India Introduces New Visa Categories to Attract International Students

By Siya January 14, 2025
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India has launched two new visa categories aimed at simplifying the enrollment process for international students. The newly introduced e-student and e-student-x visas are designed to streamline the process for students wishing to pursue higher education in India and their dependents.

The initiative is part of India’s broader effort to strengthen the Study in India (SII) programme, which offers foreign students the opportunity to study at over 600 Indian universities across diverse fields, including engineering, sciences, administration, and even specialized subjects like Buddhist studies and yoga. The e-student visa is available to international students registered on the SII portal, while the e-student-x visa is specifically for their dependents.

Foreign students wishing to apply for these visas must first register on the SII portal to receive an SII ID. Once they have an offer of admission from an Indian university, they can apply through the official Indian visa website, indianvisaonline.gov.in. The new visa categories aim to make India a more attractive destination for higher education, with more than 8,000 courses available at undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.

The e-visa system also includes sub-categories for tourism, business, and medical purposes. However, the e-visa facility will not be available to individuals with connections to Pakistan or those holding diplomatic passports, according to the official statement.

This move comes as part of India’s growing push to enhance its global educational footprint, providing an easier pathway for international students to experience its diverse academic offerings. With the launch of these new visa categories, India is positioning itself as a prime destination for international students seeking world-class education.

Source: SHIKSHA

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