Republic of India · study
India Student Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Visa for foreign nationals pursuing full-time study or internships at recognised institutions in India.
- 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 22 June 2026, the India Student Visa for Republic of India is a sponsor-led India immigration route. Sources: official Republic of India government pages, reviewed 22 June 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
- ✓Applicant is admitted to a recognised educational institution in India for full-time study.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ✓The course or programme is genuine and approved.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ✓Applicant can demonstrate means to fund study and stay.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ✓Internship placements fall within the S-6 sub-category criteria.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
Common blockers
- !Admission to an institution that is not recognised for foreign students.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- !Intending to take up employment rather than study.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- !Failure to complete required FRRO/FRO registration.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Admission or enrolment letter from the recognised institution.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ·Proof of financial standing and adequate funds for initial sustenance in India.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
- ·Passport valid for the required period with blank pages.Ministry of Home Affairs (India) ↗
Application pathway
Secure admission
Obtain admission to a recognised Indian educational institution or a qualifying internship.
Apply for the Student Visa
Submit the application via the Indian Visa Online portal and the relevant Indian mission.
Travel to India
Enter within the visa validity carrying admission documents.
Register with the FRRO/FRO
Complete registration after arrival where the stay duration requires it.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
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.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse 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.
Find a regulated advisor in IndiaHow 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