AI SummaryStudy in India Programme brings international students and Indian universities together on a single official portal. This is a running scheme of the Ministry of Education, and registration for the 2026-27 academic session is open for foreign nationals who want to take admission in Indian institutions.
The programme acts as a one-stop platform for course selection, application submission, admission, and visa support. From 2026, registration on the portal is required for all foreign students, and a unique Study in India ID is needed to apply for a student visa.
Study in India Programme - Introduction
Study in India Programme works as a bridge for international students who want to pursue higher education in India. Launched by the Ministry of Education under the department of higher education, the scheme helps make India a global knowledge hub. It gives students a single online platform to manage the full journey, from picking the right course to getting the visa. By making admission easy and connecting students with well-known universities, the programme offers a smooth experience for anyone planning to study in India.
The Ministry of Education runs this programme along with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs. These departments work together through the Study in India portal so that students get end-to-end guidance from their own home.
A key change in 2026 is that the UGC has made SII portal registration compulsory for every foreign national studying in Indian universities. Once a student registers, the portal gives a unique Study in India ID, which has to be quoted on the student visa application. This step has made the whole admission and visa process clearer and more organized.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Study in India Programme |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Education & Learning |
| Target Beneficiaries | Individual |
| Sub Category | International education, Scholarships and student finance |
| Benefit Type | Composite |
| DBT Scheme | No |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Education |
| Nodal Department | Department of higher education |
| Tags | International Student, Higher Education, Financial Assistance, Courses |
Benefits
When a student joins Study in India Programme, the scheme gives access to several useful services that help with the whole academic journey.
- Single centralized admission platform - the student can manage the entire journey on one portal, covering course registration, application submission, and visa or FRRO processes.
- Quality educational access - the portal connects students with NAAC-accredited, NIRF-ranked, and well-known autonomous institutions in India.
- Study in India Student ID - every registered student gets a unique ID, which is now required for admission and for the student visa application.
- Diverse academic options - students can choose from over 8,000 courses, including engineering, management, artificial intelligence, and yoga. They can also apply to several institutes at once and get multiple offer letters.
- Financial support options - the programme does not give direct scholarships, but partner institutes may give tuition fee waivers ranging from 10% to 100%.
- Immigration and student support - students get help with visa coordination through Indian embassies, and a 24x7 contact center is available by phone, email, or social media.
Eligibility
Before applying, a student should check that they meet the basic conditions of the programme.
- The applicant must be a foreign national to apply.
- The applicant should hold qualifications that meet the academic requirements of the chosen course.
- The application has to be submitted only through the Study in India portal.
- The applicant should have a valid passport for travel.
- The applicant must meet all the language and academic criteria set by the chosen institute.
- Indian nationals are not eligible for this programme.
- Applications sent outside the official portal will not be considered.
Application Process
To apply for Study in India Programme, a student should follow these steps on the official website for the 2026-27 session.
STEP 1 - Register on the Study in India portal and create a user account for the current academic year.
STEP 2 - Plan the budget by carefully checking the total expenditure, including tuition fees, accommodation, and living costs.
STEP 3 - Choose the preferred courses and institutes, then submit the application directly through the portal.
STEP 4 - Check the results on the portal to see the course and institute allotment, which is decided based on merit and the student's own preferences.
STEP 5 - Complete all required admission formalities, and remember to quote the Study in India ID on the student visa application before travelling.
Documents
A student should keep the following documents ready for the application: passport, academic qualification certificates, academic transcripts or mark sheets, a recent passport-sized photograph, proof of date of birth, English language proficiency certificates (if the institute requires), an offer letter issued via the portal, and the visa after admission is confirmed.
References
FAQ's
Who can apply under the programme?
Foreign nationals who want admission into Indian higher education institutions are eligible to apply.
Is registration on the portal required?
Yes, students must register on the Study in India portal, and from 2026 this registration is compulsory for all foreign students studying in Indian universities.
What is a Study in India Student ID?
It is a unique ID generated during registration, and it is needed for the admission process and for the student visa application.
Are scholarships given under the programme?
The programme does not give direct scholarships, but the chosen institute may offer a tuition fee waiver based on its own internal rules.
How many institutions are part of the programme?
There are over 600 partner institutions currently associated with the programme.
How many courses are available?
Students can choose from over 8,000 courses across many different academic fields.
Can a student apply to multiple institutions?
Yes, students can apply to multiple institutions at the same time using the portal to widen their options.
Is the admission process clear?
Yes, the whole process is done online and is system-driven to keep it clear without any manual interference.
Does the programme help with visas?
Yes, the team gives full help with visa and immigration requirements, and the Study in India ID must be quoted on the visa application.
Are Indian nationals eligible?
No, the programme is made only for international students, so Indian nationals are not eligible.
Is support available after admission?
Yes, students can get post-admission support and join an active alumni network.
How are updates sent to students?
Updates are shared through the website, email, social media, WhatsApp, and official notifications.
Where can students get help?
Students can reach the 24x7 contact center or email the official helpdesk for any guidance.