Student Visa for India
While India is a great place to enrich the soul, enjoy a relaxing and culturally enhanced vacation, and experience life in an ashram for a period of time, it also proffers vast opportunities for tertiary education. Boasting 383 universities and 17000 colleges, India is a top ranking, a globally recognized contender in the international education system. India is certainly emerging in the field of bioinformatics, Nanotechnology, space technology, and biotechnology, to name but a few. Indian education institutions are renowned in, among others, the fields of Medicine, Engineering, Management, and Arts. Programs attract international students, primarily the MBBS and Bachelor of Pharmacy, and Bachelor of Commerce (B. Com), with over 2500 students from abroad, and the Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) which attracts more than 2800 international students. Research suggests that cost plays a significant role in India’s allure for foreign students, where annual tuition averages in at a quarter of those fees charged in Australia, UK, and USA. Factoring in the low cost of living in India and the safety of the Indian campuses, the decrease in overall outlay for studies is substantially improved.
We’ll briefly touch on the regulations, costs, requirements, validity, application procedure, and eligibility for the India Student Visa.
STUDENTS HOPING TO STUDY IN INDIA NEED AN INDIA STUDENT VISA
The Student Visa for India is granted to foreigners wanting to study in India at an officially recognized educational institution, including the Indian system of dance and music, Yoga, and Vedic culture studies. For students taking admission tests or otherwise exploring admission, a provisional student visa is issued, which is valid for six months.
Substantiating Documents
Applicants for the India student visa must have a valid passport, a re-entry permit (if required for the country of origin), proof of admission to a full time course in India at a reputable recognized educational institution, and a letter of approval or a “No Objection Certificate” from the Ministry of Health if studying a medical/para-medical course.
Financially, applicants must be of assured financial standing, proved by a letter of support from parent/guardian together with a bank certificate/guarantee. Evidence must be produced of adequate funds to cover the cost of living and sustenance in India for a minimum of 4 months.
Students in India for research purposes must present a synopsis of the research project which is countersigned by the Indian educational institution together with an approval letter or a “No Objection Certificate” from the appropriate Indian Ministries.
Applicants without confirmed admission to an Indian educational institution are required to present provisional admission letters to the Indian mission in their country to be issued a provisional Student Visa which is valid for three months.
Eligibility:
The Indian Consulate or Missions allows a student visa for the duration of the course of study or five years, whichever is less, subject to provisions as follows:
- To pursue regular and full-time academic studies in India
- For internship, Industrial training, and summer projects
- Dependents accompanying the student during the studies in India must apply for an Entry Visa
Validity:
Student Visa India is issued for up to five years, contingent on the duration of the study course. The validity period may be extended once the student is in India. Foreign students are permitted, at most, three entries per academic year to allow for visits to their home countries during holidays. Additional entries are available for emergency situations and will be granted by the FRROs/FROs only where prior permission is forthcoming from the relevant educational institution.
Fee for Student Visa:
The fee payable for an India Student Visa varies according to the country of origin.
Application Procedure:
Applicants must complete the Visa Application online using the Government of India website, whereupon the completed and signed form must be printed and taken to the closest Indian Consulate/Embassy/Mission together with the following travel documents:
- Passport valid for 6 months
- Photocopy of a valid passport
- Passport-type photographs
- Proof of residential address
- University admission letter
- Full details of the relevant University
Studying in India gives the opportunity to study at world-class institutions alongside highly motivated students from all around the world, in secure and inspiring surroundings.
