The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that all foreign nationals seeking admission to Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) must register on the Study In India (SII) portal starting from the 2025-26 academic year. The move aims to centralise foreign student data, link study visas to the portal, and enhance safety, monitoring, and compliance.
Previously, foreign students applied directly to institutions without a unified database, making it difficult to track overstays and address security concerns. With the new system, the SII portal will streamline admissions, visa processes, and real-time data sharing with authorities.
HEIs enrolling foreign students must register on the portal and appoint a Compliance Officer to oversee adherence to guidelines, manage accommodation, and ensure student welfare. The initiative is expected to support the rising number of foreign students, especially as global universities expand their presence in cities like Bengaluru.
The centralised system will also reduce visa misuse, enhance campus security, and improve transparency in international admissions — strengthening India’s position as a global education destination.
