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.

Study in Maharashtra - Sri Lanka

Study in Maharashtra - Guide for Sri Lankan Students | fn.mahacet.org

Sri Lankan Students: Your Path to World-Class Education in Maharashtra

Affordable fees compared to Sri Lanka. Globally recognised degrees. Direct flights daily. Join students from 68 countries already studying in Maharashtra.

500+

Courses Available

$1,200

One-Time Registration Fee

2 hrs

Direct flights daily

Check Your Eligibility Now

Why Sri Lankan Students Choose Maharashtra

Easy Visa Process

Apply for an Indian Student Visa at the Indian High Commission in Colombo. Processing takes 7-15 working days. Sri Lankan students enjoy streamlined visa processing due to close bilateral ties.

Just 2 Hours from Colombo

Maharashtra is the closest major education destination for Sri Lankan students. Colombo to Mumbai is just 2 hours by direct flight, with multiple daily flights. Weekend visits home are entirely possible.

Affordable Excellence

Engineering degrees from Rs. 400,000-1,500,000 + $1,200. Living costs as low as $200-400/month in student cities like Pune and Nagpur.

Direct Connectivity

Colombo to Mumbai direct flight in just 2 hours. Multiple daily flights by IndiGo, Air India, and SriLankan Airlines. One of the shortest and most affordable international routes.

Globally Recognised Degrees

Degrees from AICTE-approved Maharashtra colleges are recognised by UGC Sri Lanka and all professional bodies. Many Sri Lankan professionals hold Indian degrees.

Welcoming Community

Sri Lanka and India share deep cultural, religious, and linguistic ties. Maharashtra has a thriving Sri Lankan community. Buddhist temples, Sri Lankan restaurants, and cultural events are common in Mumbai and Pune.

Fee Comparison: Sri Lanka vs Maharashtra

See how Maharashtra compares to studying in Sri Lanka or Western countries.

Course	Sri Lanka	Maharashtra (fn.mahacet.org)	UK/Australia
B.E./B.Tech (4 years)	Rs. 800,000-2,500,000	Rs. 400,000-1,500,000 + $1,200	Rs. 5,000,000-10,000,000
MBBS (5.5 years)	Rs. 2,000,000-5,000,000	Rs. 1,000,000-3,500,000 + $1,200	Rs. 8,000,000-15,000,000
MBA (2 years)	Rs. 500,000-1,500,000	Rs. 300,000-1,000,000 + $1,200	Rs. 4,000,000-8,000,000

*Fee ranges approximate. USD $1,200 + $50 one-time fee to CET Cell. College tuition paid separately.

How to Apply: Step by Step

Check Your Eligibility

Visit fn.mahacet.org and verify your requirements. You need GCE Advanced Level (A/L) from a recognised Sri Lankan examination body.

Register Online

Create your account. Select "Foreign National Student (FNS)" category. Upload required documents.

Browse & Select Colleges

Explore available colleges and courses. Apply to multiple institutions through the single-window system.

Pay Provisional Eligibility Fee (USD $50)

Pay the non-refundable provisional eligibility fee of USD $50 online.

Pay Registration Fee (USD $1,150)

After receiving your provisional eligibility letter, pay the one-time registration fee of USD $1,150.

Apply for Student Visa

Apply for an Indian Student Visa at the Indian High Commission in Colombo. Processing takes 7-15 working days. Sri Lankan students enjoy streamlined visa processing due to close bilateral ties. Then fly to Mumbai and begin your studies.

Documents Required

Valid Sri Lankan Passport (minimum 6 months validity)
GCE O/L Certificate and Results
GCE A/L Certificate and Results
Character Certificate from last institution
Passport-size photographs (white background)
Birth Certificate
Bank statement showing sufficient funds
Sponsorship letter (if applicable)

All documents must be in English or officially translated. Originals verified in person at the college.

Questions Sri Lankan Students Always Ask

Do I need to take the MHT CET exam?

No. As a Foreign National Student, you apply directly through fn.mahacet.org. No entrance exam. Admission based on your A/L results and seat availability.

Will my degree be recognised in Sri Lanka?

Yes. Degrees from AICTE-approved Maharashtra colleges are recognised by UGC Sri Lanka and all professional bodies including IESL, SLMC, and SLMA.

How close is Maharashtra to Sri Lanka?

Colombo to Mumbai is just 2 hours by direct flight. Multiple daily flights make weekend visits home entirely possible.

What about SAARC scholarships?

Yes. As a SAARC nation, Sri Lankan students can access SAARC scholarships, ICCR scholarships, SII scholarships, and bilateral India-Sri Lanka educational grants.

Is there a Sri Lankan community in Maharashtra?

Yes. Deep cultural and religious ties between Sri Lanka and Maharashtra. Buddhist temples, Sri Lankan restaurants, and active community associations in Mumbai and Pune.