Study in India (SII) portal for international students launched by the Government of India

Aligned with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of positioning India as a global education hub, the Government of India launched the Study in India (SII) portal on August 3rd, 2023, which will provide an integrated one-stop platform for student registration and visa application.

The event was attended by the Minister of State for Education, Dr Subhas Sarkar; Minister of State for Education, Smt Annapurna Devi; Minister of State for Education and External Affairs, Shri Rajkumar Singh; Member of Parliament, Dr Mahesh Sharma; senior officials of Ministry of Education and Skill Development and Ambassadors of more than ten countries.

During the event, students from countries such as Russia, Thailand, Japan, Ethiopia, Ecuador, Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Korea, who are currently pursuing their education in India, had the honour of presenting culturally significant souvenirs as a gesture of respect to the distinguished guests.

The Study in India (SII) Portal is a dedicated online platform offering comprehensive insights into Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Through this website, a wide array of academic programs will be showcased, encompassing various levels, including undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and doctoral programs. Moreover, the platform will highlight courses rooted in the Indian Knowledge System, including disciplines like Yoga, Ayurveda, and classical arts. Valuable information on academic amenities, research assistance, and related resources will be readily accessible on the portal.

The newly revamped website will introduce a provision allowing students to apply for admission to multiple institutes or courses of their preference. Additionally, the portal will streamline the student registration process and facilitate visa applications, providing an integrated, convenient, one-stop solution.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan said that SII Portal is a one-stop platform that will simplify international students’ academic journey in India. Guided by the NEP, he added that the SII Portal reflects our commitment to making India a preferred education destination and blurring academic boundaries for shaping a prosperous future. Shri Dharmendra Pradhan further said that with the vision of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of making education transcend geo-political boundaries, the SII Portal is going to be a pivotal step in making India a preferred destination for higher education among students worldwide, he added.

While addressing the gathering, Dr. S. Jaishankar said that the portal signifies the Government’s commitment to making India a global hub of education by welcoming students of diverse backgrounds. It will establish a strong international footprint of the brand ‘India’ in education. He added that from registration to visa approval and selecting desired courses or institutions. The portal will be the entire journey of international students wishing to study in India. The Minister further said that the presence of international students would also benefit domestic students by connecting them more closely to globalizing world and preparing them better for the global workplace. He mentioned how the implementation of NEP2020 has already initiated the entrance of foreign universities in India and the opening of international campuses of our premier institutions.

Key Features: 

Partnership with Premier Education Institutes: The SII program involves a collaboration with educational institutes fulfilling one of the following criteria: 

• National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF)ranking (<=100)
• National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) accreditation score (>=3.01)
• Institutes of National Importance (INI)
  

This initiative ensures esteemed institutions collaborate as partners in welcoming and enrolling international students who aspire to pursue their education in India.

The SII program presents a streamlined and meticulously organized application process tailored to international students aspiring to embrace higher education opportunities within Indian Higher Education Institutes. This online platform simplifies the journey from initial registration to eventual visa approval. It empowers students to select their preferred courses meticulously, obtain offer letters from institutes, and ultimately realize their academic aspirations within India’s borders. By delivering such a seamless experience, the SII program continually entices proficient and ambitious scholars from across the globe to partake in India’s dynamic and culturally rich academic milieu.

SII is a flagship endeavour by the Government of India under the aegis of the Ministry of Education (MoE). Its prime objective revolves around augmenting the count of international students within Indian education institutions. Concurrently, the program aspires to elevate India’s stature as the preferred global destination for academic pursuits, affording education that’s not only affordable but also of premium quality, aligning with international benchmarks.

India, boasting one of the world’s most expansive higher education systems, hosts a diverse array of courses that cater adeptly to the evolving requisites of the worldwide workforce. The Study in India initiative thus aims to facilitate international students access to these diverse academic offerings while spotlighting the nation’s unparalleled academic eminence.