An emerging country, which strikingly blossoms as an enriching location for international students seeking to pursue higher education abroad, India welcomes nationalities from around the globe to its universities. Who would not know the revered Mahatma Gandhi, the epitome of amity and passive remonstration? Gandhi reminds us that culture is kept and nurtured by people – a reminder taken to heart by Indians. Considered home to the world’s oldest living civilization, the Indus Valley civilization, India strives to preserve its cultural values which shaped who and what it is today. Such spirit placed India in a prominent position in international scenes.

In recent years, more and more international students come to India to study for their undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs. Although universities in India are most popular for their superior engineering and medical courses, they also offer a multitude of study programs for every field of interest. More so, students flock to India not only to see first-hand the amazing Taj Mahal, but also to experience the unique culture of the country. After all, studying abroad does not only mean going to university and attending classroom lectures. More than the university experience, studying abroad is equivalent to learning more about life and society in general. India, undoubtedly, is the perfect location for this tangible learning. International students only need to explore which part of India will provide them the best student life. India has more than 50 cities which you can choose from as your student city. The list is long so we have rounded up the best cities in India for international students such as yourself. Below is a collection of information about the best student cities in India, tips in choosing your student city, and what you can expect as a student in India.

Table of Contents

1. What to expect as a student in India
2. Tips for Choosing a Student City
3. Study in Mumbai
4. Study in Delhi
5. Study in Chennai
6. Study in Bangalore
7. Study in Hyderabad
8. Study in Kanpur

What to expect as a student in India

Unparalleled Campus Life
Campus life in India is unlike anywhere in the world. In India, universities maintain a residential nature, meaning students become part of a community which cares for one another. Thus, international students in India should have no worries concerning the life that awaits them when they start studying. Universities are accommodating of foreign students, as much as Indians are accommodating of international visitors. They have student organizations which help international enrollees settle into a new and unfamiliar environment. We aren’t saying there will be no culture shock, because there definitely will be. India is a large country which is home to a lot of people with various philosophies, values, and traditions. Nonetheless, students can expect a friendly campus when they go to study in India.

Student-Centered Education
India is considered the second largest higher education network. Its universities can offer an endless list of study programs which accept international students. Because of India’s goal to attract more international students, India has taken measures to gain popularity within the international learning arena. More than quality education, universities provide student-centered education. The learning of students, regardless of their nationality, is the primary objective. With this, English, rather than Hindi, is used as the medium of instruction. Tuition fees are affordable and can be easily paid even without the help of part-time employment. There are also many scholarship opportunities available so as to pull talented but financially inept individuals. Moreover, universities in India are proud to be labeled as non-discriminatory. You can be sure that they treat all students with fairness and hospitable attitude.

Affordable Student Life
We may risk getting repetitive, but this should really be emphasized. India is your best choice if you are looking for affordable but top-quality education. Compared to other study abroad destinations, India lets you live a convenient life for less than $30,000 per year. Yes, it already includes tuition fees. If you think about it, $30,000 will just cover your tuition fees in the United Kingdom or the United States. In India, you will totally get your money’s worth.

Cultural Melting Pot
What sets India apart as a study abroad destination is its evident diversity. Yes, it is one big nation. But its size also contributes to the multitude facades it holds. India does not have an official language. It has 22 official languages, which include the most widely spoken ones such as Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, and Marathi. Hence, international students are not only in for the opportunity to interact with citizens from other countries, but also to socialize and learn from Indians who come from different parts of the country. This means that nostalgia will have little to no room at all for an international student, as there are lots of chance to mingle with everyone. Furthermore, India is not limited to a single stereotypical society. In its cities, you will find a metropolitan and modern lifestyle. In the suburbs and rural areas, you will witness a rather relaxed lifestyle. Regardless of where you will be located in India, you are sure to learn the most cherished traditions of the Indian culture. Yoga, Buddhism, Hinduism, spiritual awakening – you name it, you’ll have the chance to explore all these and more in India.

Tips for Choosing a Student City

The decision to go abroad for one’s studies is already difficult as it is. However, the dilemmas do not end there. After deciding on which country to go to, the next step is choosing a city in that specific country where you will spend 2 to 5 years of your life as a student. This too is a tough call to make, probably even more difficult than choosing the country. The choice becomes harder when you have decided to study in India. You will have a lot of options because the country’s large size also entails more than 50 huge cities, which offer an ideal location for an international student’s university life. So, before we proceed with the list of best student cities in India, allow us to give you some tips in choosing a city most ideal for you.

