The Ultimate Guide to Studying in India in 2023

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.

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.

• Social Work degrees in India 
• Human Medicine degrees in India 
• Computer Science degrees in India 

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:

• India Institute of Management 
• Amrita University 
• Tata Institute of Social Sciences 

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.