Study in Maharashtra from Sri Lanka — Admissions, Fees, Visa & Documents 2026
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.
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.