India, contact our counselors at +60 11-2069 9087 or send your enquiries to [email protected]. We’re ready to help!

Jocelyn Cheng

Jocelyn Cheng

Jocelyn Cheng (JC) is an INFP writer seeking to spread inspiration and spark connections through her words. Her dedication to writing has gifted her with an ability to write for multiple platforms (e.g., website, social media, newspaper, magazine, etc) in different fields, namely Education, Travel, and Lifestyle. JC personalizes her works by adding a touch of her own experience into the mix whenever she can to relate to her readers. A self-proclaimed poet and currently a freelance writer, she's working on an untitled poetry book at home while juggling between writing for Eduloco, dancing, and keeping her only plant alive.

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