How to Study in Chennai for International Students
Chennai, one of the beautiful cities in India, is a city that needs to be considered when planning on studying abroad. Here, you can immerse yourself in a rich local culture and learn about its history and the factors that make it unique.
When it comes to the choices that are available, Chennai currently has 18 universities, from which 9 universities are a part of the public sector and 9 universities are private institutions.
Suppose you’re not just looking for any school but a well-performing school. In that case, the top universities in Chennai you should definitely check out are Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Anna University, and University of Madras.
Being able to study in Chennai as an international student starts with planning ahead of time, as the process of researching your institution, filling out forms, and completing your paperwork can take a vast amount of time. In this article, you will find out the application process to study in Chennai, along with information on tuition, language requirements, and visa applications. So, let’s dig in!
1. Cost of Studying in Chennai
When choosing a university, you also need to consider the tuition fees and your budget. Before applying to a university in Chennai, it’s best to have a general knowledge of the tuition fees there. The annual tuition fees for international undergraduate students range from 7,000 INR to 662,700 INR, while for master’s degree studies, the yearly tuition fees are between 2,000 INR and 2,485,000 INR.
Cost of Studying in Public Universities in Chennai
To give you an idea of how much it costs to study in Chennai, here are the tuition fees in these public and private universities:
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University | 452,500 INR | 20,000 INR |
| Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing | 12,000 INR | 50,000 INR |
| Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University | 8,000 INR | |
| Tamil Nadu Teacher Education University | 22,500 INR - 25,000 INR | 2,000 INR |
| Indian Maritime University | 225,000 INR | 200,000 INR - 225,000 INR |
| Anna University | 406,300 INR - 609,500 INR | 162,600 INR |
| University of Madras | 5,000 INR - 200,000 INR |
Cost of Studying in Private Universities in Chennai
| Institution | Bachelor’s International Tuition Fee | Master’s International Tuition Fee |
|---|---|---|
| B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology | 82,900 INR - 207,100 INR | 82,900 INR - 331,400 INR |
| Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research | 124,300 INR - 414,200 INR | 82,900 INR - 331,400 INR |
| Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences | 30,000 INR - 130,000 INR | 30,000 INR - 350,000 INR |
| Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science | 82,900 INR - 621,300 INR | 82,900 INR - 496,100 INR |
| Vels University | 7,000 INR - 200,000 INR | 10,000 INR - 210,000 INR |
| Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research | 186,400 INR - 662,700 INR | 186,400 INR - 2,485,000 INR |
| Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology | 60,000 INR - 160,000 INR | 50,000 INR - 190,000 INR |
| Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology | 60,000 INR - 300,000 INR | 10,000 INR - 150,000 INR |
| Chennai Mathematical Institute | 200,000 INR | 200,000 INR - 400,000 INR |
If you’re looking for the most affordable universities in Chennai, check out the Cheap Universities in Chennai!
Besides tuition fees, you also need to consider other expenses like books, accommodation, and living expenses.
2. Requirements to Study in Chennai for International Students
Beyond tuition fees, knowing the admission requirements is a crucial step in your plans to become an international student. Universities in Chennai might require you to complete an online application and submit your academic records, such as a transcript or diploma from your previous school.
On top of the general paperwork you need to complete, specific program levels might require you to prepare additional documents. For example, some master’s programs require applicants to submit the following:
- Statement of purpose
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Letters of recommendation
Other specialized programs, such as medicine and the MBA, might require you to pass an admission test before you can apply.
Finally, you’ll need to get your travel documents ready, like your passport and visa, in order to travel to Chennai.
Application Procedure to Study in Chennai
The specific admission process may vary depending on the university. The good news is that most institutions in Chennai have online applications available on their websites, like Indian Institute of Technology Madras and Anna University. To help you with this, we also compiled the official websites and admission pages of some of the top institutions in Chennai.
Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Anna University
- Official Website
- Domestic and International Bachelor's Admissions Page
- Domestic and International Master's Admissions Page
University of Madras
Make sure to gather all the information you need for the admission process. As you apply to these institutions, expect that they may ask for additional requirements depending on your nationality, degree, or program. So, it’s best to keep your lines active.
After completing your academic and language requirements, it’s time to apply!
The admission process in Chennai differs from one university to another, so it’s best to contact your chosen school beforehand. Please note that the admission process for international students may take some time, so be sure to know the application dates and apply early.
The application process may take weeks or months, depending on your timing, nationality, degree, and other factors. To make the most of your application, make sure to completely follow the admission steps and submit the necessary requirements to ensure that you’ll be accepted to your chosen university in Chennai.
The key to being admitted to your chosen school will depend on your punctuality and the quality of your application. So make sure to complete the requirements beforehand and follow the steps in applying. After this, you’ll wait for a week or a month for the results.
4. Visa Application for International Students in Chennai
If you’re going to study in Chennai, you will need to apply for a student visa in India
In this section, let’s briefly discuss the requirements needed and how you can apply for a student visa in India. If you’re going to stay here for your studies, you will need to obtain a Student Visa (S).
To start your student visa application in Chennai, you will need to present the following:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-size photos
- Photocopy of passport
- Proof of residential address
- Printed copy of online form
- Formal admission letter from host university
- University details
- Bank statement
Kindly take note that these requirements may vary depending on your nationality. So, please expect that may ask for additional requirements. Moreover, you will be required to pay a student visa application fee. The visa application fee in India is 6610 INR.
After preparing your requirements and application fees, it’s time to apply for a student visa! The first steps in getting your student visa are:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-size photos
- Photocopy of passport
- Proof of residential address
- Printed copy of online form
- Formal admission letter from host university
- University details
- Bank statement
For more information regarding the specific steps in applying for a student visa, visit or contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your home country. They are the ones responsible for processing your student visa application.
That’s it! After getting your student visa, you can now officially study in Chennai. Make sure to book a flight early, before your classes start, so that you’ll have ample time to explore and familiarize yourself in your new place!