India has a population of about 1.48 billion, and the International Monetary Fund projects real GDP growth of 6.4% in 2026. The country’s cultural and linguistic diversity can make it an appealing destination for international students seeking a distinctive study experience.
India can also be relatively affordable for international students, although costs vary widely by city, institution, program, housing arrangement, and lifestyle. In this article, we discuss some of the costs associated with studying and living in India, including tuition, rent, utilities, food, and transportation.
Cost of Studying in India
As in other countries, the cost of studying in India varies considerably depending on the program, university, student category, and additional charges.
Current examples of undergraduate fees for international students include:
- University of Delhi, Dyal Singh College example: For 2025–26, first-year foreign-student charges for selected B.A. and B.Com. programs totaled ₹29,705 to ₹30,205. Fees vary by college and program.
- Panjab University: For 2026–27, annual fees for selected foreign-national bachelor’s programs range from US$1,425 for many B.Sc. Honors School programs to US$6,000 for B.E. programs at the University Institute of Engineering and Technology. Panjab University publishes a separate lower fee schedule for eligible students from SAARC and certain other countries, and additional charges may apply.
- Indian Institute of Science: International and applicable OCI students pay the General-category fee schedule. The current first-year total is ₹100,800 for the B.S. Research program and ₹220,800 for a regular B.Tech. program.
- University of Calcutta: Under the B.Tech. regulations effective from 2024–25, tuition for foreign and international students is US$500 per semester, or US$1,000 across two semesters, plus the other fees charged to Indian students.
- Indian Institute of Technology Delhi: For 2026–27 foreign undergraduate entrants at the Delhi campus, the published semester charge is US$1,000 for students from SAARC countries or US$2,000 for students from non-SAARC countries, plus ₹31,000 in other and institute-residence charges. Separate hostel-related charges are additional.
Fees can change between admission cycles and may exclude deposits, examination fees, hostel charges, insurance, or other mandatory expenses. Students should confirm the amount for their specific program and category on the university’s official website before applying.
Cost of Living in India
The estimates below use Numbeo’s June 2026 crowdsourced data. They are citywide averages rather than student-specific budgets, and actual expenses vary by neighborhood, housing type, household size, and lifestyle.
1. Hyderabad
Hyderabad is a major metropolitan center with cultural and recreational attractions such as Lumbini Park and Laad Bazaar.
According to Numbeo’s Hyderabad data, estimated monthly costs for one person are about ₹32,136 excluding rent. A one-bedroom apartment averages about ₹21,000 in the city center or ₹11,954 outside the center, while basic utilities for an 85-square-meter apartment average ₹3,437 per month. Private full-day preschool averages approximately ₹10,435 per child per month, although this is generally not a core student expense.
2. Delhi
Delhi includes New Delhi, India’s capital, and is a major center for higher education. It is also known for attractions such as the Red Fort, Lotus Temple, and India Gate.
According to Numbeo’s Delhi data, estimated monthly expenses for one person are about ₹33,398 excluding rent. A one-bedroom apartment averages approximately ₹23,529 in the city center or ₹14,290 outside the center. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant averages ₹2,000, while a regular monthly public transportation pass averages ₹1,000.
3. Surat
Surat is a major city in Gujarat with attractions such as Dumas Beach and Surat Castle.
According to Numbeo’s Surat data, estimated monthly costs for one person are about ₹28,066 excluding rent. A one-bedroom apartment in the city center averages approximately ₹20,467, while basic utilities for an 85-square-meter apartment average ₹3,497 per month. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages about ₹300.
4. Mumbai
Based on the estimates used in this article, Mumbai is the most expensive of the five cities discussed. According to Numbeo’s Mumbai data, estimated monthly expenses for one person are about ₹37,004 excluding rent. A one-bedroom apartment averages approximately ₹61,846 in the city center or ₹34,500 outside the center, while basic utilities average ₹5,775 per month.
Taxi fares start at approximately ₹30, and a regular monthly public transportation pass averages ₹400. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages about ₹500. Mumbai is also a major educational center and is home to institutions such as the Tata Institute of Social Sciences and the University of Mumbai.
5. Indore
Indore is a major city in central India, with heritage and religious sites such as Rajwada, Kanch Mandir, and Pitra Parvat.
According to Numbeo’s Indore data, estimated monthly expenses for one person are about ₹28,650 excluding rent. A one-bedroom apartment averages approximately ₹15,175 in the city center or ₹8,340 outside the center. Basic utilities for an 85-square-meter apartment average ₹3,406 per month, while gasoline averages about ₹102.82 per liter.
India offers international students a wide range of study destinations and living-cost profiles. Tuition and living expenses can be relatively affordable, but the differences between programs and cities are substantial. Prospective students should prepare a budget using current official university fees and recent local price data while also allowing for deposits, insurance, travel, and personal expenses.
We hope that this article on the cost of studying and living in India for international students was helpful. For more information, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
