Top Programs to Study as Undergrad in Maharashtra 2026-27

Top Programs to Study as Undergrad in Maharashtra 2026-27
Top Programs to Study as Undergrad in Maharashtra 2026-27
Top Programs to Study as Undergrad in Maharashtra 2026-27 | Study in Maharashtra
2026-27 Guide for International Students

Top Programs to Study as Undergrad in Maharashtra 2026-27

Maharashtra is home to over 4,500 colleges and 79 universities, offering some of India's most respected undergraduate degrees. This guide covers the top programs international students are choosing in 2026-27 — with fees, career outcomes, and how to apply without an entrance exam.

200+ Colleges 50+ Programs USD $1,200 One-Time Fee No Entrance Exam Required English Medium

Choosing your undergraduate degree is one of the most important decisions you will make. Where you study shapes your career, your network, and your future earning potential. For international students, Maharashtra offers a compelling combination: globally recognised degrees, 40 to 60 percent lower fees than Western universities, English-medium instruction, and a single application portal at fn.mahacet.org that covers 200+ colleges across the state.

Whether your interest is medicine, technology, business, or design, Maharashtra has a program built for it. Here are the top undergraduate programs international students are choosing in 2026-27, ranked by demand, career outcomes, and value for money.

No Entrance Exam for International Students: Foreign Nationals, NRI, OCI, PIO, and CIWGC students are exempt from MHT-CET and NEET for admission to Maharashtra colleges. Admission is processed directly through fn.mahacet.org.

The Top Undergraduate Programs in Maharashtra

1

MBBS — Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery

5.5 Years (including internship)

MBBS in Maharashtra is the most sought-after program among international students, and for good reason. Maharashtra has over 90 medical colleges, many of which hold NAAC A and A+ grades and are recognised by the National Medical Commission of India. Degrees are accepted globally, including by the WHO-listed institutions directory, making them valid for licensing in most countries after clearing the respective national exit exams.

International students are admitted directly through the fn.mahacet.org portal without needing NEET. Seats are allocated under the NRI/FN/OCI quota, ensuring dedicated capacity. Mumbai and Pune host some of the most well-equipped teaching hospitals in Asia, giving students strong clinical exposure throughout the course.

Fees: INR 10 to 35 Lakh per year
Duration: 5.5 Years
Starting Salary: INR 8 to 18 LPA
NEET Required? No (international students exempt)
2

BE / B.Tech — Bachelor of Engineering / Technology

4 Years

Engineering remains the most popular undergraduate program in Maharashtra by total enrollment. With institutions like IIT Bombay, COEP Pune, VJTI Mumbai, and VNIT Nagpur leading the charge, Maharashtra's engineering ecosystem is one of the deepest in Asia. Top specialisations include Computer Science and Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Electronics and Telecommunication, Mechanical, Chemical, and Civil Engineering.

Placement rates at leading colleges range from 85 to 95 percent, with recruiters including Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Adobe, and Goldman Sachs. For international students seeking a career in tech or core engineering, a Maharashtra B.Tech degree is highly competitive globally. Fees are significantly lower than comparable degrees in the UK, USA, or Australia.

Fees: INR 4 to 15 Lakh per year
Duration: 4 Years
Avg. Starting Salary: INR 8 to 19 LPA
Top Specialisation: CSE / AI & Data Science
3

BDS — Bachelor of Dental Surgery

5 Years (including internship)

For students interested in dentistry, Maharashtra offers a strong network of dental colleges affiliated with universities such as the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS). Courses are conducted in English and follow the National Medical Commission curriculum, which is aligned with global dental education standards. Graduates go on to practice in India and can pursue licensing in their home countries after the relevant exit exam.

Mumbai and Pune dental colleges offer high patient-to-student ratios in clinical training, which makes Maharashtra graduates well-prepared for professional practice. The program is available to international students under the NRI/FN/OCI quota via fn.mahacet.org.

Fees: INR 5 to 20 Lakh per year
Duration: 5 Years
Starting Salary: INR 4 to 10 LPA
Entrance Exam: Exempt for international students
4

B.Pharm — Bachelor of Pharmacy

4 Years

Maharashtra is home to some of India's top-ranked pharmacy colleges, including the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) Mumbai, which is NIRF-ranked among the best pharmacy institutions in the country. The state's pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest in the world, with Pune and Nashik forming major hubs for drug manufacturing and research. This gives B.Pharm graduates from Maharashtra direct access to internships and placements within one of the most in-demand global industries.

The program covers pharmaceutical sciences, drug formulation, clinical pharmacy, and regulatory affairs. Graduates find employment in hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, regulatory bodies, and research labs both in India and internationally.

Fees: INR 4 to 12 Lakh per year
Duration: 4 Years
Avg. Starting Salary: INR 3 to 7 LPA
Industry: Pharma, Biotech, R&D
5

BBA / MBA — Business Administration

BBA: 3 Years | MBA/MMS: 2 Years (PG)

Mumbai is India's financial capital, and studying business in Maharashtra means learning within one of Asia's most active economic environments. For undergraduate business education, the BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration) is a popular 3-year program. For those with a bachelor's degree, the MBA or MMS (Master of Management Studies) is a 2-year postgraduate path available at institutions like NMIMS Mumbai, JBIMS, SPJIMR, and Symbiosis Pune. Median MBA salaries at top Maharashtra institutions reach INR 21 to 32 LPA.

