There is a popular saying: “No matter how good you are, there is always an Indian who is better.” While this remark is often shared with a touch of humor, it also reflects India’s remarkable progress in education, technology, and cultural innovation. Instead of admiring from afar, why not experience this energy in person?

For those who do not plan a long-term stay, short-term courses offer a perfect opportunity. They allow international students and visitors to enhance knowledge while exploring India’s vibrant culture, arts, and daily life. This article provides an overview of the most relevant programmes, from academic study to wellness and creative arts.

1. Government-Sponsored Programmes and Scholarships

Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)

• Organised by India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

• Offers over 2,500 training programmes and around 12,000 fully-funded scholarships each year.

• Benefits include airfare, tuition, accommodation, and living expenses.

• Open to citizens of more than 160 countries.

• Applications must be submitted through the Indian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

The ITEC scholarship covers all expenses: return airfare, visa, tuition fees, study materials, accommodation, and daily living allowance, including study tours and book grants. Explore the ITEC courses available in 2025.

Study India Programme (SIP)

• Designed for Persons of Indian Origin (PIO/OCI).

• Provides short courses on Indian culture, history, economics, and social development.

• Applications are available through the Ministry of Education or partner universities.

 

2. Academic Opportunities at Indian Universities

• Sharda University: Offers a wide range of short-term courses both online and on campus, suitable for international students and professionals.

• Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) – Customized Short-Term Study in India Program (CSIP): Flexible courses from 1 to 4 weeks, tailored for students and faculty from overseas universities.

• Lucknow University: From 2025–26, will launch non-credit courses for international students in Hindi, economics, and Indian culture.

• Online Professional Courses: Popular short courses in Digital Marketing, Data Science, Machine Learning, or Product Management (ranging from a few weeks to several months).
  
  

3. Blending Learning with Cultural Experience

Yoga and Ayurveda

India is the birthplace of yoga, and numerous institutions welcome international learners:

• The Yoga Institute (Mumbai) – the world’s oldest organised yoga centre, offering:

• Seven-Day Health Camp (an introduction to yoga)

• Twenty-One-Day Better Living Course (asana, pranayama, nutrition, and lifestyle practices).

Image: The Seven-Day Health Camp course taught at The Yoga Institute. Source: The Yoga Institute. Discover more courses here.

• Kaivalyadhama Health & Yoga Research Centre (Lonavla) – combines traditional yoga with modern scientific research.

• Yoga Retreats: Options such as Ananda (Himalayas), Vana (Rishikesh), or Dharana (near Mumbai) provide wellness experiences from 4 days to several weeks.

Arts and Language

• Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA): Three-month certificate courses in filmmaking, rock art appreciation, screenwriting, and folklore.

• Central Institute of Hindi (Agra): Short courses in Applied Hindi Linguistics, Translation, and Mass Communication—ideal for language enthusiasts and educators.

Image: Website of the Central Institute of Hindi. Source: Central Institute of Hindi.

4. Emerging and Innovative Programmes

• Sand Art by IGNOU & Sudarsan Pattnaik: Free courses on SWAYAM platform, accessible to all age groups.

• Makers Lab – Infosys at AKTU (Lucknow): Hands-on exposure to Robotics, AI, IoT, and 3D Printing; access to over 19,000 online courses.

• RISHTA Programme – SGSITS (Indore): Short academic modules (10–40 credits) in Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things, and Electric Vehicles, aligned with industry needs.

• Skill-Based Courses at SNDT Women’s University (Pune): Unique peer-to-peer learning in creative fields such as makeup, hairstyling, and classical dance.

 

5. How to Apply

a) Government Programmes (ITEC, SIP, Hindi Institute)

1. Visit the official website or contact the Indian Embassy in your country.

2. Prepare documents: application form, passport, CV, academic records, recommendation letter (if required).

3. Submit as instructed and wait for evaluation.

4. Receive an Admission Letter once accepted.
   
   

b) University Courses (Sharda, TISS, Lucknow, SGSITS, AKTU)

1. Apply through the university’s International Students/Admissions portal.

2. Complete the online form and upload documents (CV, transcripts, Statement of Purpose, passport).

3. Pay any registration fee (if applicable).

4. Receive an official Offer Letter or confirmation.
   
   

c) Yoga, Retreat, and Arts Programmes (Yoga Institute, Kaivalyadhama, Ananda, IGNCA)

1. Register directly on the official website.

2. Choose preferred dates and packages (many include accommodation and meals).

3. Pay online (credit card/PayPal accepted in most centres).

4. Receive a confirmation email.
   
   

d) Online Platforms (SWAYAM, Coursera, edX)

• Simply sign up with an email account.

• No visa or admission documents required.

 

6. Visa Requirements

Tourist eVisa – ideal for short-term courses

• For yoga, retreats, cultural studies, or short non-degree courses.

• Valid for 30 days, 1 year, or 5 years.

• Apply online at the official Indian eVisa portal.

• Required: passport valid for 6 months, digital photo, passport page scan, and visa fee.

• Processing time: 1–4 working days.
  
  

Student Visa – for long-term or degree-granting programmes

• Mandatory if a course lasts longer than 180 days or awards a formal qualification.

• Apply at the Indian Embassy/Consulate.

• Required: Admission Letter, valid passport, academic records, proof of funds or scholarship, and health insurance.

• Validity: generally matches course duration.
  
  

Special ITEC Visa

• Issued directly to ITEC scholarship recipients.

• Fully sponsored by the Government of India, with no visa fee.
  
  

In summary,

India today is not only a fascinating travel destination but also a dynamic academic hub. From government-funded programmes and advanced university courses to wellness retreats and cutting-edge innovations, the options are as diverse as the country itself. Whether you are a student, professional, or curious traveller, short-term study in India offers a rewarding blend of knowledge, culture, and personal growth.

 

Need help with your Indian eVisa in 24 hours?

If you need expert assistance to review your documents and ensure accurate information when applying for an Indian eVisa, contact india-immi.org. Our professional team will support you from preparation until you set foot in India.