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Special Visas for International Students Launched in India

by EJ_Editor
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International students exploring study opportunities in India with new special visas.

In a significant move to bolster India’s appeal as a global education hub, the Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced two specialized visas category for international students: the ‘e-student visa’ and the ‘e-student-x visa’. These initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to attract a diverse student population and enhance the country’s educational landscape.

International students exploring study opportunities in India with new special visas.
Image Credit: Republic Bharat

E-Student Visa and E-Student-X Visa

The ‘e-student visa’ is designed for international students who have secured admission to Indian educational institutions through the ‘Study in India’ (SII) portal. This portal serves as a centralized platform, providing detailed information on study programs, institutions, and scholarships, thereby assisting students in making informed decisions. Dependents of e-student visa holders are eligible for the ‘e-student-x visa’, facilitating family accompaniment during the study period.

G20 Talent Visa

In addition to the student-specific visas, the Ministry has approved a new category called the ‘G20 Talent Visa’ under the sub-category (S-5 visa) of student visas. This visa is tailored for scientists, researchers, faculty members, and scholar academicians from G20 countries, enabling them to engage in projects, training programs, post-doctoral research, and fellowships in India. This initiative aims to foster international collaboration and position India as a preferred destination for academic and research pursuits.

Promotional Efforts

To raise awareness about these new visa categories, the University Grants Commission (UGC) is actively exploring promotional strategies. These include leveraging Indian embassies abroad, participating in education fairs, conducting webinars, and launching social media campaigns targeted at student communities in key countries. The SII portal will prominently feature information on the G20 Talent Visa, including eligibility criteria and application procedures, in multiple foreign languages. Additionally, testimonials from students who have benefited from these visas will be showcased to build trust and demonstrate the ease of obtaining them.

Impact on International Student Demographics

Currently, nearly 75% of international students in India are pursuing undergraduate courses, with over 15% enrolled in postgraduate programs and over 4% undertaking PhD studies. Nepal is the largest contributor to the international student population in India, accounting for 28% of the total. Following Nepal, students from countries including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, the UAE, Nigeria, Tanzania, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and the US comprise a significant portion of the international student body. Popular courses among these students include Bachelor of Technology, Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Business Administration, and Bachelor of Commerce.

Interesting Read

These visa initiatives, coupled with the government’s commitment to internationalizing higher education, are expected to make India a more alluring option for students worldwide. By simplifying the visa process and promoting the country’s educational offerings, India aims to attract a diverse and talented pool of international students, thereby enriching its academic environment and strengthening global academic collaborations.

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