Ibrahim Gardner
India is one of the largest higher education systems in the world, enrolling nearly 30 million students from 164 different countries. The country has emerged as a destination for international students, with its universities offering courses in fields such as arts, humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, technology, medicine, dentistry, law, and commerce/business. The admissions criteria and procedures vary across the four types of universities in India: Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed Universities, and Private Universities. International students can apply to specific programs through the DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) scheme, which offers a 50% tuition fee waiver to students from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and SAARC countries. In 2023, India experienced a 23% increase in student enrollment in the US, surpassing China to become the top country with the most international students in the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of international students in India | Nearly 30 million |
| Courses international students enroll in | Arts, humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, technology, medicine, dentistry, law, and commerce/business |
| Number of countries international students come from | 164 |
| Application process for international students | International students can apply through the DASA (Direct Admission of Students Abroad) scheme |
| International students eligible for DASA | Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries |
| Benefits of the DASA scheme | 50% tuition fee waiver |
| Number of international students from India studying in other countries | More than 1 million |
| Number of countries Indian students study in | 85 |
| Number of international Indian students in the US | 207,000 (as of 2020) |
| Top subjects for Indian students in the US | Mathematics/computer science (42.9%), engineering (24.5%), and business/management (11.2%) |
| Number of international Indian students in the UK | N/A |
| Increase in Indian students in the UK in 2022-23 | 39% |
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What You'll Learn
India's top institutions
India has become a top destination for international students seeking higher education. In 2024, the country welcomed an estimated 250,000 to 300,000 international students, making up 12% of the global student market. This trend is expected to continue, with India's institutions offering a range of benefits to overseas students.
The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are also highly esteemed, with IIT Bombay ranked joint 40th in the Asia University Rankings. IIT Delhi, which gained 'Institutes of Eminence' status, is recognised for its academic output and graduate employment prospects, scoring second highest in India for academic and employer reputation. IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, and IIT Kharagpur are also featured in the top 10 Indian universities, with strong scores in indicators such as international research network, papers per faculty, and employer reputation.
Other top-ranked universities in India include Anna University, Mahatma Gandhi University, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Shoolini University, and the University of Delhi, the latter being the largest institution of higher learning in India and one of the largest in the world, with over 132,000 students.
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International student numbers
India has one of the largest higher education systems in the world, enrolling nearly 30 million students from 164 different countries. The country's academic year typically runs from July or August to May or June. The most common courses that international students enrol in include arts, humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, technology, medicine, dentistry, law, and commerce/business.
International students can apply to four types of universities in India. These are central universities, which are managed by the Indian government; state universities, run by state and territory governments; deemed universities, which are institutions of higher education that have university status and privileges but are not universities themselves; and private universities, which are approved by the University Grants Commission but cannot have off-campus affiliated colleges.
International students from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries are entitled to a 50% tuition fee waiver under the Direct Admission of Students Abroad (DASA) scheme. This scheme applies to engineering, architecture, and planning programs at the National Institute of Technology and other centrally funded universities (excluding the Indian Institutes of Technology).
While India has a wide variety of entrance tests for undergraduate studies, the SAT is increasingly used as an entrance exam at Indian universities. The academic credentials required for admission to undergraduate programs in central, state, and deemed universities include a transcript of all courses and grades from an accredited high school.
In terms of student numbers, India has seen a significant increase in its international student population in recent years. As of January 2021, more than 1 million Indian students were studying in 85 countries outside of India, with North America hosting more than 50% of them. The US, in particular, has been a top destination for Indian students, with 186,000 Indian students in 2017, 207,000 in 2020, and over 200,000 in 2022, making India the top country for international students in the US. This trend is also observed in the UK, where India became the top source of non-European Union students in 2022-23, with a 39% increase.
Several factors contribute to the growing preference for studying abroad among Indian students. One reason is the highly competitive environment in India's top institutions, which has driven students to seek alternative options overseas. Additionally, the cost of studying abroad has become comparable to the rising fees at some of India's top institutions, and students perceive that they can gain better facilities, research opportunities, and international exposure by studying in countries like the US. The US is home to numerous world-renowned universities, offers favourable job opportunities for international students, and provides access to prestigious companies for graduates.
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US, UK, and China
International students in India come from a variety of countries, with the US, UK, and China being significant places of origin.
The United States
The US has seen a significant increase in international students from India in recent years. In 2023-24, India surpassed China as the leading source of international students in the US, with over 330,000 Indian students. This reflected a remarkable 23% increase from the previous year, with a 19% increase in graduate programs and a 41% surge in Optional Practical Training (OPT) participation. Indian students in the US primarily pursue mathematics and computer science (42.9%), followed by engineering (24.5%), and business or management (11.2%). The US has expressed its dedication to supporting international students and ensuring its position as a premier destination for global education.
