New Delhi, August 16, 2023 – The Study in India (SII) programme is an initiative of the Ministry of Education (MoE), Government of India. It has gained significant traction as it provides an alluring platform for international students seeking higher education in India. It was launched on April 18, 2018.
The ‘Study in India’ portal www.studyinindia.gov.in is a flagship project designed to position India as a premier education destination. The motive aims at inviting global students to pursue their higher education in India.
With a range of attractive features, the programme offers international students an excellent chance to experience the finest of Indian education on offer and explore valuable academic opportunities presented by top Indian universities.
Overview of ‘Study In India’ Portal
The Study in India Portal is a dedicated platform that provides comprehensive information on Indian Higher Education Institutions. It highlights academic programs from undergraduate (UG) to doctoral level, as well as the courses on Indian Knowledge System (IKS) such as Yoga, Ayurveda, classical arts and more.
The portal also provides information on academic facilities, research support, and other related information. It will facilitate provisions for students to apply to more than one institutes or courses of their choice.
The SII Portal is the brainchild of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It promotes the vision of making India a preferred education destination. The portal simplifies the process of registration and visa application for the students and makes it easier for international students to pursue their dreams in higher education in India.
It also promotes India’s academic excellence by showcasing the diverse range of courses available in the country’s higher education system, thus making India an attractive destination for students around the world.
Key Features of Study in India Portal
Premier Institutional Partnerships
The Study in India (SII) programme establishes strategic partnerships with premier educational institutions across India.The programme mandates specific criteria and ensures access to top-quality education to students from international backgrounds.
These criteria include ranking by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) within top 100, a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation score of 3.01 and above, or the status of being an Institute of National Importance (INI).
These stringent standards ensure that partnering institutions provide world-class education and facilities to international students who have chosen India as a preferred destination for their higher studies.
Streamlined Application Process
The Study in India programme offers international students a user-friendly online platform that simplifies the entire application process. From registration to visa approval, each step has been carefully designed to be straightforward and efficient.
Streamlined approach eliminates unnecessary complexities, making it easier for students to explore various courses, receive offer letters from their preferred institutes of choice, and embark on their academic journey in India with confidence.
A Flagship Initiative of the Ministry of Education
Operating under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, the Study in India programme is a flagship initiative of the Government of India. The primary objective is to augment the influx of overseas students from diverse international backgrounds to the Indian shores.
The wonderful initiative also strives to position India as the preferred global destination by offering affordable quality education in alignment with global standards.
Benefits for International Students
The Study in India portal has emerged as a transformative platform for international students seeking higher education with a world of opportunities. The Study in India programme has grown steadily over the years.
It has transcended geographical boundaries reaching over 136 countries. With its humble beginning, the programme has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting thousands of students each year, with enrolments increasing consistently.
At the heart of its success lies the importance of connections, support and collaboration. This has been showcased by numerous educational fairs held in targeted countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, Nepal, and more. These fairs have served as the invaluable touch points that enable direct interaction between students, stakeholders, and the programme as a whole.
They provide a platform for aspiring students to get insights into an enriching experience of pursuing their studies in India. It has effectively paved the way for a simplified and informed academic journey.
The importance of these efforts is very much evident in the success of the programme that has facilitated higher academic pursuits for students enrolled in 160 institutes across India.
The programme teleports students into a world of diverse learning experiences. It offers a spectrum of courses ranging from modern disciplines viz. Law Management, Humanities, and STEM to specialised areas like Buddhist Studies and Yoga. The portal streamlines everything from registration to immigration, ensuring seamless and efficient transition to Indian academia.
However, the story doesn’t end there. Recognising the importance of effective communication for students from varied global backgrounds, the Study in India initiative is taking several proactive steps.
It plans to introduce a 3-months short-term bridge course to enhance English proficiency and highlight the programme’s commitment to inclusivity.
Benefits for Indian Students
The Study in India programme has become a great repository of resources for Indian students. It generates economic opportunities by drawing more international students into the national boundary. The platform also provides Indian learners the chance to collaborate with peers from other nations and gain a unique global perspective.
