Everything you need to know about becoming an international teacher in India
Category: News
Published: 12 August 2025
International teachers
With a population of over 1.4 billion people, India has a vast education system that offers a wealth of opportunities for experienced and passionate educators. Indian schools and universities are always on the lookout for talented and dedicated teachers from all over the world, offering competitive salaries, great benefits, and a supportive work environment.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about becoming an international teacher in India, including visa requirements, cost of living, healthcare, cultural expectations and norms, and expat communities.
Visa requirements for living and working as an international teacher in India
Generally, international teachers who will be working for an Indian school or university will need to apply for an employment visa, which allows them to work in India for a specified period.
Eligibility:
You must be a highly skilled and/or qualified professional.
The job must be at a senior level, technical, or managerial position—routine or clerical jobs are not eligible.
There must be no qualified Indian available to do the job you’re being hired for.
Documents required:
Valid passport.
Letter of appointment or employment contract from the Indian school or university.
Educational qualifications and experience certificates.
Resume in English.
Company registration documents from the Indian employer.
Police clearance certificate and possibly a medical examination.
Proof of residence in the country of application (if not applying from your home country).
Salary requirements:
Minimum gross salary must exceed INR 16.25 lakhs per annum (approx. USD 19,500).
Exceptions to this salary threshold include:
Ethnic cooks employed by foreign missions.
Language teachers (excluding English).
Foreign artists and sports coaches.
Application process:
Apply online via Indian Visa Online.
Submit documents at the Indian embassy or through authorized agencies like VFS.
Visa is typically issued from your country of origin or legal residence (minimum 2 years).
Visa validity & extension:
Initial visa is usually valid for 1 year, with extensions possible up to 5 years.
If staying over 180 days, registration with FRRO/FRO is required within 14 days of arrival.
Additional notes:
Family members can apply for Employment Dependent Visas.
You may need to provide flight itinerary, bank statements, and proof of accommodation depending on the embassy.
Cost of living for international teachers in India
For international teachers, the cost of living in India is generally lower than in many other countries. Accommodation is usually the biggest expense, but even this can be quite affordable, particularly if teachers are willing to share accommodations with roommates. Other expenses such as food, transportation, and entertainment are also relatively inexpensive compared to other countries.
It’ possible to live comfortably in India on a modest salary, and many international teachers are pleasantly surprised at how far their money can go. Additionally, some schools and universities offer various benefits to their teachers, such as housing allowances, which can help to offset the cost of living even further.
Cost of living in Chennai (USD) Rent for one-bedroom apartment in city centre – $195 per month
Rent for one-bedroom apartment outside city centre – $120 per month
Loaf of bread – $0.50
Litre of milk – $0.60
12 eggs – $0.90
Takeaway coffee – $2.05
Meal for two at mid-range restaurant – $11.40
Meal at an inexpensive – $2.30
Public transport – $0.35 one way
Cost of living in Mumbai (USD) Rent for one-bedroom apartment in city centre – $660 per month
Rent for one-bedroom apartment outside city centre – $350 per month
Loaf of bread – $0.55
Litre of milk – $0.75
12 eggs – $1.05
Takeaway coffee – $2.60
Meal for two at mid-range restaurant – $22.85
Meal at an inexpensive – $5.70
Public transport – $0.25 one way
Healthcare for international teachers in India
International teachers who work in India can access both public and private healthcare facilities, depending on their preference and needs. The government-run hospitals and clinics provide affordable healthcare services, while private healthcare facilities offer high-quality care but at a higher cost.
Many private hospitals and clinics have English-speaking staff, making it easy for international teachers to communicate and receive medical care. Many international schools in India offer health insurance as part of their employment package.
Cultural expectations and norms for international teachers in India
A key cultural expectation for international teachers in India is to show respect for Indian customs, traditions, and values, such as greeting people with a “Namaste” and dressing modestly. India is a hierarchical society, so it’s important to be mindful of age and status differences when interacting with colleagues and students.
It’s also important to be aware of religious customs and holidays, as India has a multi-faith society. In terms of language, while English is widely spoken, it’s helpful to learn some basic phrases in Hindi or other local languages. Lastly, it’s important to be patient and flexible as India can be a challenging place to live and work due to the country’s infrastructure and bureaucracy.
Expat communities for international teachers in India
For international teachers who want to live and work in India, there are several expat communities that provide a supportive and welcoming environment. These communities are often located in major cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai, and are made up of expatriates from all over the world. These communities offer a range of services and support, including networking opportunities, social events, and cultural activities.
They also provide practical assistance with issues such as finding housing, navigating the healthcare system, and understanding the local customs and traditions. Being a part of an expat community can be a great way to ease the transition into life in India, while also providing a sense of community and belonging in a new and unfamiliar place.
Schrole international schools in India
Ready to find out what India has to offer you? Explore Schrole international schools in India now:
Since signing up with Schrole we have been very impressed by the customer service, the modern-looking online platform, the absence of placement fees, and the various other Schrole products that we may be able to benefit from in the future. We have filled a number of positions this year with candidates from Schrole, during a particularly difficult recruitment year for us. The customer service is terrific. It seems that Schrole is leading the way in moving teacher recruitment into the 2020's.
Joe Lumsden
Secondary School Principal
Stonehill International School
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