Study in Maharashtra with Top Public Universities 2026-27
Study in Maharashtra with Top Public Universities 2026-27
Maharashtra is home to some of India's most respected public universities, offering internationally recognised degrees at a fraction of the cost of Western institutions. This guide covers the top public universities in Maharashtra, what makes each one stand out, and exactly how international students apply through the single-window portal at fn.mahacet.org.
India's higher education system ranks among the world's largest, and Maharashtra sits at its most competitive tier. The state contributes 11% of India's top-ranked universities according to NIRF 2025 data, placing it second only to Tamil Nadu. For international students, these public institutions offer something rare: world-class research facilities, diverse program options, and tuition fees that are far more accessible than comparable universities in the UK, USA, or Australia.
All international students, whether Foreign Nationals, NRI, OCI, PIO, or CIWGC, apply through one single-window portal: fn.mahacet.org. There is no separate application for each university. One registration, one process, access to over 200 colleges across Maharashtra.
Top Public Universities in Maharashtra for International Students
Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) — Pune
Founded in 1949, Savitribai Phule Pune University is the flagship public university of Maharashtra and one of the most recognised names in Indian higher education. Ranked 56th among universities in India by NIRF 2025 and #566 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, SPPU covers three districts and affiliates over 800 colleges. The university has active research collaborations with institutions including the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell, and ISRO, making it the only non-IIT university with an ISRO Space Technology Cell.
International students at SPPU benefit from a dedicated International Centre with residential facilities, and over 400 programs spanning engineering, sciences, management, humanities, and law. Programs are conducted in English at postgraduate level and in most technical undergraduate programs.
University of Mumbai — Mumbai
The University of Mumbai, established in 1857, is one of the oldest and largest affiliating universities in the world, with more than 800 affiliated colleges spread across Mumbai and surrounding districts. It has a consistently strong NIRF ranking and is known particularly for programs in commerce, law, science, and humanities. Mumbai's position as India's financial and entertainment capital adds unparalleled career networking value for international graduates.
The university's Fort Campus in South Mumbai is a UNESCO-recognised heritage structure. International students looking to study in a truly global city, with direct connectivity to international business, finance, and media industries, will find Mumbai University a compelling choice. Engineering programs affiliated to this university are accessible through fn.mahacet.org.
Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU) — Nagpur
RTMNU is one of the largest universities in Asia by student enrollment, based in Nagpur, the geographical center of India. Established in 1923, the university affiliates over 600 colleges across the Vidarbha region and offers programs across engineering, pharmacy, management, science, and law. Nagpur's lower cost of living compared to Pune or Mumbai makes RTMNU an attractive option for international students who want academic quality without metropolitan expenses.
The university has a strong research output in science and technology, and its engineering and pharmacy affiliated colleges are among the most active on fn.mahacet.org for international student enrollment.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University (BAMU) — Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)
BAMU is named after India's constitution architect and carries a strong legacy of social justice alongside academic excellence. Located in Aurangabad (now officially Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), the university serves the Marathwada region and is one of the most accessible in terms of cost of living for international students. BAMU has a well-developed international student office and actively welcomes students from Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
Key programs include engineering, pharmaceutical sciences, management, and arts. The university is affiliated with UGC and AIU, ensuring that qualifications earned here are recognised through proper international attestation channels.
Shivaji University — Kolhapur
Shivaji University, established in 1962 and named after the Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, is based in Kolhapur in southwestern Maharashtra. Known for its strong programs in science, technology, and humanities, the university has affiliations with over 280 colleges. Kolhapur itself is a heritage city known for its palaces, temples, and textile industry, offering international students a culturally rich environment at significantly lower living costs than Pune or Mumbai.
The university has a particularly strong research profile in chemistry and material science, with published output in international journals. It is NAAC accredited and UGC-approved, with degrees recognised internationally through the standard attestation trail.
Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University (DBATU) — Lonere (Raigad)
DBATU is Maharashtra's dedicated public technological university, focused exclusively on engineering and technology programs. Situated on a 525-acre campus in Lonere, Raigad district, it is a unitary university that directly awards its own degrees rather than affiliating colleges. This makes the academic experience more cohesive and research-focused. DBATU is affiliated with UGC and AIU and is a strong choice for international students who want a specialised engineering education in a close-knit campus setting.
The campus is about 100 km from Mumbai, offering good connectivity to India's largest city while maintaining a campus-oriented lifestyle. Programs include B.Tech, M.Tech, MBA, and MCA.