Universities and institutions can use this portal to showcase their courses and facilities to potential aspirants all over the world. This helps to promote India as a prestigious destination for higher education and strengthens its reputation as an appealing learning environment for students located overseas.
Above all, the Indian scholars have access to high-quality resources such as books, research papers, webinars, study materials and lectures from top-tier faculty members of prominent universities across the country.
By fostering a diverse and multicultural educational environment, Indian students gain access to greater opportunities of cross-cultural engagement with their peers around the world.
This broadens their perspectives on cultural understanding promoting cross-cultural collaboration. Sharing classrooms and experiences with overseas students fosters an atmosphere of innovation and creativity.
Emphasis on quality assurance and partnerships with prestigious institutions contributes to an improved academic ecosystem overall. This potentially benefits students with easy availability of enhanced academic resources, faculty expertise, and learning opportunities.
The global exposure of educational fairs and international connections can open doors for Indian students seeking opportunities abroad and thus creating a mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and experiences.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process
Specific eligibility varies with respect to institutes, disciplines, and courses. Students from countries other than India can refer to the official website/portal for Study in India initiative.
Visit the official website for details on the list of institutes offering relevant courses and their qualification criterion. However, the entry-level eligibility is described below:
The Undergraduate Course
Undergraduate courses, also known as Bachelor’s degrees, take 3 to 5 years to complete. After three years of study in fields such as science, commerce, and arts, a student will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree.
In professional domains such as pharmacy, engineering, or architecture, the student receives a Bachelor’s degree after four or five years of study. It has to be kept in mind that 10+2 years of schooling is the minimum prerequisite for students to pursue an undergraduate degree.
Postgraduate Courses
Also known as Master’s degrees, students in India can pursue post graduation courses only after completing a Bachelor’s degree. A post graduation course exposes students to an in-depth study of the subject of their choice. Post graduation courses offered by the Indian universities and colleges typically last between 1 to 2 years.
Doctoral Studies
Students who want to enter the world of research and delve deeply into a subject or course can pursue doctoral studies. Attaining doctorate degrees in Ph.D. courses require extensive research or thesis work that can be completed in 3 to 6 years. It may be pointed out that a postgraduate degree is a prerequisite for admission into a Ph.D. programme.
Diploma or Certificate Courses
Before enrolling for a course or opting for an institute, students must ensure that they meet the basic eligibility requirements. They should also review the admission and procedures for entrance requirements established by individual institutes for each course on their page meant for facilitating admission into the institute. This can be verified by visiting the Study in India portal.
Note: NRIs are now eligible to apply for the Study in India programme. However, they will not be eligible for the SII Scholarship.
Courses Available
The Study in India Programme offers an enticing array of opportunities that cater to diverse aspirations of students located overseas. Boasting a comprehensive higher education ecosystem consisting of over 1000 universities and 40,000 colleges, India’s institutions are equipped with modern facilities that foster interactive and holistic learning experience.
The Study in India Programme, a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education, further simplifies access to India’s academic landscape.
With over 2600 diverse courses available through its 160+ partner institutes, ranging from Science, Management, Commerce, Law, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, to niche subjects like Buddhist Studies and Yoga, students are presented with an expansive range of options.
These courses span various levels, including undergraduate, post-graduate, M.Phil./Ph.D., and certification-based programs, granting students the flexibility to choose courses that align with their interests.
The process to join the Study in India Programme has been streamlined beginning with straightforward registration through the online platform.
Application Process
Registration
Application to Study in India programme is easy through the online platform. Students must register by providing basic details like name, country, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID.
They must also create passwords for future login and access. Study in India offers practical knowledge and a 360-degree development environment for students seeking to learn, thrive, explore, and excel.
Budget Planning
A well-planned budget is crucial to pursuing overseas education in the overall context of limited availability of funds covering expenses on education, travel, and personal expenses. India offers affordable living costs, making it an attractive destination for students.
