India is a lower-cost study destination compared with many Western countries and is strategically positioned as one of the ideal countries for international students to get a degree. Students have much to experience in India, including its rich history, vibrant culture, extensive cuisine, and diverse ways of life.
According to the Government of India’s latest AISHE figures available in a 2024 parliamentary answer, 46,878 foreign students were enrolled in Indian higher educational institutions in 2021–22. Aside from the wonderful vistas, you can enjoy the country’s festivals, dining experiences, and many tourist spots.
One way to decrease your expenses as an international student in this country is by applying for a scholarship or a tuition fee waiver. Some scholarship packages can cover tuition and provide living support, but students may still need to budget for items such as medical insurance, hostel or mess charges, deposits, and early arrival expenses. In this article, we will look at different options to study in India at little or no tuition cost.
How to Study in India for Free
1. Apply for Scholarships
The best way to study in India for free or at a reduced cost is to get scholarships. Here are some scholarship and fee-waiver options that you may be qualified for.
- Atal Bihari Vajpayee General Scholarship Scheme, formerly the General Scholarship Scheme
This Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship is available to eligible international students for programs at Indian universities and institutes. The current ICCR A2A scholarship process includes diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. programs, depending on the scheme and the universities available on the portal. However, ICCR guidelines exclude several fields and formats, including medical and paramedical programs, fashion and law courses, integrated courses, and B.Tech admission through IITs.
Applicants should be able to study in English because English is the medium of instruction in Indian universities listed under ICCR. Benefits can include tuition or other compulsory fees, stipend support, house rent or accommodation-related allowances, thesis charges, and air tickets where admissible. Medical insurance is compulsory and must be purchased by the student, so applicants should read the current ICCR guidelines before applying.
- Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Cultural Exchange Scholarship Scheme
The Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Cultural Exchange Scholarship Scheme, formerly the Cultural Exchange Programme or Education Exchange Programme, is also administered through ICCR. It was developed to strengthen educational and cultural ties between India and partner countries. Applicants should check the A2A scholarship portal or their nearest Indian mission for eligible countries, programs, application dates, and participating institutions.
- Study in India institute-driven scholarships and fee waivers
The Study in India portal allows international students to explore courses and institutes, apply to multiple institutions, receive offer letters, and use the SII ID for the visa process. Partner institutes may offer institute-driven scholarships or tuition fee waivers for meritorious students. These waivers can range from 10% to 100%, depending on academic performance and the institute’s decision.
Because scholarship rules, dates, and eligible countries can change, always confirm the latest requirements on the official scholarship portal, the university website, or the Indian mission in your country before applying.
2. Apply to Universities in India
India has a large higher education system. As of June 2025, official figures showed 1,338 universities and 52,081 colleges in the country, along with more than 70,000 higher education institutions overall. This gives international students many options when looking for quality programs and affordable tuition.
Thousands of international students have already made the leap and experienced the advantages of studying in India. Below are some highly ranked or well-known institutions to consider for your future alma mater:
Do not rely on part-time work to fund your studies in India unless your embassy, university, visa conditions, and scholarship rules clearly allow it. Indian student visas are issued for full-time study, internships have separate visa rules, and ICCR guidelines state that scholarship students should not do part-time or full-time jobs along with their studies.
Studying in India at a low cost continues to attract international students. The low tuition fees, low cost of living, affordable food, diversity, and natural beauty all make the country appealing. It is a good idea to compare universities, check official tuition pages, and apply early for scholarships or fee waivers.
3. Get a Part-Time Job Online
Be careful with this option. Paid online or freelance work while staying in India may still be affected by your visa conditions, scholarship rules, tax obligations, and university policies. Before using platforms such as Upwork or Fiverr to fund your studies, ask your university’s international office and the Indian mission or FRRO for written guidance. A safer plan is to secure scholarships, fee waivers, savings, or family support before arrival.
FAQs: Studying in India as an International Student
How Much Does It Cost to Study in India?
The cost of studying in India depends on the university, program, city, accommodation, and scholarship support. Instead of relying on a single national fee range, international students should check each university’s official fee page and the Study in India portal for course-specific costs. Study in India partner institutes may offer scholarships or fee waivers from 10% to 100% for meritorious students, but the final amount depends on the institute.
For living expenses, India is generally less expensive than many Western study destinations, but costs vary greatly by city and lifestyle. Budget for accommodation, food, utilities, transportation, insurance, visa or registration expenses, study materials, and emergency funds.
Can International Students Study in India for Free?
Yes, some international students can study in India for free or nearly free, but it is usually through scholarships or tuition fee waivers rather than an automatic free-tuition policy. ICCR scholarships and Study in India institute-driven waivers are among the main options to check.
Even if your tuition is fully covered, make sure you understand what is not covered. Students may still need to pay for medical insurance, initial expenses after arrival, hostel or mess-related charges, visa and registration costs, books, and personal expenses.
Do Universities in India Charge Free Tuition?
Most universities in India do not automatically offer free tuition to all international students. However, tuition can be affordable compared with many other countries, and some institutions offer partial or full tuition waivers. Through Study in India, institute-driven scholarships or fee waivers can range from 10% to 100% for eligible meritorious students, depending on the institute.
Studying in India offers the opportunity to receive a quality education in a culturally rich and diverse environment. With scholarships and financial aid programs offered by the government, private organizations, and universities, covering the costs of tuition and other expenses is possible for selected students. To make the most of your time here, it is also a good idea to research India’s best universities and aim to become one of their globally competitive graduates.
We hope that this article on how to study in India for free was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
