Every year, thousands of Nepali students cross the border for a simple reason: India offers globally recognised degrees, modern campuses, and career pathways in Engineering, Nursing, and Business at a fraction of what a Western education costs. But with dozens of universities, scholarship schemes, and fee structures to compare, choosing the right one for 2026 can feel overwhelming.

At Indo Global Foundation, we work with Nepali students every day who are asking the same three questions: Which university is right for me? What will it actually cost after scholarships? And how do I even start the application? This guide answers all three.

Why Study in India in 2026?

For Nepali students, India remains one of the most practical study destinations in the world:

• No visa required. Under the India-Nepal bilateral arrangement, Nepali citizens don't need a student visa to enter India, just your admission and enrolment paperwork.
• Recognised degrees. Institutions like Manav Rachna are NAAC A++ accredited, and nursing colleges are approved by the Indian Nursing Council, so your qualification is respected both in India and back home.
• Lower cost, similar quality. Compared to the UK, Australia, or Canada, tuition and living costs in India are dramatically lower, especially once SAARC country scholarships are applied.
• Proximity to home. Faridabad and Bangalore are both a short flight from Kathmandu, making it easy to visit home during breaks

Where Should You Study? A Quick Comparison

• Manav Rachna — For Engineering, Business & Beyond (Faridabad)

Manav Rachna is actually two institutions under one umbrella: Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies (MRIIRS), a NAAC A++ deemed-to-be-university, and Manav Rachna University (MRU), a NAAC-accredited state private university. Together they cover an enormous range of programmes — B.Tech in CSE, AI & ML, and Cyber Security; BCA and MCA; BBA and MBA; B.Design, Physiotherapy, Clinical Psychology, and Law.

The standout for Nepali students is MRIIRS's SAARC country scholarship, which cuts annual tuition by roughly 50% on STEM programmes (like B.Tech CSE) and around 40% on non-STEM programmes (like B.Com or BBA). MRU, while an equally solid choice academically, doesn't currently extend this scholarship, so students there pay the standard published fee. Both campuses sit in Faridabad, part of the Delhi-NCR region — meaning easy access to India's capital, its internship ecosystem, and its industry partners (Manav Rachna has tie-ups with Microsoft, HCL, and Google Cloud for several specialisations).

• East Point Group of Institutions — For Engineering, Nursing & Health Sciences (Bangalore)

If your interest lies in Engineering or healthcare, East Point in East Bangalore is worth serious consideration. It's one of the few institutions with a genuinely comprehensive SAARC fee structure — separate, published rates for Engineering (with and without a hostel), BBA/BCA/MBA/MCA, Pharmacy, GNM and B.Sc. nursing, allied health sciences, and Physiotherapy, all on one 90-100 acre campus. For engineering, a B.E. in Computer Science & Engineering with hostel runs about Rs. 10,60,000 across four years under the SAARC structure. For nursing, B.Sc Nursing totals roughly Rs. 11,50,000 including hostel, while GNM comes in at about Rs. 5,65,000.

• 3. SJES & Aditya — Nursing-Focused Colleges (Bangalore)

For students set on a nursing career, SJES Group of Institutions and Aditya Group of Institutions are two of the most Nepali-student-friendly options in Bangalore, both offering all-inclusive fees that bundle tuition, hostel, and food together — no surprise add-ons. SJES Group of Institutions (established 1979, AICTE-approved, ISO 9001:2015 certified): B.Sc Nursing at Rs. 8,00,000 total, GNM at Rs. 3,95,000 total. Aditya Group of Institutions (established 1998, Yelahanka): B.Sc Nursing at Rs. 9,00,000 total, GNM at Rs. 4,40,000 total, and already home to 400+ Nepali students — a sign of an established, comfortable community for newcomers. If budget is the deciding factor, SJES currently edges out Aditya on both programmes. But eligibility for both is the same and refreshingly simple: +2 in any stream with 50% marks.

GNM or B.Sc Nursing — Which Should You Choose?

This is one of the most common questions we get. GNM (General Nursing and Midwifery) is a 3-year diploma — shorter, cheaper, and a faster route into the workforce. B.Sc Nursing is a 4-year bachelor's degree that opens more doors: higher studies like M.Sc Nursing, and stronger prospects if you're eyeing international nursing careers down the line. If your budget allows it, B.Sc Nursing is generally the stronger long-term investment.

How to Apply for India for 2026 Intake

1. Shortlist your programme and institution based on your stream (Science, Management, or Arts), budget, and career goals.
2. Check eligibility : most UG programmes need a Class 12 pass with the relevant subject combination and minimum marks.
3. Gather your documents: Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, migration certificate, transfer certificate, citizenship certificate, passport, and passport-size photos.
4. Apply through Indo Global Foundation : we handle university coordination, documentation review, and admission confirmation on your behalf.
5. Confirm your seat and hostel, and prepare for departure , no visa required, just your admission and enrolment paperwork.

Final Thoughts

2026 is shaping up to be a strong year for Nepali students looking at India — scholarship coverage is expanding, and the range of quality programmes across Engineering, Business, and Nursing has never been wider. Whether you're drawn to the tech-industry energy of Faridabad's Delhi-NCR corridor or the healthcare-and-engineering hub of East Bangalore, the right fit comes down to your programme, your budget, and how much a SAARC scholarship can save you.

Have questions about which programme fits you best? Reach out to Indo Global Foundation — we'll walk you through the fees, the scholarships, and the application, one step at a time.

Fee figures in this article reflect AY 2026-27 published rates as of the time of writing and are subject to change by each institution. Please confirm current rates with Indo Global Foundation before applying