For International Students · Updated for 2026
Find the right university, course and career path in one of the world's largest higher-education systems — across engineering, technology, management, sciences, medicine, humanities, law and design.
One counsellor for the whole route — shortlisting institutions, the application, fees and funding, the student visa file and your first weeks after landing.
Universities
1,200+ Institutes
Avg Tuition
₹50,000 – ₹6,00,000/yr
Work Permit
Check your visa conditions
Visa Success
Student Visa (S)
Choosing where to study is a decision that shapes far more than the next few years. Which institution suits your profile? Which course fits your goals? What will tuition and living costs actually come to? Are scholarships available to you? What are the admission criteria, and which visa will you need?
DreamDestination helps international students understand their options in India and work through the admission process with personalised online guidance — from shortlisting institutions to preparing your visa documentation.
The official Study in India portal currently lists 24,000+ courses across 1,200+ Indian institutes.
Study Levels
Bachelor's, Master's, MBA, PhD, Diploma
Popular Fields
Engineering, IT, Business, Medicine, Science, Law, Design
Language of Instruction
English, and regional languages depending on the programme
Institution Types
IITs, IIMs, NITs, central & state universities, private universities
Inbound Programme
Study in India (Government of India)
Popular Study Hubs
Bengaluru, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai
India hosts thousands of universities, institutes and colleges across almost every discipline.
Engineering, computer science, IT, AI, data science, electronics and biotechnology are established strengths.
Dedicated business schools alongside university-based management programmes.
Engineering, medicine, sciences, law, humanities, arts, design, hospitality and more.
Often more affordable than many Western destinations, though costs vary widely between public and private institutions.
The National Education Policy places explicit emphasis on international collaboration and student mobility.
India may suit you if you:
India has several categories of higher-education institution, each with different strengths.
Indian Institutes of Technology
Indian Institutes of Management
National Institutes of Technology
Public universities across India
Privately run institutions
Other recognised institutions
Before you apply, always verify
Institution recognition · Programme · Degree awarded · Accreditation · Admission eligibility. Indian institutions are commonly assessed on NIRF ranking, NAAC grade and Institution of National Importance or Institution of Eminence status.
This is not a ranking. The right institution depends entirely on your course — the strongest place for computer science is often not the strongest for an MBA, medicine or the humanities.
Undergraduate study for international students
Undergraduate programmes are available across engineering, computer science, business, sciences, medicine, design, humanities, law and pharmacy.
Compare before you choose
Postgraduate study across technology, business and science
Popular postgraduate areas include Computer Science, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Business Analytics, MBA, Engineering, Finance, Biotechnology, Public Health and Economics.
Check before applying
A large and established management education sector
Options include general MBA, Business Management, Finance, Marketing, International Business, Business Analytics, Operations and Entrepreneurship.
Compare before you choose
One of India's largest higher-education streams
Popular fields include Computer Science, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Civil, Chemical, Aerospace and Biotechnology, offered by IITs, NITs, IIITs, universities and private engineering institutions.
What to compare
Most Indian academic years begin around July–August. Some universities and private institutions also offer a January intake, rolling admissions or programme-specific cycles — always confirm the actual dates for your course and institution.
Costs depend on institution, course, study level and city.
| Study Level | Indicative Annual Tuition |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | ₹50,000 – ₹5,00,000+ per year |
| Master's | ₹75,000 – ₹6,00,000+ per year |
| MBA | ₹2,00,000 – ₹15,00,000+ per year |
| Engineering | Varies significantly by institution |
| Medicine | Varies significantly by institution |
These are broad planning ranges only. Private institutions and specialised programmes can cost considerably more. Always confirm current fees directly with the institution.
Living costs are higher in major metros and vary considerably with lifestyle.
Funding can come from several directions.
The Study in India programme states that scholarships are institute-driven rather than awarded by the programme itself. Participating institutions may offer fee waivers reported to range from 10% to 100%, depending on institutional policy and academic merit.
Eligibility is decided by the institution or scholarship provider. We will never promise you a “guaranteed scholarship” — no consultant can.
Requirements vary by university, course, your qualification, your country and study level. International students are commonly asked for:
Not every Indian institution applies the same eligibility criteria — check each one individually.
Study in India (SII) is a Government of India initiative to bring international students to Indian higher-education institutions. Its portal acts as a single point for registering, exploring courses, applying to institutions, receiving offers, completing visa paperwork and handling post-arrival registration. Registered students receive a unique SII Student ID.
Create a profile on the Study in India portal where applicable.
Compare university, course, location, tuition and eligibility.
Submit applications — the portal allows applying to several participating institutions.
Participating institutions issue offer letters to eligible applicants.
Select the institution and programme that fits your goals and budget.
Complete the applicable Indian student visa or e-visa process.
Arrange accommodation, insurance and arrival logistics.
Complete immigration registration where required after arriving.
International students need the appropriate Indian visa or immigration permission to study in India. The exact process depends on your nationality, course, institution, study duration and the immigration rules in force at the time.
International students may need to complete immigration registration after arriving in India. The Study in India portal currently indicates that students arriving through the programme must register with e-FRRO / FRRO / FRRP within 14 days.
Immigration procedures change — confirm the current requirement at the time you travel.
Always verify current requirements through official Indian immigration and visa channels before travelling.
Do not assume that holding a student visa gives you the right to work. Whether any employment or internship is permitted depends on the conditions attached to your specific visa and immigration status, and on your institution's rules.
Verify what is permitted before accepting any paid work.
Before choosing a university, check its internship opportunities, industry connections, career services, practical projects and placement support.
Career outcomes depend on your qualification, skills, experience, employer demand and the work authorisation available to you. No institution or consultant can guarantee employment.
IT, startups, technology and engineering
Finance, business, media and management
Universities, government, business and research
Education, IT, engineering and student life
Technology, pharmaceuticals and business
Engineering, technology and education
Management, business and entrepreneurship
We start with your academic background, career goals and preferred field before suggesting a programme.
Compare Indian institutions against your academic and career objectives, not just rankings.
Support with documentation and application preparation.
Explore institution scholarships and fee-waiver opportunities you may be eligible for.
Understand the applicable student visa process and documentation.
Prepare for accommodation, travel and arrival requirements.
Share your details and a counsellor will map out suitable institutions and programmes for your profile.
Get free guidance on institutions, courses, scholarships and the student visa process.