Comparison: Top Public Universities in Maharashtra at a Glance
Typical Fee Structure at Public Universities — 2026-27
INR fees per year + USD $1,200 one-time registration via fn.mahacet.org
* Fees are per year ranges across Maharashtra public colleges. Source: fn.mahacet.org
| University | City | Est. | NIRF 2025 | NAAC | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Savitribai Phule Pune University | Pune | 1949 | Rank 56 | A+ | Science, Tech, Management |
| University of Mumbai | Mumbai | 1857 | Top 100 | A+ | Commerce, Law, Humanities |
| RTMNU Nagpur | Nagpur | 1923 | Top 150 | A | Engineering, Pharmacy |
| Dr. BAMU Aurangabad | Aurangabad | 1958 | Top 200 | A | Pharma, Management, Arts |
| Shivaji University | Kolhapur | 1962 | Top 200 | A+ | Science, Engineering |
| DBATU Lonere | Raigad | 1989 | N/A | UGC | B.Tech, M.Tech only |
How International Students Apply to Maharashtra Public Universities
Maharashtra operates a single-window admission system for all international students, managed by the State CET Cell. Whether you want to study at SPPU, Mumbai University, or RTMNU, your application starts at one place: fn.mahacet.org. There are no individual university applications to fill out and no separate eligibility tests to pass for most programs. Engineering, pharmacy, management, architecture, and hotel management admissions are merit-based on 12th grade marks.
Application Timeline for 2026-27 Intake
Arriving in Maharashtra: What to Expect in Your First Week
Most international students land at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai. Pune has its own international airport with growing direct connections. From Mumbai, Pune is about 3 hours by road or Shatabdi Express train. Nagpur has its own international airport with connections to the Gulf, Southeast Asia, and other Indian cities. Wherever your university is, Maharashtra's transport network makes getting there straightforward.
Your First Week in Maharashtra — Checklist
Are Degrees from Maharashtra Public Universities Recognised Internationally?
Yes. All public universities in Maharashtra are approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and affiliated with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Degrees from these institutions are recognised across the world through the standard attestation chain: State HRD Department attestation, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) attestation, and then Embassy or Consulate attestation in your home country. Many countries have bilateral agreements with India that simplify this process further.
If you plan to pursue further studies or professional registration after completing your degree in Maharashtra, check the specific requirements of your home country's recognition authority. For most fields including medicine (with NEET), engineering, pharmacy, and management, graduates from Maharashtra's public universities regularly gain employment and further study placements internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do international students need to take MHT-CET to apply to Maharashtra public universities?
No. International students applying under the Foreign National, NRI, OCI, PIO, or CIWGC categories are fully exempt from MHT-CET. Admission for engineering, pharmacy, management, and most other professional programs is based entirely on 12th grade marks. Applications are submitted through fn.mahacet.org.
Can I apply to multiple universities through fn.mahacet.org at the same time?
Yes. The fn.mahacet.org portal is a single-window system. When you register, you can browse and select colleges affiliated with multiple universities across Maharashtra in your preference list. You are not limited to one university. The system allocates seats based on merit ranking across all your preferences.
What is the total cost to apply as an international student?
The Government of Maharashtra charges a total of USD $1,200 in one-time administrative fees: a USD $50 provisional eligibility fee paid at registration, and a USD $1,150 processing fee paid after receiving your provisional eligibility letter. College tuition fees are paid separately to the institution after seat allotment. Tuition varies by college and course.
Which Maharashtra public university is best for engineering programs?
Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) and its affiliated colleges consistently rank highest for engineering in Maharashtra, followed by RTMNU Nagpur and DBATU Lonere. The right choice depends on your preferred city, budget, and specific branch of engineering. All three have strong industry connections and UGC-approved programs.
Is accommodation available for international students at Maharashtra public universities?
Most major public universities in Maharashtra have dedicated student hostels, and several have specific International Student Centres with separate accommodation. SPPU in Pune has a well-established International Centre with residential options. It is recommended to apply for hostel accommodation through your college at the time of admission, as demand is high.
Ready to Study at a Top Maharashtra Public University?
The single-window portal at fn.mahacet.org makes it straightforward. One registration gives you access to 200+ colleges across Maharashtra, including all the public universities listed in this guide. Start your application today and get your provisional eligibility checked for free.
Start Your Application — fn.mahacet.orgQuestions? Email: student@mahacet.org
