India Student Visa (S Visa) — Student Visa
🎓 OVERVIEW
The S-1 Student Visa is the primary visa for international students pursuing full-time academic courses at recognised educational institutions in India. Covers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral, diploma, and other long-term academic programmes. Issued for the duration of the academic programme, up to 5 years.
💰 TUITION & COSTS
Government/public universities: ₹50,000–₹200,000/yr ($600–$2,400). Private universities: ₹100,000–₹500,000/yr ($1,200–$6,000). Top private institutions (medical, engineering): ₹500,000–₹1,200,000/yr ($6,000–$14,500). India is one of the most affordable destinations for higher education.
💼 WORK RIGHTS DURING STUDY
International students on S visa are NOT permitted to work during studies. No part-time work allowed. Course-mandated internships and paid placements may be allowed with approval from the university and FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office).
🎯 POST-STUDY WORK OPTIONS
| Program | Type | Duration | Min Degree | Work | PR Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment Visa | Work permit | 12mo-60mo | Any | Unrestricted | No |
🗣️ LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min Score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT / IELTS | Admission | English | — | English is the medium of instruction at most Indian universities. Some programmes offered in Hindi. TOEFL/IELTS may be required by some institutions. |
💵 FEES & COSTS
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa Application Fee | Application | $100 | One time |
👨👩👧👦 DEPENDENTS & FAMILY
📝 HOW TO APPLY
📌 NOTES & CAVEATS
Must register with FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) within 14 days of arrival. Study in India programme (government initiative) provides a centralised application portal. No post-study work visa — graduates must secure employment and switch to employment visa. Very affordable education but limited work opportunities during and after study.
🔗 ALSO IN INDIA
- e-Business Visa (Remote Work Tolerance) (digital nomad visa)
Last verified: May 3, 2026. Source