International Students in India: What You Need to Know

When you think of international students, students from outside India who come to study in the country. Also known as overseas learners, they’re drawn to India for its low-cost, high-quality education, especially in medicine, engineering, and management. More than 500,000 international students now study in India each year, and the number keeps rising—not because it’s cheap, but because it works.

CBSE schools abroad, Indian curriculum institutions in over 25 countries that follow the same syllabus as schools in India make it easier for families living overseas to transition their kids into Indian universities. These schools prepare students for exams like JEE and NEET, which are now recognized by universities in the UK, Canada, and Australia. That’s why many international students arrive in India already familiar with the CBSE pattern—no culture shock, just a clear path forward.

scholarships for international students, financial aid programs offered by Indian universities and the government to reduce tuition costs are more available than ever. From full rides at IITs to partial grants at private colleges, you don’t need to be rich to study here. Many scholarships cover housing, meals, and even travel. You just need to know where to look—and the right documents to submit.

The Indian education system isn’t perfect. Some campuses lack infrastructure. Visa rules can be slow. But for students who want hands-on labs, affordable living, and a chance to learn in a fast-growing economy, it’s one of the best values in the world. You won’t find a $50,000-a-year MBA program here—you’ll find a top-ranked one for under $5,000. You won’t find a 10-year wait for a medical seat—you’ll find a clear path if you score well on NEET.

And yes, English is the main language of instruction in most universities and top schools. That’s why so many international students improve their English speaking skills while studying here—not by memorizing grammar, but by living it. From street vendors to professors, you’ll be forced to speak. And that’s how fluency happens.

Below, you’ll find real guides from students and educators who’ve been there: how to pick the right college, what scholarships actually pay for, where CBSE schools are located outside India, and how to go from zero English to confident speaker in weeks. No fluff. Just what works.