For foreign nationals enrolled in full-time, on-campus courses at recognized Indian educational institutions. Valid for up to 5 years or course duration. Covers higher education, yoga/vedic studies, Buddhist studies, theological courses, and scholarship programmes.
Full-time on-campus structured courses at duly recognized educational institutions complying with GST regulations
✅ Who Can Apply
Foreign nationals admitted to full-time courses at recognized Indian educational institutions
❌ Not Eligible
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 5 years or course duration |
| Max Entries/Year | 4 per academic year |
| FRRO Registration | Within 14 days (Pakistan: 24 hours) |
| NRO Account | Required (as proof of financial sustenance) |
| Course Changes Allowed | Maximum 3 times |
| Provisional Visa | Available before confirmed admission (6 months) |
| Part-Time Work | Not permitted |
| Code | Sub-Type Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| S-1 | Higher Education | University/college education, student exchange programmes, provisional student visa. Includes SAU and Nalanda University. |
| S-2 | School Education | School-level education in India. |
| S-3 | Yoga, Vedic & Buddhist Studies | Yoga, vedic culture, Indian systems of music and dance, Buddhist studies at approved institutions. |
| S-4 | Theological Studies | Theological studies at approved institutions (e.g. Jamia Hamdard, Aligarh Muslim University). Other institutions require MHA clearance. |
| S-5 | Research & Expeditions | Research scholars, visiting research faculty, bilateral exchange scholars, and members of scientific/anthropological expeditions. |
| S-6 | Internship / ITEC | Internships in India including French VIE programme and ITEC training programmes. |
| S-7 | SAU / Nalanda University | Students specifically at South Asian University and Nalanda University. |
| S-8 | Theological Studies (Approved Institutions) | Specific 11 approved institutions. All other theological institutions require prior MHA clearance. |
Proof of admission to a full-time course at a recognized institution
For medical/para-medical: NOC from Ministry of Health
Proof of financial standing (parent/guardian letter + bank guarantee)
Evidence of funds transfer for at least 4 months sustenance
Valid passport with 6+ months validity
FRRO registration within 14 days of arrival
Open NRO (Non-Resident Ordinary) bank account in India
Eligible Nationalities / Applicants
Foreign nationals admitted to full-time courses at recognized Indian educational institutions
Restrictions / Not Eligible
Passport Validity Required
Minimum 6 months beyond your travel date, plus at least 2 blank pages
Apply How Far in Advance
e-Visa: 4–7 days minimum · Embassy visa: 4–6 weeks before travel
Prior India Visit Required?
No — first-time applicants are eligible under all standard categories
Number of Entries
Multiple (max 4 per academic year) — each entry allowed only at designated ports
Verify Eligibility
Check that your nationality qualifies for Student Visa. Review any bilateral restrictions between your home country and India. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from India.
Compile Your Documents
Collect all required documents: valid passport, passport-size photographs, completed application form, and purpose-specific supporting documents such as employment letter, conference invitation, admission letter, or hospital documents, plus proof of financial means.
Fill the Application Form
Download the Indian visa application form from the Indian Mission's website or via indianvisaonline.gov.in. Complete the form in BLOCK LETTERS. Ensure all details precisely match your passport. Date and sign as instructed.
Book Appointment or Submit via VAC
Book an appointment at the nearest Indian Embassy, High Commission, or authorised Visa Application Centre (VAC) in your country. Check the specific Mission website for current procedures, fees, and processing times.
Biometrics & Interview
Some categories require biometric capture (fingerprints and photograph) at the VAC. A personal interview at the Mission may be required for first-time applicants or certain nationalities. Attend with originals and copies of all documents.
Collect Visa & Verify
Collect your passport with the visa sticker from the Mission or VAC. Immediately verify your name, passport number, visa validity, and number of entries on the sticker. Report any discrepancies before leaving the counter.
No Visa Conversion Inside India
You cannot change your visa category after entering India. If you need a different type, exit India and apply at an Indian Mission abroad.
FRRO Registration for Long Stays
If your stay exceeds 180 days, you must register with the FRRO/FRO within 14 days of crossing that threshold. Registration is done online at ivfrt.gov.in.
Overstaying is a Serious Offence
Overstaying your authorised period results in fines, detention, deportation, and potential bans on future India travel. Always depart on or before the last day of your authorised stay.
Always Carry Your Visa Document
e-Visa holders should carry a printed colour copy of the ETA throughout the trip. Sticker-visa holders must present their passport at all checkpoints. Always keep copies of supporting documents.
FRRO Helpline for Issues Inside India
For visa queries while inside India, call the FRRO helpdesk at +91-11-26711443 or email foreigners.india@gov.in. Online services at ivfrt.gov.in.
⚠️ This information is sourced from official Indian government documents (MHA, December 2025). Visa rules change — always verify at indianvisaonline.gov.in.