India student visa

The Bureau of Immigration lists student visas for higher education (including South Asian University and Nalanda University), provisional student visas, short-term courses, exchange programmes, Ayush education and training, theological studies, and studies in yoga, Vedic culture, Indian music and dance, Buddhist studies and Indian languages. Informal short courses under six months can be done on a tourist visa.

A student declaration form, a bona fide certificate from the government-recognised educational institution in India with proof of admission, a bank statement or demand draft in the student's name for the amount the mission requires, clearance from the education department, and for minors a no-objection certificate and passport copy of a parent.

The fee depends on your nationality and the Indian mission where you apply. Long-duration visas require a passport valid for at least three years, and the mission decides the visa's duration irrespective of the fee paid.

Foreigners complete the e-Arrival card online within 72 hours before arrival on boi.gov.in, indianvisaonline.gov.in or the Indian Visa Su-Swagatam app. Holders of student, employment, medical or missionary work visas valid for more than 180 days must register with the jurisdictional FRRO or FRO within 14 days of arrival; holders of other visas, including business visas, must register if they stay more than 180 days continuously or within a calendar year. Children under 12 are exempt. Extensions and conversions are requested on indianfrro.gov.in while you are in India and before your visa expires.