1. Choose a city which has a number of reputable universities.
You are going to a certain city to study. Of course, the first thing you have to look into is the presence of universities which you can attend. A recommendation is to look at a country’s major cities first since most of the time they are home to the country’s most prestigious institutions. You can also start your search by deciding on a specific university you want to attend. For example, if you wish to enroll in the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), search for the Indian cities which have an IIT campus. Likewise, when considering a city, check if the city has a welcome and friendly vibe towards university students, most particularly international ones (although this is an easy step when considering a city in India, because most of its universities have a generally warm and friendly atmosphere for all students).

2. Choose a safe and secure city.
Safety and security are non-debatable factors when choosing a student city. You will want a community where you can live in peace as a student just worrying about school works and social engagements. There are several safe cities in India where you can find the student security you need. Choose a city where you have access to a local police station. If possible, choose a city which has accommodation options located within short distance from your university. You should also consider a city with a convenient transportation system. You have to consider how to go to and from your apartment whenever you have to get home late. In shorter terms, find a student city wherein you will have zero worries in terms of accessibility and safety.

3. Choose a city which you can afford.
While India is essentially an affordable country to live in, it would not hurt to have a check of your finances before impulsively deciding on a city. India has big and small cities. You must know that studying in a big city, especially if it’s a commercial, financial, or economic center, will mean a higher cost of living. If you can afford the expenses, there is nothing to stop you from choosing a big city and be in the center of important happenings. Otherwise, pick a smaller city where you can support yourself in terms of finances.

4. Choose a city with the most employment prospects available.
Some cities have greater employment opportunities than other cities. This depends on the existence of prominent industries in the city. If a particular sector is thriving in that city, rest assured that the employment will be up. Who knows, you can try to juggle your studies and a part-time job, get money, and gain experience. You can also look for the presence of companies which you can apply for after completing your studies. Who knows, you might find India an ideal place to have a permanent job.

5. Choose a city that matches your lifestyle preferences.
This is a valuable tip, especially if you want to get the most of your study abroad experience in India. Studying abroad should not only mean poring over books and burning the midnight oil. It also means being able to enjoy every single day of your student life. You can do this if you pick a city where you can be yourself. Hence, if you are an active person who prefers a fast-paced environment, better choose from among India’s big cities. If you want a rather laidback lifestyle, select a smaller city probably located in the suburbs. If you are a cultural enthusiast, choose a city with a flourishing cultural hub. If you are fond of nature, pick a city which will allow you to enjoy a lovely scene on your way to the university. Choose a place you feel you will be at home. After all, the student city you pick will become your home for the next several years.

Now that we have given you some tips on choosing your student city in India, you can now take your pick from our shortlist below.

Study in Mumbai

Formerly and popularly known as Bombay, Mumbai is a top choice for international students in India. It is the capital of the state of Maharashtra and is home to the largest number of city residents in India. Mumbai is also known as India’s “City of Dreams” because of its location on the shores of the Arabian Sea. It boasts of lovely and sandy beaches where students can have a quick dip whenever there is a free time from school stresses. A vital seaport in Asia, Mumbai is a spectacle to feast your eyes on as you think about that research proposal or important examination.

Mumbai is India’s most prosperous city. In here, international students can find a considerably higher living cost but greater employment opportunities as well. There are a number of companies from which students can acquire training, internship, or even full-time employment. Multinational companies, the Tata Group, and Reliance Industries are located in Mumbai – a welcome news for students who aim to land a professional career after finishing university studies. Moreover, film enthusiasts will be glad to know that Mumbai is the birthplace of the world’s biggest movie industry when it comes to outputs, the Bollywood. The thriving film industry in Mumbai will provide lots of job opportunities for students, too.

With regards to its academic profile, Mumbai has a variety of respected universities which accept international applicants. Its most prestigious university is the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) which enjoys a high global ranking. Mumbai is also home to the St. Xavier’s College, Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), University of Mumbai, and the S.P. Jain Institute of Management and Research.

International students who seek a vibrant lifestyle should consider Mumbai as their student city. Mumbai, like any major city in the world, always seems awake and moving. Hence, if you prefer an environment where hectic streets and busy people are a daily scene, Mumbai is the Indian city for you.

Study in Delhi

The capital of India, Delhi is the seat of government and the second most populated city in India. Delhi, more than its urbanite nature, boasts of a historically significant location. It is home to famous historic buildings such as the Red Fort and the Humayon’s Tomb. International students who are keen to know more about India’s cultural history should go to Delhi. Its courses in history are unparalleled in Asia; likewise, students are exposed to the actual prominent sites in history.

