From Italy to Mumbai: An International Student's Story of Studying in Maharashtra
From Italy to Mumbai: An International Student's Story of Studying in Maharashtra
Ajad grew up in Italy with Indian roots on his father's side. Today he is in Mumbai, studying for a master's in Mass Communication and Journalism. This is his story, and a practical look at how international students can study in Maharashtra in 2026-27.
Some decisions look bold from the outside and feel completely natural from the inside. For Ajad, moving from Italy to Mumbai was one of them. He grew up in Italy, with Indian heritage on his father's side, and he is now pursuing a master's degree in Mass Communication and Journalism in the city that sits at the centre of India's media world.
His first months have been demanding and, in his own words, very different from his studies back in Italy. He is also, by his own account, satisfied and learning a great deal, both in his field and in everyday life.
Why an Italian Student Chose Maharashtra
Maharashtra is one of India's most globally connected education destinations, and for a journalism student, Mumbai is hard to beat. The city is the home of Indian cinema, the base for the country's largest media houses, advertising agencies and streaming platforms, and a daily, living lesson in storytelling. For anyone studying communication, film or journalism, that closeness to the industry turns the city itself into a classroom.
There are practical reasons too. All courses for international students are taught in English, so there is no language barrier in lectures, exams or coursework. Tuition and living costs are a fraction of what students pay across Western Europe. And the Government of Maharashtra runs a single official portal, fn.mahacet.org, that international students use to check eligibility and apply, without sitting the MHT CET entrance exam.
More Than a Classroom: An Internship in Ladakh
Ajad's learning has not stayed inside lecture halls. He recently finished an internship in Ladakh, the high Himalayan region in India's far north, and came back describing it as one of the most exciting experiences of his time so far. That mix of formal study and real exposure across India is part of what makes the experience feel bigger than a single degree.
This kind of hands on experience is open to international students. Student visa holders can take up internships connected to their course, which is how many students turn their studies in Maharashtra into real work and real travel across the country.
A Birthday Far From Home
Not every part of studying abroad is about classes and careers. While he was in India, Ajad celebrated his birthday for the first time outside his home country. He admits it felt unusual at first, even a little strange to be so far from family. What changed his mind was simple. Celebrating a birthday, he realised, is about sharing a good moment with the people who love you, and that is exactly what he found in Mumbai with his friends.
It is a small story, but it captures something true about studying in Maharashtra. Students arrive from more than 37 countries and find a community waiting for them. The people change, the place changes, but the feeling of belonging can travel with you.
Thinking of Following Ajad's Path? How International Students Apply
If Ajad's journey sounds like yours, here is how it works. Maharashtra's single window admission system serves five categories of international candidates. Most students from Italy and the rest of Europe apply as Foreign National Students. Those who, like Ajad, have Indian ancestry can apply under the OCI or PIO category if they hold the relevant card.
The important point is that international category students do not sit the MHT CET exam. You apply directly through fn.mahacet.org, where you check eligibility, choose your category, upload your documents and track everything from start to finish in one place.
Application Timeline for the 2026-27 Intake
What It Costs to Study in Maharashtra
Studying in Maharashtra is built around affordability. The only fee you pay to the Government of Maharashtra is a one time charge of USD $1,200, made up of a USD $50 provisional eligibility fee and a USD $1,150 registration fee. It is paid online and is non refundable. Your college tuition is separate and paid directly to the institution.
Tuition itself is modest by European standards. Depending on the course and whether the college is government or private, annual fees range widely, and humanities and communication programmes like Ajad's sit among the more affordable options. Living in Mumbai costs roughly 300 to 520 euros a month including a hostel, food and transport, with Pune and Nagpur cheaper still.
Indicative Annual Tuition for International Students, 2026-27
College tuition per year, plus a one-time USD $1,200 registration via fn.mahacet.org
* Tuition varies by college, from government to private. Figures from fn.mahacet.org and studyinmaharashtra.org. Euro values are approximate at current rates (about 110 INR to 1 EUR).
Your First Week in Mumbai
Landing in a new country is the part that feels biggest. A little planning makes the first week in Mumbai smooth, so you can settle in and start enjoying the city the way Ajad has.
Your First Week in Mumbai, Checklist
Will Your Degree Be Recognised Back in Europe?
A common question from families in Italy and across Europe is whether the degree will count back home. Degrees from AICTE approved and UGC recognised colleges in Maharashtra are recognised globally. Always confirm that your chosen college holds the relevant accreditation before you accept an offer, and keep your documents in order for any attestation you may need later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do international students need to take the MHT CET exam?
No. Foreign National, NRI, OCI, PIO and CIWGC students are exempt from MHT CET. You apply directly through fn.mahacet.org and admission is based on your qualifying marks and seat availability in the international quota.
Can European students apply, even though Italy is not on the country list?
Yes. Any citizen of a country other than India can apply as a Foreign National Student. Students with Indian ancestry, like Ajad, can also apply under the OCI or PIO category if they hold the card. The portal serves students from many nations, so check your eligibility at fn.mahacet.org first.
What does it cost to study in Maharashtra?
You pay a one-time USD $1,200 to the CET Cell (a USD $50 provisional eligibility fee plus a USD $1,150 registration fee, both non refundable). College tuition is separate and paid to the institution. Living in Mumbai costs roughly 300 to 520 euros a month.
Is everything taught in English?
Yes. All courses for international students are taught in English, including textbooks, examinations and academic materials, so there is no language barrier.
What support is there for international students?
The CET Cell runs a helpdesk for admission queries, and individual colleges have International Student Cells that help with accommodation, orientation, academic support and settling into life in Maharashtra.
Ready to Write Your Own Story?
Ajad came to Mumbai for a master's degree and found a city that teaches him something new every day, an internship that took him to the Himalayas, and friends who made a birthday far from home feel like home. Your own version of that story can start with one free eligibility check.
Begin at the Government of Maharashtra's official single window portal, fn.mahacet.org, and take your first step toward studying in Maharashtra in 2026-27.
Questions? Email student@mahacet.org or call the helpline on +91-9076000348 / +91-8879082178 (Mon to Fri, 10 AM to 6 PM IST).
