Do international students need to take the MHT CET exam to study in Maharashtra?

No. International category students (FNS, NRI, OCI, CIWGC) do not need to appear for the MHT CET entrance exam. Admission is based on qualifying examination marks and seat availability in the international quota.

Is fn.mahacet.org the official admission portal for international students in Maharashtra?

Yes. fn.mahacet.org is operated by the State Common Entrance Test Cell, Government of Maharashtra. It is the only official single-window admission portal for international category students.

Can international students apply to multiple colleges in Maharashtra?

Yes. Through the single-window system, you can apply to multiple colleges and courses. However, you can confirm only one seat after receiving offers.

Are degrees from Maharashtra colleges internationally recognised?

Degrees from AICTE-approved and UGC-recognised colleges in Maharashtra are recognised globally. Always verify that your chosen college holds the relevant accreditation before accepting admission.

What is the medium of instruction for international students in Maharashtra?

All courses for international students are taught in English. Textbooks, examinations, and academic materials are in English.

Is on-campus accommodation available for international students?

Most colleges offer on-campus hostels for international students at subsidised rates. Where hostel space is limited, colleges assist with finding approved off-campus accommodation.

Can international students work while studying in Maharashtra?

Student visa holders can undertake internships related to their course. Part-time employment rules vary by visa type. Nepal citizens have unrestricted working rights in India.

How much does it cost to study in Maharashtra as an international student?

Annual tuition fees range from $600 to $18,000 USD depending on course and institution type. There is a one-time CET Cell processing fee of $1,200 USD. Monthly living costs range from $150-600 depending on city.

Do Nepal citizens need a visa to study in Maharashtra?

No. Under the 1950 Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Nepali citizens do not require a visa to enter India. They can travel with just their Nepali passport and admission letter.

What documents are required for admission in Maharashtra colleges?

Required documents include: 10th/12th mark sheets and certificates, equivalence certificate, migration/transfer certificate, valid passport (2+ years validity), student visa (except Nepal citizens), passport photos, birth certificate, bank statement showing sufficient funds, and sponsorship letter if applicable. All documents must be in English or officially translated.

Australia Said No - But Maharashtra Said Yes: Why Nepali Students Are Choosing India in 2026

Kalyani Shinde

04 May 2026 — 3 min read

If you've been planning your international education journey toward Australia, 2026 may have changed everything for you - and not in the way you hoped.

Across South Asia, tens of thousands of students dream of studying abroad. The plan often looks the same: save money, prepare documents, apply to an Australian university, and wait. But in 2026, that wait has become more painful than ever - and for Nepali students in particular, the numbers are impossible to ignore.

The Australia Visa Crisis: What the Numbers Say

Australian student visa refusal rates for South Asian applicants have surged to between 35% and 70% in 2026 - a dramatic rise that has left thousands of students stranded without admission, without refunds, and without a path forward.

For Nepal specifically, the situation is severe. Visa approval rates have plummeted from over 90% last year to just 31% - meaning nearly 7 out of every 10 Nepali students who apply are now being rejected. In March 2026 alone, rejection rates hit 73%. Despite these odds, over 5,000 Nepali students still applied within just three months - a sign of how desperate the demand for quality international education has become.

The cruel reality? Students pay application fees, gather every required document, meet academic requirements - and still receive a rejection letter. And in most cases, those fees are non-refundable. The financial and emotional toll is enormous.

Why Maharashtra, India Is the Smarter Alternative

While Australia closes its doors, Maharashtra - one of India's most educationally advanced states - is welcoming international students with open arms and a streamlined admission system designed specifically for them.

The Government of Maharashtra operates an official Foreign Candidates Registration (FCR) portal at fn.mahacet.org - a single-window platform that manages admissions for Foreign Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, CIWGC, and Merchant Navy candidates across 50+ professional courses and 200+ colleges.

Here is what makes this option stand out for Nepali students in particular:

No Visa Required: Nepali citizens do not require a student visa to study in India. This means zero embassy uncertainty, zero visa interview stress, and zero rejection risk from immigration authorities.
Same World-Class Degrees: Engineering, MBBS, MBA, Pharmacy, Law, Architecture, Agriculture - all the same programs available in Australia or the UK, fully recognized degrees from accredited Indian universities.
Dramatically Lower Costs: Tuition fees in Maharashtra are 40–60% lower than Western universities, making quality education genuinely accessible without the burden of enormous student loans.
A Community Already Waiting: Nepal is already the number one source country for international students in India, representing 28% of all international enrollments. Over 13,000+ Nepali students are currently studying in Maharashtra alone - meaning you will find a community, support networks, and familiar faces from day one.
Government-Backed Admissions: The fn.mahacet.org portal is authorized by the State CET Cell, Government of Maharashtra. Every admission decision comes from a verified and accredited institution - no middlemen, no fraud risk.

How the Admission Process Works

We have made the process as simple as possible. Here is how to get started in six steps:

Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility: Use the Category Check tool at fn.mahacet.org to instantly verify your student category (Foreign National, NRI, OCI, CIWGC, etc.). This step determines your eligibility slot and is the most important first action.
Step 2 — Choose Your Course: Browse from 50+ professional programs at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Step 3 — Register Online: Create your account on the portal in under two minutes.
Step 4 — Upload Your Documents: Submit your academic certificates, passport, and category-specific documents.
Step 5 — Receive Your Admission Letter: Get your official acceptance from a verified Maharashtra college.
Step 6 — Arrive and Begin: Start your academic journey in Maharashtra with a vibrant campus life, student clubs, sports, cultural events, and hostel facilities.

Don't Risk Rejection - Choose Certainty

We understand that choosing where to study is one of the most significant decisions of your life. It shapes your career, your network, your financial future, and your personal growth. At Study in Maharashtra, we believe that decision should be made with confidence - not anxiety.

When 70% of students applying to Australia are being turned away, the smart move is to explore alternatives that offer the same quality of education, recognized degrees, and global career prospects - without the visa lottery.

Maharashtra's international student community spans 37+ countries. Students from Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the UAE, Nigeria, the Philippines, and beyond have found their academic home here. You can too.

Take the first step today. Visit fn.mahacet.org, check your category, and start your application. Your future does not have to be put on hold because of a visa system that works against you.