Studying in India: Is Pune Really the Oxford of the East?

India’s first Prime Minister, the late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, gave Pune the sobriquet of ‘Oxford of the East’ during a visit to the city in the late 1950s. So impressed was Nehru with the wide array of fine educational and research institutes in Pune that he felt compelled to give the city this label.

More than six decades later, Pune continues to live up to its rich legacy. The high quality educational institutions in Pune attract thousands of students from across India and even abroad every year.

Just to give you a sense of exactly how popular Pune is as an education destination, the current enrollment at the University of Pune, which is the mainstay of higher education in the city, stands at a whopping five lakh students.

With 811 affiliated colleges covering more than 400 course programs in different disciplines, it has emerged as the second largest varsity in the country surpassing the much older Mumbai University.

seamedu seamedu

It’s not just the University of Pune (now referred to as Savitribai Phule Pune University) that attracts students to its fold. The city has a number of other deemed varsities and private institutions of higher education that are extremely popular among Indian as well as international students.


Why Pune?

The question is ‘Why not Pune?’ Pune has everything that a prospective student would want when looking for higher education. Here are some reasons that make Pune the major student hub that it is:


1. Options galore: From undergraduate to postgraduate colleges; from research institutes to interdisciplinary centers; from language training to vocational courses – there is no dearth of educational options in the city. Pune is home to some of the leading institutions in the country that offer a whole gamut of academic options between them.  Whether you want to pursue engineering or film and television studies, whether its astrophysics you want to learn or Japanese – Pune’s topnotch educational institutions will not disappoint.


2. Affordable education: One of the unique things about higher education in India, true even more so for Pune, is its affordability. Students in Pune don’t have to worry about spending pots of money or taking out huge educational loans for their academic pursuits. What makes education in Pune more affordable is the relatively lower associated costs like boarding and lodging when compared to metros like Delhi and Mumbai.


3. Steeped in culture, yet modern: Pune has always been the cultural capital of Maharashtra. The city is steeped in tradition and has a strong connect with local music, theater, art, and literature. Yet, it has embraced modernity with open arms and has chosen to move forward with times. It has been more than receptive to global influences and provides the right mix of tradition and modernity that offers students an enriched environment to flourish.


4. Academic fervor: As established earlier on in the post, the city of Pune has always been at the forefront of education and academic research in the country. The city has an undeniable academic vibe and an educational culture that promotes open thought and debate. It’s safe to say that the educational environment in Pune is among the most conducive in the country for intellectual development of students.


Seamedu News
Discover how Seamedu can greatly improve and elevate your child’s skills in Seamedu News

Hands-On Training: Engage in practical exercises that prepare your child for real-world Seamedu News challenges.

Industry-Expert Faculty: Your child will learn from experienced professionals who bring valuable insights to the learning experience.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry professionals to open up career-enhancing possibilities for your child’s future.

seamedu +91 020 46607500


5. Safety: Children in India spend a good part of their life in extremely protected environment. Making the switch from living with their family to moving to another city for higher education can be tough on both parents and their children. The fact that Pune is regarded as one of the safest cities in the country goes a long way in making the transition somewhat easier.


6. Cosmopolitan nature: In spite of being rooted in culture and tradition, Pune is unmistakably cosmopolitan in its outlook. People from different parts of the country have made the city their home and you will see a healthy mix of demographics anywhere you go. A cosmopolitan environment encourages people from outside to come to Pune for academic and professional pursuits. Such is the vibe in Pune that the city attracts more global students than anywhere else in India. In fact, Pune is home to almost 40% of foreign students who come to India for higher education! The Pune University and its various affiliated colleges have round 14,000 students from over 102 countries studying here.


7. Facilities for students: Last, but not the least, easy access to facilities for students makes Pune the jewel in the crown of higher education in India. From accommodation specifically designed for students to student-centric eateries, from shopping malls to open spaces; from libraries to museums – Pune offers all this and more to its young population.


Pursue a Career in Seamedu News.

Ready to embark on a Seamedu News journey? Complete the form below to take your first step towards your passion.

Fill Out the Form


Top Educational Institutions in Pune

Now that we know what makes Pune the  epicenter of higher education in India, let’s take a look at some of the city’s esteemed institutions:


1. University of Pune: Established in 1949, the varsity is home to 46 academic departments and 811 affiliated colleges. Prominent affiliated colleges include the College of Engineering, Pune, established in 1854.


2. Fergusson College: Founded in 1885 by the Deccan Education Society, FC was the first privately governed college in India.


3. Bharati Vidyapeeth University: Established in 1996, this university offers more than 250 courses and covers all major streams of education.


4. Symbiosis International University: A private co-educational, multi-institutional university with 19 academic institutions spread over 9 campuses in Pune, Nashik, and Bengaluru.

5. Indian Institute for Science Education and Research: Established in 2006 to promote excellence in research and teaching in the basic sciences.

6. National Defence Academy: Located at Khadakwasla, just outside the city, the NDA is a joint services institution for training young cadets as future officers of the Defence Services.

7. Armed Forces Medical College: Set up in 1948 in the immediate post-world war period, AFMC is responsible for training of medical undergraduates and post-graduates, dental postgraduates, nursing cadets and paramedical staff.

8. Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics: An autonomous institution set up by the University Grants Commission to promote nucleation and growth of active groups in astronomy and astrophysics in Indian universities.

9. Film and Television Institute of India: An autonomous institute set up under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India in 1960, FTII is India’s premier film and television institute offering post-graduate courses in film direction, editing, cinematography and audiography, acting, art direction, computer graphics and animation, feature film scriptwriting, etc.

10. Centre for Development of Advanced Computing: C-DAC operates India’s most powerful supercomputers PARAM and Padma.

The list goes on and on. A humble, yet integral part of this growing list of respected educational institutions is Seamedu School of Pro-Expressionism, a media school in Pune. With its unconventional and modern outlook to education, Seamedu is one of the best media schools in the city. Learn more about us now and… welcome to Pune!

seamedu seamedu
Are you aspiring to become a proficient professional?

Look no further; we are committed to nurturing the potential of young minds. Are you ready to enhance your skills?