How to Study in India

When you study abroad, you’re probably looking for a destination where you can get out of your comfort zone, meet people from all over the world, and discover a brand-new culture. Studying in India offers all of this and more.

In the 2024-5 academic year, there were more than 72,000 international in India, with most  coming from Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the US. Particularly on postgraduate courses, you’ll study with a wide range of people from all over the world, improving your communication skills and getting to know many different cultures.

Outside of your university or business school, though, there’s plenty to explore as you study abroad in India. The country is equal parts serene and lively, with both bustling cities and quiet rural areas. For example, you can experience the hectic lifestyle in Delhi or Mumbai, retreat to the beaches in Goa, or soak up the beauty of the Taj Mahal: India has it all.

That’s not to mention the cost of studying in India. It’s known as a more affordable travel destination, and tuition fees are also much cheaper than in other popular study abroad destinations, such as Europe or the US. This means you can earn a valuable degree while exploring the country on a tight budget. 

Which are the Top-Ranked Business Schools in India?

India’s economy is growing at a rapid rate, making it an ideal destination for business students—especially those looking to study at a higher level. 

Indian business schools are steadily improving their results in popular business school and MBA rankings. This year, the Financial Times ranked the Indian School of Business (ISB) 27th globally, surpassing prominent business schools in France, the US, and the UK. 

Meanwhile, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM-A) has taken the top spot in the most recent NIRF Management rankings.

India’s economy is growing rapidly, offering plenty of career opportunities for business graduates in the years to come. In particular, the IT sector continues to dominate, and graduates interested in data solutions or information management will find plenty of value in studying for their business degree in India.

How Can I Apply for Universities in India?  

Most prospective students can now apply to an Indian higher education program through the Study in India portal, which aims to streamline applications for international students.

To apply, you’ll need documents including: 

• Academic transcripts
• Passport photo
• Personal statement or letter of intent
• Professional recommendations (usually just one, but sometimes two)

International candidates to business schools will also need to take the GMAT, which is the most widely accepted standardized business school entrance exam. You can take your GMAT online or at a global testing center.

After you’ve applied, the next stage is to attend an interview. While candidates from India will usually attend an in-person interview at their university, international applicants can do it online via video conferencing software. The interview stage may also feature a writing test.

How Much Does it Cost to Get a Student Visa for India?

Once you’ve been accepted into a business program, you should apply for an Indian student visa—most applicants can do this online through the eVisa service. 

The cost of an Indian student visa varies but is generally between $50-$100, depending on the country you’re applying from. 

To apply, you’ll need:

• A valid passport (with at least two blank pages)
• Passport photo
• Proof of financial means (a letter of support or the previous six months of bank statements) 
• The admission letter from your university or business school

What Are Tuition Fees for International Students in India?

One of the main reasons people often choose to study in India is the low cost of tuition. Here, you can earn a degree from a top-ranked business school at a significantly lower cost than in other countries. 

For example, the best MBA in India at ISB costs approximately $47,000, which includes tuition fees and the cost of shared accommodation during the program. This is at the more expensive end of the b-school experience. At other Indian business schools, the cost of an MBA rarely exceeds $40,000. A Master’s program in India will cost you less than an MBA, with tuition fees generally averaging between $20,000–$40,000. 

Graduates of business programs in India report significant salary increases after their MBA or master’s program, increasing the value for money aspect of studying in India. For example, MBAs at the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIM-K) report a 242% salary increase, and the school makes it into the top ten best MBAs for value for money. 

Is India Really One of the Cheapest Countries for Students?

India is well-known for being a highly affordable travel destination. It’s one of the cheapest countries in the world to live, beaten only by nearby Pakistan. Provided you budget well, studying in India allows you to make the most of your study abroad experience. 

However, as with any country, the cost of living can vary considerably depending on where you live. For example, Mumbai has the highest cost of living in India, and has become more expensive in recent years; Kolkata is ranked as the most affordable Indian city. However, it’s still cheaper to study in Mumbai than in other Asian cities such as Beijing, Seoul, or Manila. 

Aside from everyday living costs, you’ll also have to factor in the cost of health insurance. The cost of this will depend on your personal requirements and how long you're staying in India, but this averages at around $25–$45 per month. 

All in, the average monthly cost of living in India is approximately $2,620. Here are some specific monthly costs for everyday bills in India:

• Rent: $100–$250
• Groceries: $35
• Transport: $10
• Restaurant meal: $2.50
• Gym membership: $15

What Scholarships are Available for International Students in India?

While India is a low-cost study destination, international students can make their experience even more affordable by applying for Indian scholarships. One of the most popular is the Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme, funded by the Government of India, which offers a limited number of students from each country the chance to study a fully-funded degree (including a monthly stipend) at an approved Indian university. 

If you can’t find an international scholarship to study in India, your next step should be to check with your chosen business school or university. At ISB, for example, 25% of PGP students receive financial support, and they offer several dedicated scholarships to international students, including the La Caixa and Casa Asia Scholarship for Spanish applicants. 

Unfortunately, it’s not easy for international students to procure student loans in India; many banks will only offer these to Indian citizens. However, the cost of living and low tuition fees make it much easier to study abroad in India on a budget.

TL;DR: How to Study Abroad in India

• India is an affordable and culturally rich study abroad destination, with growing appeal among foreign students, particularly in the case of business studies.

   

• Top-ranked business schools such as ISB and IIMs offer globally recognized programs at lower tuition costs compared to Western counterparts, with tuition fees averaging around $20,000–$50,000.

   

• You’ll need an Indian student visa to attend a university or business school in the country, which costs between $50–$100. Average monthly living expenses are around $2,620—still far cheaper than most other global hubs.

   

• Scholarships such as the Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme and school-specific awards can further cut costs for international students. Graduates often see strong ROIs, with some MBAs in India reporting a 242% salary increase post-graduation.

Interested in studying in India? Connect with top business schools and learn about your study options at a GMAC Tour. Find out more