Delhi has several internationally recognized universities, led by the University of Delhi, which have been continuously producing competent professionals in various fields. The University of Delhi also holds India’s largest number of international enrollees. Moreover, international students can also explore courses in equally exceptional universities, like the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, South Asian University (SAU), and the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IITD).

The city of Delhi is a dynamic cultural city. In here, you can find centers to witness the best of Indian culture and literature. Commercial hubs are also present everywhere. As an old city transitioning to a modern one, Delhi will amaze you with every turn. If you are in for a reliable and vigorous life, Delhi should be your pick.

Study in Chennai

The “Gateway of South India”, Chennai is the capital of Tamil Nadu located in the south of India. Chennai, previously called Madras, is home to bodies of water such as beaches, lakes, rivers, and canals. Its topography as a low area provides Chennai a pleasantly warm and tropical climate. Moreover, Chennai is best known for its role in India’s automotive industry. It is often compared to Detroit in the US, and contributes a large chunk to the national economy. Besides the growing automobile industry, Chennai has a flourishing trade in information technology. The Hindu newspaper also operates in Chennai. Thus, international students who are interested in such fields get a package of both theoretical and practical learning.

The state where Chennai is located, Tamil Nadu, maintains the highest literacy rate in India. Unsurprisingly, Chennai houses prestigious universities such as the University of Madras, Anna University, Loyola College, Stella Maris College, Asian College of Journalism, and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IITM). These universities, in partnership with Chennai’s research institutions, make the city the ultimate destination for international students interested in management, journalism, and technology.

With everything it has in store, Chennai is not necessarily a serious and boring city. Chennai is an attractive place which immerses itself in traditional arts. Hence, art and culture buffs will always have something to look forward to every weekend or holiday. International students can also revel in the architecture distinctly Indian in Chennai. You can visit temples, churches, and old forts to tell you more about the Indus Valley civilization still existing up until today.

Study in Bangalore

India’s “Silicon Valley”, Bangalore (officially called Bengaluru) is the largest ICT (information and communications technology) in India. Globally popular ICT companies, such as Google, Infosys, and Wipro, operate a headquarters in Bangalore. Currently, the city is making dominant strides in the field of biotechnology and aerospace as well. Such a collection of huge enterprises makes Bangalore a favorite student and tourist city in India.

The presence of ICT companies in Bangalore is even highlighted by its universities which are internationally lauded as centers of excellence in engineering and technology. To illustrate, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) finds its home in Bangalore. Other reputable institutions, such as the Presidency College, National Institute of Fashion Technology, National Institute of Design, National Law School of India University, and the International Institute of Information Technology, can also be found in the city. The gamut of specialized institutions for higher learning present in Bangalore is another reason why the city attracts a huge number of international students.

You should know that living costs in Bangalore are a bit high, considering its important role in employment and the general economy. In fact, studying in Bangalore is higher than the cost of living and studying in Mumbai or Delhi. Nonetheless, should you feel cut off for a professional career in information and communications technology or other specialty areas in one of Bangalore’s institutions, disregard the cost or apply for a scholarship, then go for Bangalore as your student city in India.

Study in Hyderabad

“The City of Pearls”, Hyderabad is located in the center of India which used to be a significant location for the pearl and diamond trading. Today, Hyderabad is known for its booming economy which somehow races with that of Bangalore. With a prospering commercial hub and a thriving ICT sector, Hyderabad houses a ‘Cyberabad’ area where local branches of Facebook, Google, IBM, and Dell are situated. Moreover, Hyderabad is slowly taking a step in the field of biotechnology with its ‘Genome Valley’. International students who want a city with a lot of professional opportunities need not think twice but choose Hyderabad as their student city in India.

Hyderabad is home to the Osmania University and the University of Hyderabad, 2 institutions of topnotch quality for study programs in engineering, law, and the arts. International students in Hyderabad will find a mix of south and north India’s cultures, providing a unique taste of the Indian lifestyle. Moreover, studying in Hyderabad is lower than in Bangalore.

Study in Kanpur

The “Leather City”, Kanpur is located north of India, in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Its most persuasive attribute for international students is the presence of its respectable universities, led by the highly ranked Indian Institute of Kanpur (IITK). The IITK is India’s top university which has an exceedingly superior curriculum in engineering programs. Kanpur is also one of the oldest and most significant industrial cities in India, known for its leather industry. International students in Kanpur will have the chance to enjoy first-rate education and acquire practical experience in one of its many tanneries. Engineering students will surely take delight in spending their university years in Kanpur with the pride of having been educated in one of the best engineering institutions in India.

India has a lengthy list of student cities you can choose from. We hope we provided you with some enlightenment about the journey you are about to embark on. We wish you well!