Exploring India: Travel Options For International Students

India is a vast country with a diverse range of landscapes, cultures, and attractions, making it an ideal place for international students to explore and experience new things. From the snow-capped hills of Manali to the white desert of Kutch, the vibrant city of Goa to the peaceful camping spot of Kantal, India offers a range of unique travel experiences. With a growing number of international universities and courses, India is becoming an increasingly popular destination for students from around the world to pursue their studies and explore the country.

Characteristics of international student travel to India

International students in India: Visa requirements

International students in India must obtain a student visa to pursue their academic programmes. The type of visa required depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. While there is no mandatory health insurance requirement for Indian student visas, it is strongly recommended that international students purchase insurance before travelling to India.

International students in India should consider the following visa requirements:

Visa Application Process

To obtain a student visa for India, international students must work with educational advisers or consult official government websites to determine the specific steps and requirements. The U.S. Consulate, for example, often hosts online visa webchats to answer questions about student visas.

Valid Passport

A valid passport is required for entry into India. The passport must be machine-readable and valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in India.

Visa Type

Different types of student visas may be available, such as a regular visa or an eVisa, depending on the student's country of origin and the specific requirements of the Indian government.

Health Insurance

Although not mandatory, health insurance is highly recommended for international students in India. The U.S. State Department suggests insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage, as the cost of evacuation can be significantly higher than the cost of medical care in rural areas.

Vaccination Requirements

During the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination requirements were implemented for international students travelling to India. Only students vaccinated with World Health Organization (WHO)-approved vaccines were eligible for entry, and a 4-6 week waiting period was required for those who had recently recovered from COVID-19.

Travel Restrictions

International students should be aware of any travel restrictions that may be in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic or other reasons. Travel restrictions may include country-specific bans or limitations on the number of international students allowed to enter India.

English-taught courses in India

India is a popular destination for international students, with over 1 million Indian students studying in 85 countries outside of India as of January 2021. The most prominent destinations for international students from India are primarily Anglosphere countries, with close to 1 million Indian students, followed by Europe, West Asia, and the Far East.

English is an essential part of education in India, influencing how people communicate in a diverse country. It is the second official language of India and is widely spoken across the country. English is also the language of choice for businesses, and many customer service representatives and information technology specialists outsourced by American companies are expected to be proficient in English.

There are over 800 universities in India that offer various English-taught degrees. Popular study options include Engineering, Computer Science, IT, and Medicine. The tuition fees at local universities are affordable, often under 1,000 EUR per year and rarely exceeding 5,000 EUR per year. Living in India is also very affordable for students.

However, it is important to note that the quality of English education in India can vary. Urban areas tend to have better resources and access to qualified teachers, while rural schools often lack qualified personnel and teaching materials. There is also a disparity in the education quality between English-medium schools, which teach all subjects in English and tend to have higher fees, and rural and government-funded schools, where English is taught as a second language.

For international students planning to study in India, it is recommended to research the specific university and its resources, accommodation facilities, and the local weather. It is also important to be aware of the currency exchange rate and to have enough money when arriving in the country. Additionally, international students should ensure they have the required visas and vaccinations, as these may be required for entry into India and university campuses.

Student accommodation in India

India is a diverse and impressive country, drawing students from all over the world to experience its unique culture and impressive landmarks. If you are an international student planning to study in India, there are a variety of accommodation options available to you.

On-Campus Accommodation

Some universities in India offer on-campus accommodation, such as halls of residence, single-room studios, and shared flats or houses. Halls of residence are a great way to meet people and offer a thriving social scene, while single-room studios offer more privacy and a luxury feel. If you are planning to share with friends, a flat or house might be the best option, offering a smaller community feel.

Off-Campus Accommodation

There is also a wide range of off-campus accommodation available in India, including flats, student halls, studio apartments, and private apartments. These options offer independence and often more amenities and facilities, but may come at a higher cost. Websites such as UniAcco can help international students find the best housing options, with ample amenities and facilities, at affordable prices.

Things to Consider

When planning your move to India, it is important to do your research. Find out about the weather, the currency exchange rate, and the local language. It is also beneficial to have some knowledge of the history and political background of the country. It is recommended to get a local bank account to pay bills and keep your money safe, and to look into part-time work options for extra pocket money.

International Student Travel

International student travel to and from India has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many students facing travel restrictions and vaccination requirements. As of 2024, there are around 230,000 international students in the UAE, and Indian students are studying in large numbers in countries such as Bangladesh, the Philippines, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. The most prominent destinations for Indian students are primarily the Anglosphere countries, with close to one million Indian students in North America, Europe, West Asia, and the Far East.

Travel within the US for international students

International students in the US often have a valid F1 visa and passport. If you are travelling within the US, you do not need special permission from ISS, and a travel signature on the I-20 or DS-2019 is not required. However, it is always recommended that you carry copies of your passport, valid F or J visa, I-20 or DS-2019, and I-94, especially if you are visiting areas that border other countries, as these areas are more likely to have immigration checkpoints.

For domestic flights, a driver's license or other government-issued photo ID is sufficient. However, it is always a good idea to carry your passport, as it is the most universally accepted form of ID. It is also a good idea to carry health insurance information, although this is not mandatory.

If you are an F or M student, your Designated School Official (DSO) should be your first point of contact if you have any questions about the legal requirements of your stay in the US. You should ensure that your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is up-to-date and in Active status. Make sure that your DSO has signed your Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status” within the last year, and that you are not leaving the country for more than 5 months.

If you are travelling by cruise, check the route carefully. If the journey includes international travel, different guidelines and documents will be required.

India's public transport system

Rail is another important mode of public transport in India, particularly in metropolitan regions. Long-established local or suburban rail services are found in cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, with the Mumbai Suburban Railway transporting 6.3 million passengers daily and holding the record for the highest passenger density in the world. In addition to these, there are also century-old tram services in Kolkata, a more recent metro service in Kolkata, Delhi, and Chennai, and a Monorail feeder service in Mumbai.

India's road infrastructure has seen significant development in recent years, with the construction of nationwide systems of multi-lane highways, including the Golden Quadrilateral connecting four major metropolitan cities (Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai) and the North-South and East-West Corridors, which link the largest cities in India. Despite these improvements, India's roads continue to suffer from congestion and poor quality, with low lane capacity and inadequate highways.

To address these issues, the Indian government has made efforts to modernize, expand, and integrate the country's transport services, including increasing public funding for transportation and launching ambitious projects such as the National Highway Development Program. The World Bank has also been a major investor in the transport sector in India, with projects focusing on sustainable urban transport, freight corridors, and enhancing sector capacity through private sector participation.

Frequently asked questions