studying-in-india-guide-for-international-students

Everything International Students Need to Know About Studying in India

Choosing to study in another country is exciting, overwhelming, and a little scary—often all at once. If India happens to be on your list, you’re not alone.

Overview

Choosing to study in another country is exciting, overwhelming, and a little scary—often all at once. If India happens to be on your list, you’re not alone. Thousands of students from different corners of the world come here every year, searching for good universities, diverse programs, and a completely new life experience.

 

This guide is meant to feel like advice from someone who has lived through the journey—not just a collection of facts. Here’s what you should really know before you begin studying in India. Try this comprehensive guide for international students in India.

 

Read Also: Cost of Studying in India for International Students: Tuition, Visa, Living

Why Should International Students Choose India to Study?

One thing you’ll hear over and over again is that India is impossible to summarize. It’s colorful, unpredictable, energetic, and strangely comforting once you settle in. You might walk past a centuries-old temple in the morning, spend your afternoon in a modern university lab, and end your day eating street food with friends from three different countries.
And behind all this liveliness is a fast-growing education system. With thousands of universities and countless programs taught in English, India has quietly become a global study hub.
Living here doesn’t put the same financial pressure on students that many Western countries do. Following are the perks of studying in India:
 

  • Affordable tuition Fees
  • Numerous programs and courses
  • Availability of tech, business, and arts programs in the top universities
  • Medical studies cost more, but still much less compared to countries like the USA or UK.
  • Scholarships are available, especially in central universities.
  • Hostels are the easiest and cheapest option

Read Also: Best MBA Colleges in India for Foreign Nationals

Tips for International Students in India to Stay Safely & Comfortably

Since you have chosen to study in India, I may presume that you have done some independent research on studying in India. During your study period in India, you may have picked up a few phrases or sampled the well-known chicken tikka masala and biryani to get a flavor of your typical diet. However, this article will help you get a better idea of what to expect once you arrive before you get ready to say "Namaste" to your classmates.
Before you travel to India to study, you should be aware of the following few things:
 

1. Prepare yourself for a few cultural transitions.
 

Keep in mind that living in a place is not the same as visiting it. Therefore, avoid following any friends or family members who have just traveled to India, and be ready for some cultural adjustments. The more you believe you know about India, the more you will discover how little you actually know about the nation. The "heavy masala diets" and "eating with hands" are just 2 among the 10000 strange things you will get to know about Indians.
 

2. You will be overwhelmed by the diversity.
 

Right in the beginning of your stay in India, make an Indian buddy with whom you feel you get along well, have similar interests, and have some knowledge of their culture. However, after you arrive here, you'll realize how diverse India is, with an eclectic mix of cultures, customs, and languages. Every state has its unique culture and customs, and there are over 20 legally recognized languages. Therefore, it is best to avoid making snap judgments because we only get to see a portion of the full picture in the beginning.
 

3. India is not only the ethereal image you have in your head. 
 

Be ready for a surprise if you think of India as the exotic Asia from movies. It's not the place of secrets or snake charmers you've heard or seen. Its technological infrastructure is expanding, and it is among the nations with the fastest rates of development worldwide. There are more start-ups, and there are more job options in the technology sector now than there were a decade ago. Do not, under any circumstances, bring up that snake charmer image of India in front of any Indian you encounter. That would be really impolite.
 

4. Wear modest attire
 

When it comes to attire, Indians are quite conservative. Women are more affected by this than males. Overexposure can result in unwelcome attention and may not be culturally acceptable. Additionally, it's a good idea to adhere to the majority's dress code when attending courses. You may purchase Indian clothing to fit in with the community, and since it's usually colorful, I think you'll enjoy it.
 

5. Become accustomed to being recognized as a "foreigner."
 

There's a good possibility you'll draw a lot of attention, particularly if you're from North America or Europe. Many people may be staring at you or perhaps giving you unpleasant looks, but it's all harmless. Indians are often very kind and polite.

 

Read Also: How to Choose the Right College in India for Your Career Goals
 

6. Develop more patience 
 

You may believe that there are unanticipated delays and that tasks are not being completed on schedule. Your patience will be put to the test not only by the expression "I will do it today," but also by the ruthless traffic and the congested public transportation. However, things do get done here, and if you're a management student, you'll appreciate the term "jugaad," which refers to a very successful Indian "hack." 
 

7. The best GPS is people
 

There's a good probability your GPS won't assist you if you're attempting to locate a route out of that labyrinth of "gullies." Ask a local instead, and they will be able to assist you with ease.
 

8. Visit the local area to experience the best part of India
 

Why travel to India to study if you won't be able to take advantage of the country's abundance of natural beauty and historical heritage? The simplest way to travel is to follow the natives' lead. Ask your Indian college classmates for advice on how to travel, and they will undoubtedly assist you. Some of your peers will treat you to hospitality you never would have imagined since Indians are also excellent hosts.

 

Read Also: Top Scholarships For International Students To Study In India In 2025

Conclusion

In all honesty, there are a number of things you should be aware of before studying in India. No, I'm not trying to frighten you; the problem is that India is such a large nation in terms of territory, people, culture, customs, and languages that there are a lot of things to say that don't fit here. However, the aforementioned advice will be enough to help you prepare, select a college or institution, and say "Namaste." I am aware that you are itching to put your hands together and utter the word. I wish you luck!
 

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FAQs

Q1: Is studying in India a suitable option for foreign students?
A: For many international students, studying in India is a great option. It has one of the fastest-growing technology infrastructures in the world. There are many start-ups to start your career with, and employment opportunities in the technology sector have increased recently in India.
 

Q2: How long does a student visa last in India?
A: The student visa in India will last for the same duration as your course for which you applied before coming here.
 

Q3: Which international students choose Indian universities to study?
A: Mostly students from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Yemen, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Pakistan, and Iran make up the largest percentage of the international students in India.

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