Study in India
What’s it like studying in the country with the second-highest population, the country with the most populous democracy, and the country that has six total national religions? Probably unlike anything you’ve experienced before. Is it possible to get an overload of culture? Let’s hope not, because that’s precisely how it feels to pursue a Bachelor’s or Master’s in India.
If you're looking to study at a university in India, you will find numerous study degrees, offering diverse programmes and a vibrant cultural environment. For decades, students from all over the world have imagined themselves swimming in this endless stream of diverse music, food, and art that exist together in India’s massive landscape. Such an environment also makes studying there both exciting and hugely enriching.
Why Study in India?
1. Studying and living in India is cheap
In India, there are over 800 universities, so it's not surprising that tuition fees vary significantly. Still, as a general rule, they are much more affordable when compared to fees at Western universities.
International students usually pay anywhere between 150 and 5,000 EUR per academic year. Living costs are also very low, usually between 150 and 300 EUR based on your lifestyle and habits.
2. Follow in the footsteps of Indian CEOs
Sundar Pichai (CEO of Google), Satya Nadella (CEO of Microsoft), Shantanu Narayen (CEO of Adobe) — these are only some of the successful Indians who, at the time of writing this, are in charge of some of the biggest tech companies in the world.
What else do they have in common? They first graduated with a degree from an Indian university. Now, we're not trying to say that by studying in India you'll one day be like them.
But maybe there's something in the Indian education system and culture, something that helps or motivates people to achieve success, especially in the field of Engineering and Technology — and maybe you can also benefit from that by studying at an Indian university.
3. India has one of the fastest growing economies
India is among the top 10 largest economies in the world based on the GDP (gross domestic product). Its economy has actually been growing at a rate of 7–8% in the last years.
Now, this doesn't mean all is fine and dandy. A large part of the population is still struggling with poverty and lack of education or proper healthcare, especially in rural areas.
What we're trying to say is that India has a lot of potential, both economically and socially. You can be one of the people who bring positive change by staying and working in India, at least for a while after graduation.
4. Explore the profoundly unique Indian culture
The Indian history and especially culture are very rich and colourful. India is often referred to as "The Land of a Thousand Gods", because in addition to big deity names like Brahma, Vishnu, or Shiva, there are literally hundreds of other gods and goddesses with different roles and importance in their culture.
It is often said that in every village they worship (or at least used to) a different god. That's because in the traditional Indian culture, gods were only seen as a stepping stone, a way to achieve something much more important: enlightenment or ultimate liberation.
Fun fact: there are over 2 million Hindu temples still standing nowadays!
5. Discover yoga where it all began
The Western world largely views yoga as a form of physical exercise.
However, in India, this ancient practice in considered a powerful system for general wellbeing and health on all levels: body, mind, emotions, and energy. Even modern-day science is slowly discovering more and more benefits to practising yoga regularly.
Unfortunately, there are many yoga variations out there that have been altered too much (e.g. we now have 'beer yoga') and have moved too far away from the initial purpose of the practice.
So if you want to learn real traditional yoga, the way it has been taught and preserved for thousands of years, finding an ashram (e.g. Isha Yoga Centre) or an Indian yoga master is your best bet.
What is it like to study in India?
Several students who have studied in India talk about the method of learning that they are not used to. In India, professors commonly apply what is called rote learning; it’s a method of memorising a series of facts, terms, and equations, word-for-word, by repetition. So, rather than asking students to offer their own explanation for something, testing is based on how well you took notes and remembered precisely what your professors taught you.
This could be a challenge to students who are used to a more discussion-based setting, or a setting where they are asked to understand more conceptual knowledge. So, be prepared to have a lot of definitions or terms thrown at you, that you will simply have to parrot back in precise form.
Universities in India also place a strong emphasis on leadership. That is, they’re interested in creating managers, CEOs, teachers, and mayors of the next generation. So, your classrooms will be largely devoted to giving you lessons on how to be an effective leader who knows how to take charge.
What to Study in India?
In India, students can find pretty much any subject they are interested in. There isn’t necessarily a rule for picking a discipline that you’re interested in; but we can share some of the options that are quite popular among international students.
