Visa Type Required for Expats Want to Study
Student Visa, applied for in your home country
Validity
Student visa validity depends on the length of study, up to a maximum of five years. Usually issued for six months to one year.
Number of Entries
Multiple. Make sure MEV, short for Multiple Entry Visa, is written on the visa when you receive it.
Nationalities that DO NOT need to apply for this visa
Nepalese and Bhutanese
Required documents
- A completed visa application form
- Current passport valid at least 190 days from the date of the visa application, with at least two pages free for the visa sticker
- Two 2 inches x 2 inches passport photos
- Proof of address
- Payment for visa fees
- All supporting documents including an admission letter, evidence of finances, and other required letters depending on the course of study
Specific conditions
Studying in India falls into two main categories:
- Advanced studies at an institute of higher eduction or
- Study of yoga, vedic cultures, and Indian music and dance, etc.
Student visas are issued only to those entering or studying in a recognized Indian educational institution.
An admission letter stating proof of acceptance at a recognized Indian institution and providing evidence of financial details for your stay in India is required for application. For medical courses, a letter from the Ministry of Health in India must be submitted. For graduate and post-graduate engineering courses, a letter from the Department of Education must be submitted.
Once in India, you and your spouse and dependents must register at the FRRO within 14 days of arrival. For more information, see the section on “Registration.”
Rights for Dependents
Because a student visa could lead to a five year stay in India, the applicant’s spouse and dependents can apply to stay for the duration of the studies as well.
How long does it take?
Applying for a student visa can be a simple, quick process if you have all the supporting documents. Don’t wait until the very last minute, because processing times are variable.
How difficult is it to obtain?
Student visas are relatively easy to obtain, provided you have all the correct documents.
Is it possible to change visa status within the country?
No, student visas cannot be changed. For a different type of visa, you would need to go back to your home country and apply for a new visa. You can, however, decide to change your course of study while in India. The FRRO will allow changes of institutions or courses as long as the new institution or course is fully recognized and the courses are full-time proper courses.
Application Form
Because application forms vary depending on the Consulate’s location and jurisdiction, contact your local Consulate for an application, either a hard copy or a downloadable form.
Helpful Links and Information
Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) Mumbai
3rd Floor, Special Branch Bldg.,
Badruddin Tayabji Lane,
Behind St. Xaviers College,
Mumbai 400001
India
Phone: +91 99 022-2262-0446
Fax: +91 99 022-2262-0721
Student Visa FAQs on the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
Foreigner’s Division of the MHA website: http://mha.nic.in/ForeigDiv/ForeigHome.html
University of Mumbai (Bombay) website: http://www.mu.ac.in/