International students benefit from Maharashtra's corporate density, with headquarters of India's top banks, conglomerates, and start-ups all located in Mumbai. Internship and placement opportunities are unmatched compared to most other Indian states.

BBA Fees: INR 2 to 8 Lakh per year
MBA Fees: INR 3 to 12 Lakh per year
MBA Starting Salary: INR 10 to 32 LPA
Top City: Mumbai, Pune
6

B.Arch — Bachelor of Architecture

5 Years

Architecture in Maharashtra benefits from the state's unique mix of colonial heritage, modern urban expansion, and infrastructure development. Mumbai's skyline and Pune's fast-growing cityscape offer living case studies for architecture students. Programs are AICTE and Council of Architecture (CoA) approved, and graduates are eligible to register with architecture bodies in many countries after bridging qualifications where required.

Maharashtra's architecture colleges teach design principles alongside technology, sustainability, and urban planning. Graduates pursue careers in architectural firms, real estate development, urban planning agencies, and interior design. The sector continues to see strong demand with India's rapid infrastructure buildout.

Fees: INR 2 to 8 Lakh per year
Duration: 5 Years
Starting Salary: INR 3 to 8 LPA
Accreditation: AICTE + Council of Architecture
7

BA LLB — Integrated Law Program

5 Years

Law is a growing choice among international students in Maharashtra, particularly at Symbiosis Law School Pune and Government Law College Mumbai — both consistently ranked among India's top law institutions. The integrated BA LLB is a 5-year program combining arts and law, offering a comprehensive grounding in Indian and international legal systems.

Maharashtra's legal ecosystem, centered around the Bombay High Court, one of India's oldest and most active courts, gives law students exceptional exposure to live cases, moots, and internship opportunities with leading law firms. Graduates go on to practice law, join corporate legal teams, or pursue LLM programs internationally.

Fees: INR 1 to 5 Lakh per year
Duration: 5 Years
Starting Salary: INR 4 to 10 LPA
Top Institutions: SLS Pune, GLC Mumbai
8

B.Sc Nursing

4 Years

Nursing is one of the highest-demand healthcare qualifications globally, and a B.Sc Nursing degree from an MUHS-affiliated Maharashtra college is globally competitive. The program follows international nursing education standards, with strong clinical training in attached teaching hospitals. Graduates from Maharashtra nursing programs have successfully obtained nursing licenses in the UK (NMC), USA (NCLEX), Australia, UAE, and across the Gulf.

For international students from countries with strong healthcare job markets, nursing from Maharashtra offers an excellent return on investment. Fees are a fraction of comparable programs in Western countries, and the clinical training quality is comparable or superior.

Fees: INR 1 to 4 Lakh per year
Duration: 4 Years
Global License: UK (NMC), USA (NCLEX), UAE, Gulf
Starting Salary: INR 3 to 7 LPA
9

BAMS / BHMS — Ayurveda and Homeopathy

5.5 Years

Maharashtra is a leading state for AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) education. The BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) and BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery) programs attract international students who want a grounding in traditional medicine systems alongside modern clinical training. These programs are regulated by the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) and the Central Council of Homeopathy (CCH).

Demand for Ayurvedic practitioners is growing significantly in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. International graduates often return home to open clinics or integrate AYUSH practices into existing healthcare systems, particularly in communities with cultural familiarity with these traditions.

Fees: INR 1.5 to 8 Lakh per year
Duration: 5.5 Years
Regulation: CCIM / CCH approved
Growing Market: SE Asia, Gulf, Africa
10

B.Sc Agriculture / Biotechnology

4 Years

Maharashtra's agricultural universities, including Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth and Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, offer well-regarded B.Sc Agriculture programs combining agronomy, soil science, crop production, and farm management. For students from nations with large agricultural economies, such as those in Africa, Southeast Asia, and South Asia, this degree provides technically grounded, globally applicable skills.

Biotechnology programs, meanwhile, are offered by a growing number of institutions affiliated with the University of Pune and other universities, combining biology, chemistry, and technology in a program that feeds into pharmaceutical research, food science, genetic engineering, and environmental science careers.

Fees: INR 1 to 5 Lakh per year
Duration: 4 Years
Starting Salary: INR 3 to 7 LPA
Key Sectors: Agri, Pharma, R&D, Environment

Fee Structure Overview for International Students

All fees below are approximate annual ranges across Maharashtra colleges. The USD $1,200 one-time registration fee is paid to the Maharashtra State CET Cell via fn.mahacet.org and covers processing for the 2026-27 intake. College tuition is paid separately to the respective institution.