Where to study in India?
India is quite a massive, diverse country, with a lot of regional differences, traditions, and customs. There are some big cities and some smaller villages. But, major cities that come to mind are:
- Bombay
- Kolkata
- Delhi
- Hyderabad
Which universities to attend in India?
Universities in India have quite a long history, and many of them follow the old British models. There are several dozen options to pick from. But here is a list of some universities we like:
How to apply
When you’ve selected the programme that you want to study, you merely have to use the official website from the university of your choice, and submit your materials there.
Be sure to prepare the following materials ready for your application:
- A scan of your degree(s)/diploma(s)
- Your CV
- The transcripts or records the courses you have taken
- A scanned copy of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s)
- A scan of your passport
- Testing scores
- A motivation letter and/or personal statement
- An indication of your financial situation and ability to support your studies
Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for an Indian university
Take Preparation Courses
These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.
Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.
Improve your English through an English-language prep course
If you’re attending a degree programme in India, you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
English-language tests
To apply to study in India, you’ll need to provide proof you have a diploma for your English proficiency.
The certificates generally accepted by the universities in India are:
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Still, you should always check on your university’s website, just to be sure what the exact requirements are.
Living in India
Let's take a closer look at tuition and living expenses in India:
University tuition fees
India has one of the largest higher education systems in the world, with over 800 universities and 39,000 colleges. Given the vast number of institutions (both public and private), it's not surprising that tuition fees vary significantly.
Still, Indian universities are quite affordable when compared to similar institutions from other popular study destinations. On average, students usually pay:
- between 150 and 5,000 EUR/year at public universities
- up to (and sometimes over) 10,000 EUR/year at private universities
Even at public universities, some programmes in Engineering or Medicine can cost 6,000–7,000 EUR/year.
Cost of Living in India
India is amazingly cheap to live in, even if you find yourself in one of the big cities like Mumbai or New Delhi.
Here is a breakdown of prices you’ll find in India:
- Accommodation (international or combined hostels): usually provided by the university; if all places are taken, the institution will help you find an affordable alternative
- Accommodation (rent flat): 85–330 EUR/month
- Utilities: 30–45 EUR/month
- Monthly transport pass: 8 EUR
- Three-course meal for 2 people at a mid-range restaurant: 9 EUR
- Milk: 0.57 EUR
- Loaf of bread: 0.40 EUR
About India
The Republic of India is a country in South Asia. The name 'India' is derived from the River Indus, the valleys around which were the home of the early settlers. One of the earliest civilizations, the Indus Valley civilization flourished on the Indian subcontinent from c. 2600 B.C. to c. 2000 B.C.
Interesting Facts about India
- Every few years the Kumbh Mela – a massive Hindu pilgrimage - is held on the Ganges river bank. It is the world’s largest gathering of humans (bringing in a whopping 200 million people), and is visible from outer space.
- The world’s biggest family lives in India; a man with 39 wives and 94 children. And you thought your holidays were hectic.
- India has the lowest meat consumption per person.
- The discovery of water on the moon was actually discovered in 2009 by India’s ISRO Chandrayaan- 1 using its Moon Mineralogy Mapper.
- Around 100 Million years ago, India was actually an island.
