International students in Pune typically spend INR 6,000–18,000 per month on a hostel or PG room, INR 3,500–7,000 on food and INR 400–1,200 (PMPML buses, metro and shared autos) on transport. Pune is the Oxford of the East — and all figures are far below comparable Western student cities.
Planning a budget is the first practical step after choosing a college. Here is what students actually spend in Pune, the Oxford of the East.
Why Students Choose Pune
Savitribai Phule Pune University, COEP and a dense cluster of engineering and management institutes give Pune one of India's largest student populations.
Where Students Live
Popular student areas: Kothrud, Karve Nagar and Deccan around SPPU; Viman Nagar and Kharadi near the IT belt; Pimpri-Chinchwad for engineering campuses. College hostels are the cheapest option when available; private PGs and shared flats fill the gap.
Monthly Budget at a Glance
| Expense | Typical monthly range |
|---|---|
| Hostel / PG rent | INR 6,000–18,000 |
| Food (mess + eating out) | INR 3,500–7,000 |
| Local transport | INR 400–1,200 (PMPML buses, metro and shared autos) |
| Phone / internet | INR 300–600 |
Figures are approximate 2026 ranges and vary with area and lifestyle.
Tips for International Students
- Take the college hostel in year one — it is the easiest way to settle in.
- A local SIM with UPI payments set up makes daily life dramatically cheaper.
- Student concessions apply on many transport passes — carry your college ID.
How Admission Works
Foreign National, NRI, OCI, PIO and CIWGC students apply to Pune colleges through the official State CET Cell portal fn.mahacet.org — one application, merit-based for most courses, no MHT CET for the international quota.
Register Free on fn.mahacet.orgFrequently Asked Questions
How much does a student need per month in Pune?
A realistic all-in budget including rent (INR 6,000–18,000), food (INR 3,500–7,000) and transport (INR 400–1,200 (PMPML buses, metro and shared autos)) — varying by area and lifestyle.
Is Pune safe for international students?
Maharashtra's student cities host learners from 68 countries. Standard urban precautions apply; campuses and student areas are accustomed to international residents.
Can I work part-time as an international student?
Indian student visas do not generally permit off-campus employment. Plan your budget on family or scholarship funding.
What are the State CET Cell fees?
The total fee is USD 1,200 — a USD 50 eligibility-check fee when you submit documents, and USD 1,150 registration after eligibility is confirmed. Tuition is paid separately to your college.