The United Kingdom
The UK has also experienced a notable presence of Indian international students. In 2021/22, India was the top sending country to the UK, with 126,600 entrants in 2022/23, a significant increase from previous years. Indian students comprised the majority of the 758,855 overseas students in UK universities in 2022/23, with 95,505 from the EU and 663,355 from outside the EU. While the UK has seen a fall in international student numbers in 2023 and 2024, it remains a popular destination, second only to the US. The new Labour government has expressed a welcoming stance towards international students, valuing their contribution to the country.
China
China is a prominent destination for international students, including those from India. While exact numbers of Indian students in China are not readily available, China has seen a significant increase in international students overall. Between 2009 and 2018, the number of international students in China increased by over 106%, with 492,185 international students enrolled in Chinese universities in 2018. Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu Province, and Zheijang Province are among the top regions with the highest number of international students. China's high education quality and numerous employment options make it an attractive destination for international students.
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STEM fields
India has become a significant source of international students, particularly in STEM fields. In the 2023-24 academic year, India experienced a 23% increase in student enrollment in the US, surpassing China as the leading source of international students. This trend is also observed in the UK, where India became the top source of non-European Union students in 2022-23, with a 39% increase.
In 2024, over 1.33 million Indian students pursued higher studies internationally, with notable destinations being Canada (42,700 students), the United States (337,630 students), and China (8,580 students). The US is a preferred choice due to its prestigious universities, rigorous academic programs, and favorable job prospects. In 2023-24, India sent 331,602 students to the US, with a substantial portion enrolled in STEM fields.
In the US, the number of international students in graduate STEM programs surpasses that of domestic students. Fields like computer science and petroleum engineering have high international student enrollment rates, with 72% and 81% respectively in 2019. STEM programs account for a significant proportion of international students in the US, with Indian students constituting a notable portion. In 2019-20, 78.3% of Indian students in the US, or more than 150,000 out of 193,124, were enrolled or working in STEM fields.
The appeal of STEM programs in the US for international students is enhanced by the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, which allows students to work for up to 12 months during or after their studies. STEM graduates can further benefit from a 24-month extension, making the US an attractive destination for both academic and career advancement. As global competition for innovation intensifies, international students, particularly in STEM fields, contribute significantly to the US economy and cross-cultural understanding.
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Student visas
India has become an emerging destination for international students, with a combined share of approximately 12% of the global student market. In 2005-2006, between 250,000 and 300,000 students chose to pursue higher education in India. As of January 2021, more than 1 million Indian students are studying in 85 countries outside India.
To qualify for an Indian student visa, you must have been accepted into an officially recognized educational institution. If your application is successful, you will be granted a visa for the entire duration of your studies, provided it is fewer than five years. The cost of the student visa depends on your nationality: Americans can expect to pay around $102.70, while UK citizens are charged $236.70. You can find the full breakdown of the total cost by country online.
The process of applying for an Indian student visa is simple and efficient, as long as you have all the required documentation. The steps are as follows:
- Enroll at an Indian university and receive a formal acceptance letter from the institution. Pay any enrollment fees.
- Fill out the online visa application form, ensuring that all requested personal details are complete. Otherwise, your application will be rejected.
There is no standard processing time for an Indian student visa, but most students will receive a decision within two weeks of submitting their application. It is recommended to start your visa application as soon as you receive your acceptance letter, as any problems or delays could result in not getting your visa in time. Dependents such as spouses or children under 18 can be granted a dependent visa, which is normally approved for the same length of time as your student visa. International students are not allowed to work part-time alongside their studies in India.
Although the Indian government does not require proof of health insurance to obtain a student visa, it is strongly recommended that you purchase insurance before travelling to India. This is because of the many risks that travel can bring and the potential health risks in the country. The US State Department recommends getting insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
India, which has one of the largest higher education systems in the world, enrols nearly 30 million students from 164 different countries.
The most common courses international students enrol in are arts, humanities, social sciences, science, engineering, technology, medicine, dentistry, law, and commerce/business.
There are four types of universities international students can apply to in India: Central Universities, State Universities, Deemed Universities, and Private Universities.
The most popular destinations for Indian students to study abroad are the Anglosphere countries, with close to one million Indian students in the US, Canada, and the UK alone.
Indian students choose to study abroad due to the high competitiveness of top Indian institutions, the increasing fees and slim admission chances at these institutions, and the desire for better facilities, research opportunities, and international exposure.
