How to Apply to Indian Colleges as an International Student: Step-by-Step Guide

Finally, you've decided that India is the place for your higher education, a choice many international students have made before you as well. And you can definitely expect an exciting journey, as you are coming to a nation where “guests are considered gods.”

But once you've picked the country, the next major step is to choose the right college and figure out how to apply. You may be feeling a little overwhelmed, but don't worry! Just Press has curated a step-by-step guide on “how to apply to Indian colleges as an international student”. We’re here to simplify, making each step simple, so you can concentrate on what matters most: your future!

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The steps given below will help you understand the admission process for international students in India. Keep reading to know, and we have protips at the end for you.
 

A. Step 1: Choose Your Indian College or University
 

Decide which course you want to take and accordingly select your university in India. The most prominent ones include Delhi University, IITs, IIMs, JNU, NITs, and private universities like Ashoka or Amity. Check the university’s international admissions page for specific prerequisites.

You can apply through other routes, like:

• Direct Admission to Students Abroad (DASA) – This is for engineering and technical institutions.
• ICCR Scholarships – This is a well-known, fully funded scholarship for foreign students by the Indian government.
• Direct self-financed application – You can apply directly from a university’s foreign student office.

Also Read: Top Scholarships for International Students to Study in India
 

B. Step 2: Meet the Eligibility Criteria
 

Before applying, check that you meet the basic conditions or have the documents required for Indian college admission for international students:

Some of the basic requirements are:

• You must have completed 12 years of schooling (or the equivalent of India’s Class 12).
• If applying for postgraduate study, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject.
• You need to take an English proficiency test (IELTS/TOEFL) if your previous studies were not in English.
• Few institutes can ask for SAT (undergraduate Bachelor's programs), GRE (Analytical writing, quantitative and verbal reasoning), GMAT (for graduate business (MBA) programs), or NEET (for medicine).

For Example:

• For engineering at IITs = one must take JEE Advanced
• For NITs/IIITs via DASA = you need to submit SAT subject test scores (Maths, Physics, Chemistry)
• For Medical (MBBS/BDS) = NEET is compulsory for you, even for international students.
   

C. Step 3: Arrange the Right Documents
 

Here’s the usual list of documents required for Indian college admission for international students; you’ll need them for most universities:

• A passport, but valid for at least 6 months
• Certified copies of academic transcripts and certificates
• Standardised test scores, if required, such as SAT/GRE/NEET etc.
• Proof of English proficiency
• Statement of Purpose (SOP), you need to mention why you want to take the course
• Letters of recommendation (for PG courses)
• Recent passport-size photographs
• Financial proof or bank statements (for visa purpose)

Note: Most Indian universities want documents attested by your local Indian Embassy or school authorities.
 

D. Step 4: Apply Online and Submit Your Application
 

Navigate to the Indian university’s portal (for example, Delhi University has a Foreign Students’ Registry (FSR) online portal).

• Fill the form carefully
• Upload all the required documents
• Pay the application fee (usually between ₹2,000 to ₹10,000)
• Send attested hard copies by post if the selected university/college requires it.

Delhi University Example (FSR Process):

• Fill the online application form on the FSR website (fsr.du.ac.in).
• Submit required documents.
• If applying via the ICCR scholarship, you need to go through the council first.
• Wait for the DU Foreign Students Office to review
• Wait for the merit list

E. Step 5: After Selection or Before Coming to India
 

• If you’re selected, you will receive a provisional admission letter from the Indian university.
• Apply for your Student Visa (Category S) at the Indian Embassy in your respective country.
• Arrange your accommodation (many universities may offer hostel facilities for international students). And keep all your original documents ready to carry with you.
• Book your travel tickets in a timely manner.

Note: Make sure your visa duration covers the selected course.
 

F. Step 6: After Reaching India
 

• Contact the Foreign Student Office (such as FSR at Delhi University).
• Complete your admission formalities: document verification plus pay course fees.
• You need to register at the FRRO (Foreign Regional Registration Office) within 14 days of arrival if your stay is longer than 180 days.
• Start attending classes and enjoy your student life here in India

A Quick Flow Start:
 

Choose your course → Apply online → Submit documents → Get admission letter → Apply for visa → Arrive in India → Complete registration → Start your studies.

Also Read: Best Cities in India for International Students: Safety, Cost & Quality of Life

The Indian government offers scholarships for foreign students to ensure you can access state-of-the-art knowledge at an affordable cost.

Some of them are:

• ICCR Scholarship (fully funded by the Government of India).
• Study in India (SII) Scholarship (partial or full support based on your performance in the entrance test).
• AYUSH Scholarship (for courses like Ayurveda, Yoga, Homeopathy).
• University-level scholarships (provided by private and public universities).

Read Also: Top Indian Colleges For B.Tech For International Students

• Always apply early (Indian universities/colleges usually open applications between Dec and April).
• Double-check whether your course demands NEET/JEE/SAT or not.
• Do not forget FRRO registration after you land in India.