How to Apply For an Indian Student Visa From Nigeria

India is one of the fastest-developing countries in the world; it is particularly strong in the fields of medicine, technology, and engineering.

Indian universities have relatively high learning and education standards with cheap tuition fees which could be as low as $5,000 – 6,000/year. Living expenses in India can vary with accommodation (on-campus or off), meals, and transportation costs about 27,265 INR ($2,620) a month. This figure includes rent.

If you want to study in India as a Nigerian international student, I have written a step-by-step guide on how you can apply for your India student visa from Nigeria easily.

Indian Student Visa

The Indian student visa is issued to a visa applicant who intends to undergo educational study in India.

Student visas are short-term visas usually ranging from 3 months to 3 years (Ph.D.) that allow a person to visit and stay in India for the total time duration of the educational course applied for at the Indian institution, college, or university.

What are India Student Visa Application Requirements?

The India student visa must be applied for in person at the India high commission in Lagos. The visa and immigration application requirements include the following:

A Nigerian international passport is valid for at least 6 months after your intended stay in the country, it must have at least two blank pages. You can also submit previous passports with visas and stamps; this can help assess your travel history.
One photocopy of the bio-data page of the international passport.
Two passport photographs of the size 50 mm X 50 mm (2 inch x 2 inches) with white background, Passports should be glued on your visa application forms in the box provided on pages 1 and 2.
A duly completed online visa application form. The forms should be signed in the box under the photograph on page 1 and at the end of page 2. Your signatures should match the signature printed on your passport.
Applicants must provide their own contact details including e-mail address, visa application will be refused if false.
Original copy of university admission letter duly signed and stamped from an Indian university, institution, or college indicating provisional admission into a full-time course of study.
Copies of the student visa applicant’s previous education qualification i.e. WAEC senior school certificate, university transcripts, bachelor’s degree certificate, diploma, etc.
A copy of the visa applicants’ birth certificate.
Letter of financial support from the applicant’s parents or guardian inclusive of a government-issued ID card and a certified bank account statement of the last three months issued by the parents/guardian’s bank in his/her name, stating the ability to afford all tuition and living expenses in India for the total duration of the educational study. In the case of sponsorship, a letter of financial consent properly addressed, stamped, and signed by the sponsor, along with a copy of his/her government-issued identity Card or international passport should be attached.
Yellow fever, polio, and IPV vaccination certificate for all applicants except infants under six months.
Receipt of visa fee payment of $252.00 (N116,038) including a surcharge of $2.00 (N920.94), this is only accepted at the Sterling Bank counter in the Indian High Commission premises in Abuja or Lagos. Note that visa fees are nonrefundable, so do not conclude travel arrangements until you’re issued a visa.
Evidence of funds transfer sufficient for 4 month’s stay in India, this could be in the form of a traveler’s cheque or transfer into an Indian bank account in the visa applicant’s name.

Additional documents may be required during the interview at the discretion of the Consular Officer, ensure that you can easily provide them.

India Visa Application Process

The visa application process includes five stages such as;

Log on to Indiavisaonline, fill out your online visa application form, and print out the form.
Pay your India student visa application fee of $252 at the Sterling Bank counter at the Indian High Commission in Lagos.
Submit your application form and all supporting documents to the consular officer at the Indian High Commission in Lagos.
Attend your visa interview and provide extra documentation if needed.
Collect your passport/visa from the Indian High Commission.

Visa application submissions are between 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM on all working days. Visa should be applied for in person at the High Commission in Lagos or Abuja.

Covid 19 Requirements to travel to India

COVID-19 test is not required for entry into India but passengers are advised to strictly adhere to all safety protocols and guidelines issued by the government to curb the spread of the virus.

Additionally, travelers may be subject to further health checks and quarantine measures if they show symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

It is crucial that all travelers to India stay informed about the latest updates and guidelines regarding travel during the pandemic to ensure a safe journey.