The Study in India programme provides financial assistance via scholarships offered by the institute covering tuition fee. Students should curate their budget with financial prudence, including augmenting their knowledge on saving money and avoiding scarcity of sorts.
A well-planned budget is essential for a fun-filled journey in college life, especially in an affordable country like India.
Submit Application
Students can easily register on the Study in India portal and complete their application in alignment to their disciplines of choice, institutes, and the courses. Thorough research is recommended before making a decision.
Students can gain access by logging in to the Student Dashboard, which is divided into multiple sections viz. Basic Information, Academic Information, and Preferences for Students etc. After completing all details and providing necessary documents, students can proceed to the final submission process.
- BASIC INFORMATION
- In the first section, students are required to fill in simple yet important details such as official name, contact number, and address.
- Please note that all the details provided by the students in this section should be correct and must be exactly the same as mentioned in their passports or identity documents provisioned by the government authorities.
- ACADEMIC INFORMATION
- In the next section, students need to provide the details of their academic qualification and additional exam (like IELTS, SAT, etc). In addition to these details, they need to upload scanned copies of their academic documents, photo, and signature.
- CHOICE FILLING
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- Students must fill in their preferences for institutes of higher education in India in their qualifications and interests. These institutes offer diverse courses across various disciplines, catering to diverse interests of students.
- To choose the right courses and study in their dream colleges, students must set their preferences. They should apply to as many institutes as possible, and submit their applications before the closing date.
- The final allocation of courses and institutes is based on the preferred choice of the students and therefore caution must be exercised when providing details.
Check Results
The result essentially contains information such as discipline, qualification, program level, specialisation, scholarships offered by the institute including the action status. After the declaration of the result, provisionally shortlisted students are forwarded to Study in India partner institutes for review and verification.
The ‘Institute Action Status’ will be pending until the application has been fully reviewed by the institute. If accepted, offer letters will be uploaded on the Student Dashboard, confirming admission. Students should carefully review the offer letters in the light of financial assistance on offer, course fee structure, and start date of the academic session.
Prepare for Departure
Students should prepare for their departure to India after having accepted an offer letter from their preferred institutes. The process of immigration and onboarding is smooth making the entire duration of the course an enjoyable experience. To book flights and organise necessary items, students should ensure arrangements from their home country to the destination.
They should also prepare a packing list, including travel documents, vaccination certificates, academic documents, electronic devices, including personal care products or hygiene items.
It is important to check flight weight limits and consider climatic conditions and formal attire for their institutes. Providing institutes with advance notice of travel schedules ensures a win-win situation.
Study in India programme – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Study in India Programme?
A: The Study in India Programme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India. It has been designed to attract international students to pursue higher education in India’s top academic institutes.
Q: How many partner institutes are involved as part of the Study in India programme?
A: The Study in India programme collaborates with over 160 partners institutes offering a diverse range of over 2600 courses.
Q: Which fields of study are encompassed by the courses offered in the Study in India programme?
A: The courses offered through the Study in India Programme span a wide range of disciplines, including Science, Management, Commerce, Law, Engineering, Humanities, Arts, and specialised or specific (niche) subjects like Buddhist Studies and Yoga.
Q: Does the Study in India programme provide courses at different academic/educational levels?
A: Yes, the SII Programme offers courses at different educational levels, including undergraduate, post-graduate, M.Phil / Ph.D., and certification-based programs.
Q: How does the Study in India programme support international students?
A: The Study in India programme simplifies the application process and offers online support. It provides further assistance to explore educational opportunities and select courses in alignment with the interests of the students.
Q: What is the process for students to apply for the Study in India Programme?
A: Students can easily apply through the Study in India Programme’s online portal by completing the registration process. It involves providing basic details such as name, country, date of birth, mobile number, and email id etc.
Q: What advantages does the Study in India Programme offer to Indian students?
A: The Study in India Programme provides Indian students with enormous opportunities to collaborate with international peers, access global resources, and engage in cross-cultural learning, fostering innovation and cultural understanding.
