Let’s face it, choosing a city to study in can feel overwhelming. You’re not just picking a university. You’re picking a lifestyle. Culture. Career springboard. Now imagine this: a city that never sleeps, where Bollywood meets big business, where the sea hugs the skyline, and ambition fuels every corner.
Welcome to Mumbai, India’s economic engine and cultural kaleidoscope.
In this comprehensive study guide in Mumbai, you’ll find everything you need to know before making the leap, which colleges are worth your passport, where international students live, what it all costs, how to get around, and how to make the most of your time in this electric, chaotic, and totally unforgettable city.
Mumbai (formerly Bombay) isn’t just any Indian metro. It’s a whirlwind of stories, skyscrapers, and street food. More than 20 million people call this place home, and a growing number of international students are choosing Mumbai for its world-ranked universities, English-medium instruction, professional networks, and, let’s be honest, its personality.
If you’re serious about studying abroad in India, this guide will get you Mumbai-ready, fast.
Why Mumbai is a Magnet for International Students
Mumbai works like no other city in India. It’s fast. Fiery. And fiercely focused. That’s exactly why it draws in students from across the world.
Here’s the deal: Mumbai offers globally recognised universities, English-taught courses, and cutting-edge programs in business, media, design, finance, technology, biosciences, and liberal arts.
For international students, it combines academic depth with real-world access. Your classroom lessons connect to live newsrooms, stock exchanges, film sets, and corporate hubs, all within a 10-minute rickshaw ride. Not bad, right?
And while big cities can overwhelm, Mumbai is strangely intimate. People talk. Help a lot. And even in all the madness, you find neighbourhoods that feel like home.
Add in professional internships, diverse food, cultural exposure, and direct access to nearly every future industry, and you’re not just picking a place to study. You’re entering an ecosystem to grow in.
Top 10 Universities and Colleges in Mumbai
1. University of Mumbai (MU)
Historical anchor of the city’s academic world. Offers over 700 affiliated colleges across disciplines. Bachelor’s to PhDs. Strong in Arts, Commerce, Law, and Science.
2. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)
Ranked in the global top 200 (QS 2024). Ideal for Engineering, Data Science, AI, Design, and STEM research. Exceptionally competitive.
3. Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS)
Globally respected for Social Sciences, Development Studies, and Mental Health programs. Progressive, intensive, and socially driven education.
4. Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS)
One of India’s top private B-schools. Offers MBA, Finance, Law, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship programs with sharp corporate ties.
5. Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies (JBIMS)
Hard to get into, impossible to forget. Elite MBA, Finance, and Management program recognised throughout India.
6. Sir J. J. School of Art
One of the oldest and most prestigious art institutions in India. Fine Arts, Visual Communication, and Architecture.
7. HR College of Commerce and Economics
Autonomous, research-driven, and known for practical exposure in commerce, finance, and allied studies.
8. St. Xavier’s College
Top liberal arts college affiliated to Mumbai University. Admissions are selective. Strong in Psychology, Literature, Mass Media, and Sociology.
9. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT Mumbai)
For those dreaming in colour, fabric, and form. Top-rated fashion and design campus with global exposure.
10. Whistling Woods International
Founded by filmmaker Subhash Ghai. It’s the place to learn filmmaking, production, animation, and media arts.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Mumbai
- Tribe Stays, Andheri West
- Your Space, Powai
- Oxfordcaps, Andheri East
- Stanza Living Borgia House, Vile Parle
- Colive Infinity, Malad
- Zolo Crown, Kandivali
- Campus Perch, Bandra East
- HolaHostel, Churchgate
- Nestaway Shared Flats, Borivali
- Youthville, Charni Road
Top 10 Student Areas in Mumbai
1. Andheri (East & West)
Super central. Close to IIT Bombay, NMIMS, and many media colleges. Bustling area with top PGs like Tribe and Oxfordcaps. Also filled with coworking spaces, malls, and cafés.
2. Bandra
Trendy and youthful. Close to St. Andrews and Rizvi College. Hotspot for fashion, film, and café crawls. Campus Perch and high-end flat shares thrive here.
3. Powai
Beautifully planned and right next to IIT Bombay. Tons of parks, lakes, and high-tech vibes. Your Space is popular with students seeking comfort and class.
4. Churchgate / Marine Lines
Old Bombay charm meets elite academia. Near St. Xavier’s and HR College. PGs like HolaHostel cater to international tastes.
