India Introduces e-Student Visas for International Students, Expanding Access to Global Education
The Indian government introduced two new categories of visas to increase international students’ enrollments in Indian institutions. They are the e-student visa and the e-student-x visa. They are to be used to help foreign students acquire higher education in India in the easiest possible ways.
What is the E-Student Visa?
The e-student visa is offered to foreign nationals who intend to pursue full-time studies in India. This visa applies to undergraduate, postgraduate, and other courses where the students are pursuing doctoral studies, such as PhD programs. It is a valid visa up to the course’s end. It can be extended, though.
The e-Student-X Visa for Dependents
The e-student-x visa is for dependents who are accompanying the student holding an e-student visa. This visa enables families to stay together while the student is undertaking their studies in India.
Application Process through the Study in India Portal
Both types of visas demand that international students apply to the Study in India (SII) portal, which has been established by the Ministry of Education. Using this portal for admission is pretty easy as there are more than 600 such partner institutions affiliated with it who offer more than 8,000 courses in sectors like engineering, management, agriculture, and law, up to niche specializations like Buddhist Studies and Yoga.
The SII ID
Students are required to register on the Study in India portal to obtain a unique SII ID. This ID is essential for tracking applications, visa processing, and other related procedures. The SII portal also assists students in accessing information on available courses, and they must apply to Indian universities through this platform.
Visa Application and Entry Process
Once the admission offer is received, students can apply for an e-student visa through the official visa portal. Upon arrival in India, students can enter from any immigration checkpoint, provided they have the required visa.
India as a Global Education Hub
This new visa will mark one of the most important steps forward in enhancing India as an educational hub to the world. With easy application procedures and a wide variety of courses, the new visa system is expected to attract thousands of international students further to the diverse array of academic offerings in India.
