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.

"I Flew 3,000 Miles to Study Chemical Engineering in Maharashtra- Here's How I got in"

Florence Vaz

15 May 2026 — 2 min read

When my family first suggested I pursue engineering abroad, I had a hundred questions and zero answers. Which country? Which college? Which course? And most importantly- how do I even apply?

What I didn't expect was that the answer to all of those questions would come down to one simple website: https://fn.mahacet.org/

Who Am I and Why Maharashtra?

My name is Priya. I'm an international student, and today I'm studying Chemical Engineering at the Department of Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur- one of the most reputed technical institutions in western Maharashtra.

But a year ago, I had never even heard of Shivaji University.

I stumbled upon it while browsing the Government of Maharashtra's Foreign Candidate Registration Portal. I was specifically looking for a Bachelor of Engineering/Technology programme with a strong Chemical Engineering specialisation. And when I searched using the filters on the portal- Bachelors → Bachelor of Engineering/Technology → Chemical Engineering- the Department of Technology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur came up. The placement records, the faculty profile, the campus- everything aligned with what I was looking for.

That one search changed my life.

The Application Process Was Simpler Than I Expected

I'll be honest- I was bracing for a mountain of paperwork, confusing steps, and back-and-forth emails. International admissions have a reputation for being complicated.

But the Foreign Candidate Registration Portal at fn.mahacet.org made it surprisingly straightforward.

What It's Like Studying Chemical Engineering at Shivaji University, Kolhapur

Kolhapur is a beautiful city- culturally rich, student-friendly, and surprisingly cosmopolitan for an international student. The campus at the Department of Technology is well-equipped with modern labs, experienced faculty, and a strong peer community.

Chemical Engineering here isn't just textbook learning. We work in actual process labs, engage with real industrial case studies, and are encouraged to think beyond the classroom. The faculty are deeply invested in student outcomes, and for an international student like me, the support system has been incredible.

I'm still in my first year, but I already feel like I made the right call.

My Message to Every International Student Reading This

If you are sitting somewhere in the world right now, wondering whether studying engineering in India- specifically Maharashtra- is the right move, let me save you the overthinking.

Maharashtra has some of the finest technical institutions in Asia. The Government has made admissions for foreign candidates accessible, transparent, and digital through fn.mahacet.org. You don't need an agent. You don't need a complicated process. You need a good internet connection and clarity on what you want to study.

Go to fn.mahacet.org, use the search filters, add your preferred institutes, and take that first step.

The rest, as they say, follows.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

Whether you want to study Chemical Engineering like me, or any other Bachelor's or Master's programme across Maharashtra, the portal has hundreds of institutes and courses to explore.

👉 Start your application today at fn.mahacet.org

Your seat is waiting. Don't let it go to someone else.