Republic of India · study

India Student Visa

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Visa for foreign nationals pursuing full-time study or internships at recognised institutions in India.

Requires sponsorshipDoes not lead to permanent residencyUp to five years or the academic-course duration, whichever is shorter; generally up to four entries per academic year.
Processing time
Indicative only. Apply through an Indian mission or the Indian Visa Online portal; confirm current timelines on the official page.
Government fees
Indicative only. Fees vary by nationality and duration; refer to the official Indian Visa Online portal.
Typical duration
Up to five years or the academic-course duration, whichever is shorter; generally up to four entries per academic year.
Sponsorship required
Yes
Leads to permanent residency
No

In short

As of 25 July 2026, the India Student Visa for Republic of India is a sponsor-led India immigration route. Sources: official Republic of India government pages, reviewed 25 July 2026.

Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/india/student-visa#answer

What is the India Student Visa in Republic of India?

India Student Visa is a sponsor-led India route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only. Fees vary by nationality and duration; refer to the official Indian Visa Online portal; indicative processing time is Indicative only. Apply through an Indian mission or the Indian Visa Online portal; confirm current timelines on the official page; typical duration is Up to five years or the academic-course duration, whichever is shorter; generally up to four entries per academic year. This route does not lead to permanent residence.

Verified against Ministry of Home Affairs (India) on 22 June 2026.

Overview

The Student (S) Visa is granted to foreign nationals admitted to a recognised educational institution in India for on-campus, full-time structured study, including language and vocational education. The S-6 sub-category can cover scholarship, exchange, training and curriculum-linked internship placements. Students must show admission and financial standing and complete FRRO/FRO registration where required.

Eligibility

Typical criteria

Common blockers

Typical evidence

Application pathway

  1. Secure admission

    Obtain admission to a recognised Indian educational institution or a qualifying internship.

  2. Apply for the Student Visa

    Submit the application via the Indian Visa Online portal and the relevant Indian mission.

  3. Travel to India

    Enter within the visa validity carrying admission documents.

  4. Register with the FRRO/FRO

    Complete registration after arrival where the stay duration requires it.

After approval: prepare for your next step

For India Student Visa, use the actual decision and the issuing authority’s instructions to establish what has been granted. A successful application, permission to enter, permission to work and a residence document are not interchangeable.

  1. 1. Check the decision. Confirm the name, passport, status granted, start date and any next action. Resolve an error with the authority before relying on the document for travel or employment.
  2. 2. Establish the travel step. Read any entry window, activation, collection or in-country registration instruction. For an extension or change of status, do not assume leaving the country is required or safe while a further step remains pending.
  3. 3. Confirm what you may do. Coordinate enrolment and attendance with the institution. Check the actual work conditions before accepting a job or freelance work.
  4. 4. Organise the household. Check each accompanying person’s permission separately, then arrange healthcare, accommodation, access to money and the relevant local registrations. A tax number or bank account does not by itself prove a right to work.
  5. 5. Keep the ongoing conditions visible. Record the actual expiry, renewal process, permitted absences and any duty to report changes. An initial grant does not automatically establish permanent residence or citizenship.

Plan the practical side of your stay

Once you have checked the official route, you can prepare for day-to-day life in India. These optional services are separate from the application and do not establish visa eligibility.

Official application links

Where to actually go next

Government links only

These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.

  1. Official guidanceApplicant + sponsor
    Use official India Student Visa route page ↗

    Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for India Student Visa.

    Ministry of Home Affairs (India) · verified

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Frequently asked questions

Does the India Student Visa cover internships?+

It can. The S-6 sub-category covers specified scholarship, training and curriculum-linked internship cases, while a separate Intern Visa applies to many post-graduation internship placements.

Can I work part-time on an India Student Visa?+

The Student Visa is granted for study, not employment. Taking up paid work generally requires a separate, appropriate visa; check the current rules before relying on any work entitlement.

What is the difference between an internship on a Student (S-6) Visa and an Intern Visa?+

Both can cover training or internship situations, but the Student (S-6) sub-category is tied to specified scholarship, exchange, training and curriculum-linked internship cases. The separate Intern (I) Visa applies to many post-graduation internship placements, so check the official source for which category matches your placement.

Need tailored advice?

We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.

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How we verified this

We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.

Primary source: Ministry of Home Affairs (India)

Last checked: 22 June 2026

See the full evidence trail and methodology