Top Programs to Study as Undergrad in Maharashtra 2026-27
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.
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.
The Top Undergraduate Programs in Maharashtra
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.
BE / B.Tech — Bachelor of Engineering / Technology
4 YearsEngineering 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.
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.
B.Pharm — Bachelor of Pharmacy
4 YearsMaharashtra 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.
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.
B.Arch — Bachelor of Architecture
5 YearsArchitecture 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.
BA LLB — Integrated Law Program
5 YearsLaw 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.
B.Sc Nursing
4 YearsNursing 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.
BAMS / BHMS — Ayurveda and Homeopathy
5.5 YearsMaharashtra 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.
B.Sc Agriculture / Biotechnology
4 YearsMaharashtra'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.
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.
Fee Structure for International Students — 2026-27
INR annual fees + USD $1,200 one-time registration via fn.mahacet.org
* Fees are per-year ranges across Maharashtra colleges. Source: fn.mahacet.org. USD conversions at approx. 1 INR = 0.012 USD (May 2026).
Quick Comparison: All Top Programs at a Glance
| Program | Duration | Annual Fees (INR) | Starting Salary (INR) | Available via fn.mahacet.org |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MBBS | 5.5 Years | 10 to 35 Lakh | 8 to 18 LPA | Yes |
| BE / B.Tech | 4 Years | 4 to 15 Lakh | 8 to 19 LPA | Yes |
| BDS | 5 Years | 5 to 20 Lakh | 4 to 10 LPA | Yes |
| B.Pharm | 4 Years | 4 to 12 Lakh | 3 to 7 LPA | Yes |
| BBA | 3 Years | 2 to 8 Lakh | 4 to 10 LPA | Yes |
| B.Arch | 5 Years | 2 to 8 Lakh | 3 to 8 LPA | Yes |
| BA LLB | 5 Years | 1 to 5 Lakh | 4 to 10 LPA | Yes |
| B.Sc Nursing | 4 Years | 1 to 4 Lakh | 3 to 7 LPA | Yes |
| BAMS / BHMS | 5.5 Years | 1.5 to 8 Lakh | 3 to 7 LPA | Yes |
| B.Sc Agriculture / Biotech | 4 Years | 1 to 5 Lakh | 3 to 7 LPA | Yes |
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.
Application Timeline for 2026-27 Intake
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.
Your First Week in Maharashtra — Checklist
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
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)