India Student Visas
All foreign nationals wishing to study in India will need to obtain a student visa and will need to be in possession of an offer of a place on a course of study at a bona fide Indian educational institution. In India, study visas are normally granted for the duration of the course in question; however the maximum grant of leave awarded is five years. In most cases an Indian study visa is only valid for the specified institution and course and any change of either will require a candidate to seek specific permission from the local FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office).
Start your Free Visa Assessment
You can take the first step towards applying for an Indian study visa now by visiting the Global Visas online assessment tool. Just take a few moments to complete one of our straightforward assessment forms and one of our specialist Indian immigration consultants will contact you.
Indian Study Visas – Benefits
An India study visa may be issued as a single entry permit, allowing its holder to enter India on one occasion, or as a multiple entry permit which allows a candidate to enter and depart from India several times within the life of the Indian visa. The exact duration awarded will be determined by the specific requirements of the individual case, however, a study visa for India will not be granted for more than 5 years. No limit is placed upon a candidate’s option to study several consecutive courses as long as the total period spent in India does not exceed the overall 5 year limit.
Applying for an Indian Study Visa – Eligibility
All candidates applying for an Indian study visa must be able to provide a current, valid passport from their country of residence and must be able to support themselves whilst in India. The main requirement for any non-Indian permanent resident who wishes to study in India is that a definite offer of a place on a recognised course must have been obtained. As part of making an Indian study visa application, applicants must provide full details of the course and the institution from which they have obtained an offer. Potential students will need to provide their letter of admission and if this is not possible at the time of application a provisional student visa will be granted with a fixed duration of three months. During this three month period, the student must obtain and make available their letter or admission. If the letter is not provided within this period, the applicant will not be permitted to remain in India.
India Study Visas – Medical and Engineering Students
Applicants who wish to study in India to complete a medical course will need to obtain a letter of approval, or a certificate of no objection from the Indian Ministry of Health. The same process will need to be undertaken by engineering and technical students who must obtain similar clearances from the Department of Education.
Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration
Whist Indian student visas are issued as a temporary immigration service, the maximum permitted duration is five years, and as a result a student visa holder may be living in India for a period of some years. With this in mind, the spouse and/or dependents of an Indian student permit holder may enter the country and will be granted the same leave to remain in India as the principle applicant. Find out further information on our Tourist Visas for India page.
Find out whether you qualify for an Indian study visa and set your application in motion today by visiting the Global Visas online assessment area.