5. Vile Parle
Education central. Near NMIMS, Mithibai, and DJ Sanghvi College. Student accommodations like Stanza Living are spread all around.
6. Charni Road / Grant Road
Great for medical, arts, and law students. Reasonably priced hostels and proximity to colleges like JJ School of Arts and Wilson College.
7. Malad/Kandivali
Great for students attending western suburb campuses. Affordable housing like Zolo Crown and access to Metro and western railways.
8. Borivali
Budget-friendly. Slightly far but peaceful. Shared flats are popular through services like Nestaway.
9. Kurla / Ghatkopar
Good for NIFT students and aspiring fashionistas. Mix of traditional family areas with modern malls and new-age PGs.
10. Wadala / Sion
Centrally located, close to MBBS colleges and TISS. Safe, quieter, and good for long-term student living.
Cost of Living in Mumbai for Students
Let’s not sugar-coat it. Mumbai can be expensive, especially compared to smaller Indian cities. But if you budget and choose the right location, it’s very doable.
Here’s a monthly breakdown (approx):
- Rent (shared PG or flat): ₹12,000–₹20,000
- Food (mess, groceries, dining out): ₹4,000–₹7,000
- Transport (local trains, bus passes, metro): ₹1,000–₹2,000
- Phone + Internet: ₹800–₹1,500
- Leisure + Others: ₹3,000–₹5,000
👛 Total: ₹20,000–₹35,000/month (~$240–$420 USD)
Living slightly outside the city centre or sharing rooms significantly reduces your expenses. Many PGs include food + Wi-Fi in fixed pricing, always a bonus.
Getting Around: Transport in Mumbai for Students
Let’s bust the myth: Mumbai is chaotic, yes, but its public transport? Unbeatable in coverage, speed, and affordability.
- Local Trains: Mumbai runs on these. Cheap, fast, and the quickest route across town. Monthly passes are heavily discounted for students.
- Metro (Lines 1, 2 & more expanding): Neat, air-conditioned saviours for east-west commutes. Smart card options available.
- BEST Buses: Run through almost every single lane in Mumbai. Dirt cheap and mostly reliable.
- Auto Rickshaws & Taxis: Metered and fair. Stick to licensed ones. Use for shorter distances when walking isn’t ideal.
- Cab Apps (Uber, Ola): Affordable alternatives, particularly if you’re not a fan of crowds.
- Cycling & Walk-friendly zones: Powai and Bandra have student-safe, scenic paths. Plus, Mumbai has launched cycling corridors in key areas.
Pro tip: Download CityFlo or Ridlr to check real-time train/bus/metro schedules. You’ll thank us later.
Summary: Why Mumbai Works for International Students
Mumbai pulsates with energy, ambition, resilience, and opportunity. It doesn’t slow down, and it will push you to grow.
This study guide in Mumbai showed you how India’s financial capital is also a world-class place to study: elite institutes, multicultural vibes, powerful internships, tasty food, and a brilliant mix of affordability and access.
It’s not for the faint-hearted. But it’s definitely for the dreamers.
If you want to study in a city that challenges and expands you, offers a thousand career paths, and never lets you go stale, Mumbai isn’t just a study destination. It’s a life upgrade.
Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Mumbai
1. Is Mumbai safe for international students?
Yes. Mumbai is considered one of the safest metros in India. Well-lit areas, active student communities, and fast emergency services.
2. What’s the best university for business studies in Mumbai?
NMIMS and JBIMS top the list. High rankings, practical exposure, and placements.
3. How much is student accommodation in Mumbai?
Anywhere between ₹12,000 and ₹20,000/month, depending on area and whether meals are included.
4. Can international students work part-time?
India has restrictions on student visa holders working off-campus. Confirm eligibility before applying.
5. What language is spoken in classes?
English. All major universities in Mumbai offer programs fully taught in English.
6. Is transport expensive in Mumbai for a student?
Not at all. Monthly public transport on trains and buses can be under ₹1,000.
7. What industries recruit from Mumbai colleges?
Media, Tech, Consulting, Startups, Finance, AI, Health Sciences, Fashion, the list is long!
8. What’s the local food like?
Street food heaven. Vada pav, misal pav, biryani, and more. Vegetarian options everywhere.
9. How’s the climate?
Hot and humid. Expect monsoons from June to September, and mild winters (20°C).
10. Is Mumbai better than Delhi for international students?
Depends on your course and lifestyle preference. Mumbai is coastal, fast-paced, and networking-heavy. Delhi is historically rich, spacious, politically connected.
