Study in India Programme: Eligibility, Scholarship, Benefits, Features and Application Process

The Study In India (SII) programme is a flagship programme introduced by the Ministry of Education. This programme has been created to encourage and facilitate international students to study in top Indian institutes. The SII Programme endorses India as a prime education hub for international students to pursue higher education in the country. The programme is a perfect platform with attractive salient features for international students to experience the best Indian education. It encourages international students to explore valuable educational opportunities provided by top Indian universities.

Features of the SII Programme

• There is quality assurance of education since the SII Programme has partnered up with top institutes, which:
  • Have a National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation of 3.26 and above
  • Are ranked amongst the top 100 in a category, except medical, by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)
  • Have the Institute of National Importance (INI) or Institute of Eminence (IOE) status
• Students can access diverse courses, from cutting-edge and modern disciplines like management, law, humanities, STEM, etc., to niche courses like Yoga and Buddhist Studies from the top institutes of India. 
• The partner institutes provide financial assistance in the form of a Partner Institute Scholarship. This scholarship provides concession on tuition fees in categories of 100%, 50% and 25%.
• The programme has 24x7 call support for addressing student queries and assisting at every step of the admission process.
• Since institutes affiliated or partnered with the programme are located in prime locations across India, students can immerse themselves in vibrant cuisines, celebrations and the thrills of travel. 
• The programme conducts short-term three-month bridge courses to improve students’ English proficiency (including reading, speaking, writing and listening) and equip them to communicate in their study environments. 

Pillars of the SII Programme

Below are the pillars of the Study in India Programme:

• Learn - A strong network of private institutes, government-owned institutes and Institutes of National Importance (INIs) provided under the Study in India enable quality and affordable teachings. The blended learning approach in these institutes focuses on the practical and theoretical aspects of the courses.
• Thrive - The holistic and competitive learning environment imparted by SII Programme in India partner institutes allows students to innovate, thrive and network in the real world.
• Explore - Internation students get the opportunity to explore many things in India. They can experience the architecture, diversity, landscapes, cuisines and multiple festivals in India.

Benefits of the SII Programme

• The SII Programme portal caters for all needs of an international student getting admission in India.
• The online admission process is easy to carry out and is completely transparent.
• Every partner institute of the SII Programme is a top-ranked institution equipped with state-of-the-art- infrastructures and giving quality higher education. 
• There are more than 160 colleges onboard with the SII Programme. Thus, international students can browse and choose top institutes providing courses in their interest areas.
• The SII Programme offers a range of 2600+ courses from various disciplines, such as commerce, science, arts, engineering, humanities, management, etc.
• The institutes offer concessions in the form of a Study in India Scholarship or fee waiver, as stated below: 
  • The Study in India Scholarship of USD 3,200 is given to meritorious students applying to the programme. 
  • A Fee Waiver, i.e. concession in the tuition fee of a course, is available in the categories of 100%, 50% and 25%. The government offers a complete fee waiver to the top 25% of meritorious applicants, a 50% fee waiver to the next 25% of applicants and a 25% waiver to the next 25% of international students.
• Counsellors are available on a toll-free number 24x7 to guide on application submissions, admission and examinations through helpline numbers and emails.
• When a student enrols in a college through the SII Programme, all the updates and information on new developments are conveyed to them regularly. 
• The seats for international students will not affect the number of seats meant for Indian students in any educational institute.
• The SII team assists in visas and immigration.
• The easy-to-reach-out team of the SII Programme remains in touch until the students complete their higher education.

Eligibility of the SII Programme 

Indian higher education is divided into four levels for eligibility purposes, which are as follows:

• Undergraduate/bachelor’s course - The minimum requirement for students for an undergraduate course is a schooling of 10+2 years.
• Postgraduate courses/master’s degree - Students can go for a postgraduate course in India after completion of a bachelor’s degree.
• Doctoral studies/PhD courses - Completing a post-graduate degree is the minimum requirement.
• Diploma courses -  The minimum requirement is a schooling of 10+2 years. Diploma or certificate-based courses are offered across many disciplines, such as Yoga and Naturopathy, Buddhist Studies, Indian dance and music, computers, Indian cuisines, etc.

Application Process Under SII Programme

A student needs to register on the SII Programme portal to apply for a top Indian institute. The process is as follows:

• Register on the SII Programme portal for the current academic year.
• Plan and calculate the expenditure.
• Choose the institute and course and submit the application.
• Check the allotted course and institute.
• Start preparing for the educational journey in India.

Documents Required for SII Programme

• Valid passport
• Certified copy of academic transcripts
• Admission application form
• Curriculum vitae (CV) or comprehensive resume
• Language proficiency test scores, like IELTS and TOEFL (for non-native English speakers)
• Letter of motivation/statement of purpose
• Proof of financial capability (bank statements or letter of sponsorship)
• Recommendation letters (from former employers or professors)