Quick Comparison: All Top Programs at a Glance

Program Duration Annual Fees (INR) Starting Salary (INR) Available via fn.mahacet.org
MBBS5.5 Years10 to 35 Lakh8 to 18 LPAYes
BE / B.Tech4 Years4 to 15 Lakh8 to 19 LPAYes
BDS5 Years5 to 20 Lakh4 to 10 LPAYes
B.Pharm4 Years4 to 12 Lakh3 to 7 LPAYes
BBA3 Years2 to 8 Lakh4 to 10 LPAYes
B.Arch5 Years2 to 8 Lakh3 to 8 LPAYes
BA LLB5 Years1 to 5 Lakh4 to 10 LPAYes
B.Sc Nursing4 Years1 to 4 Lakh3 to 7 LPAYes
BAMS / BHMS5.5 Years1.5 to 8 Lakh3 to 7 LPAYes
B.Sc Agriculture / Biotech4 Years1 to 5 Lakh3 to 7 LPAYes

How to Apply as an International Student

All the programs listed above are accessible to international students through a single application at fn.mahacet.org, the official portal of Maharashtra's State CET Cell. You do not need to contact individual colleges separately. The portal handles seat allocation across 200+ Maharashtra institutions.

International students fall under one of the following categories: Foreign National (FN), NRI, OCI/PIO, or CIWGC. Each has its own eligibility criteria and required documents. You can check your category at fn.mahacet.org/category-check/ before applying.

What to Expect in Your First Week

Maharashtra is welcoming and well set-up for international students. Mumbai and Pune, which host the majority of colleges, are cosmopolitan cities with international communities, diverse food options, and English widely spoken in academic and professional settings. Here is a checklist to help you settle in smoothly.

Why Maharashtra Stands Out for Undergrad Study

India has 28 states, but Maharashtra consistently attracts the highest share of international students among them. Several factors explain this:

Economic density. Maharashtra contributes over 15 percent of India's GDP and is home to the country's most active corporate, financial, and manufacturing ecosystems. For students in business, engineering, or finance, this translates directly into internship and placement quality.

Infrastructure. Mumbai and Pune are among Asia's best-connected cities, with international airports, metro systems, and major highway networks. Healthcare, retail, and accommodation are world-class. The cost of living, while higher than smaller Indian cities, remains significantly lower than comparable destinations in the UK, USA, or Australia.

Global recognition. Degrees from Maharashtra's AICTE, UGC, and NMC-approved institutions are recognised in the USA, UK, UAE, GCC countries, Southeast Asia, and most of Africa. Graduates regularly obtain professional licenses in their home countries after completing the relevant national exit or licensing exams.

One application, 200+ colleges. The fn.mahacet.org portal gives international students access to over 200 colleges in a single application. There is no need to apply to each institution separately, and the USD $1,200 one-time registration fee covers the entire process from document verification to provisional eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do international students need MHT-CET or NEET to apply?
No. Foreign National, NRI, OCI, PIO, and CIWGC students are fully exempt from MHT-CET, NEET, and all other Maharashtra entrance exams. Admission is processed entirely through fn.mahacet.org based on your school qualifications and category eligibility.
Which is the most in-demand undergraduate program for international students in Maharashtra?
MBBS remains the most popular choice, followed closely by BE/B.Tech, BDS, and B.Pharm. The choice depends heavily on your academic background, career goals, and home country job market. Students from Gulf countries and Africa tend to favour MBBS and Nursing. Students from Southeast Asia often choose Engineering or Business. Students from South Asia tend to favour MBBS, BDS, and B.Pharm.
Are Maharashtra degrees recognised internationally?
Yes. Degrees from AICTE, UGC, NMC, and Council of Architecture-approved Maharashtra institutions are recognised in most countries. Medical graduates (MBBS, BDS) may need to clear a national licensing exam in their home country, such as the PLAB (UK), USMLE (USA), or DHA (UAE), to practise professionally. Nursing degrees are recognised by the UK NMC, USA NCLEX, and Gulf licensing authorities subject to bridging requirements.
What is the total cost of studying in Maharashtra as an international student?
The one-time registration fee through fn.mahacet.org is USD $1,200 (paid in two stages: USD $50 provisional, then USD $1,150 after eligibility confirmation). College tuition fees vary by program and institution, typically ranging from INR 1 to 35 Lakh per year depending on the course. Monthly living costs in Mumbai or Pune typically range from INR 15,000 to 30,000 for hostel accommodation, food, and transport.
Can I apply for more than one program through fn.mahacet.org?
The fn.mahacet.org portal allows you to indicate course and college preferences during the registration process. The portal covers all major undergraduate programs including MBBS, BE/B.Tech, BDS, B.Pharm, MBA, B.Arch, BA LLB, B.Sc Nursing, BAMS, BHMS, and B.Sc Agriculture across 200+ Maharashtra colleges. For more guidance, visit fn.mahacet.org or contact student@mahacet.org.

Start Your Application Today

All 10 programs listed above are available to international students through a single application. No entrance exam. No agent needed. Apply directly at fn.mahacet.org.

Apply Free at fn.mahacet.org Questions? Email student@mahacet.org or call +91-9076000348 (Mon to Fri, 10am to 6pm IST)

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