Universities, colleges and schools in India
Abhayapuri
- BML Munjal University (7 Masters)
- Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar (IITBBS) (14 Masters)
Ambala
- Maharishi Markandeshwar University (MMU) (29 Masters)
Bengalore
- Pearl Academy (20 Masters)
- Manipal College of Health Professions (MCHP) (30 Masters)
- Alliance University (2 Masters)
- Christ University, Bangalore (39 Masters)
Bhubaneshwar
- KIIT University (33 Masters)
Bihar Sharif
- University of the Punjab (7 Masters)
Calcutta
Chandigarh
- Panjab University (79 Masters)
Chennai
- Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology (20 Masters)
- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) (50 Masters)
Coimbatore
- Amrita University (74 Masters)
- Bharathiar University (42 Masters)
Dehra Dun
- University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (9 Masters)
Delhi
- Lovely Professional University (83 Masters)
- Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology Delhi (3 Masters)
- Jamia Millia Islamia (83 Masters)
- Indian Institute of Digital Education (2 Masters)
Devanhalli
- Chanakya University (10 Masters)
Dhanbad
Hariana
- Indian School of Hospitality (1 Master)
Hisar
Hyderabad
Jaipur
- Pearl Academy (20 Masters)
Kadur
Kakinada
- Aditya University (5 Masters)
Karaikkudi
- Alagappa University (45 Masters)
Karari
- Amrita University (74 Masters)
Kottayam
- Mahatma Gandhi University (2 Masters)
Malkajgiri
- Birla Institute of Technology and Science (5 Masters)
Malpe
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (144 Masters)
Mandi
- Indian Institute of Technology Mandi (14 Masters)
Mohali
- Indian School of Business (ISB) (10 Masters)
- Chandigarh University (29 Masters)
Mumbai
- Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (36 Masters)
- University of Toronto Rotman School of Management (1 Master)
- University of Mumbai (29 Masters)
- Pearl Academy (20 Masters)
- Indian Institute of Digital Education (2 Masters)
- upGrad (3 Masters)
- Whistling Woods International (5 Masters)
- NAEMD - Academy of Event Management and Development (1 Master)
- Institute of Chemical Technology (19 Masters)
- NASM Academy of Sports Management (1 Master)
- SDA Bocconi School of Management (1 Master)
Mysore
- Amrita University (74 Masters)
Nagar
- JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (30 Masters)
- National Institute of Technology, Rourkela (47 Masters)
New Delhi
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (71 Masters)
- Delhi Technological University (32 Masters)
- University of Delhi (67 Masters)
- Pearl Academy (20 Masters)
Noida
- Sharda University (13 Masters)
- Amity University (1 Master)
- Shiv Nadar University (10 Masters)
Palanpur
- IIT Gandhinagar (9 Masters)
Patiala
Pune
- Savitribai Phule Pune University (36 Masters)
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune (3 Masters)
Rupnagar
- Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar (8 Masters)
Sangareddi
- Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (11 Masters)
Sanquelim
- Goa Institute of Management (1 Master)
Sehore
- VIT - Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) (4 Masters)
Silchar
- National Institute of Technology Silchar (7 Masters)
Sonipat
- Jindal Global University (5 Masters)
Thanjavur
- SASTRA University (1 Master)
Vellore
- Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) (50 Masters)
Vijayawada
- VIT-AP at Amaravati (4 Masters)
Yelahanka
- Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (5 Masters)
Interested in scholarships for India? Check out our scholarship search page.
How to Apply to a Master's in India
If you've decided to study a Master's degree at a university in India, you will have to gather the right documents to prove that you fit the university requirements. Provide complete personal information, previous qualifications, financial information, and a personal statement.
What documents do I need to provide to apply in India?
To apply to a university in India you will likely be asked to provide some of the following documents:
- birth certificate;
- recent photos;
- your passport or national identity card;
- one or more reference letters from past employers or teachers;
- copies of past diplomas or certificates, including your graduated Bachelor's degree;
- academic transcripts;
- letter of intent;
- Curriculum Vitae;
- Some form of proof that you can support your stay in the country during your studies.
Depending on the subject or specialization of your chosen Master's, you might also be asked to provide scores for additional tests like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT. Check if your programme requires any of these, or others.
The list of documents depends on the specific requirements of universities in India so you might be asked to include additional documents. It’s also likely you’ll have to provide official English translations of your documents, or translations in the local language.
Prove your English skills
Because you’ll study an international degree in English, you'll have to present a language certificate. Some popular options for international students are IELTS, TOEFL or C1 Advanced language certificates. You’ll have to meet a minimum language score set by the university, and your test scores shouldn’t be older than 1-2 years. If you don’t meet the minimum language requirements, you will have to improve your skills and scores by taking an English preparation course.
Application deadlines for India
The deadlines for applying to a Master's in India are usually during summer (June-July), or in winter (January-February). Keep in mind that some universities don’t have application deadlines, which means you can apply whenever you are ready.
To avoid delays or missed deadlines send your required documents with plenty of time in advance.