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Shruti Kumari6 Jun, 2025
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For Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad, particularly in medicine, engineering, or management, comfort, safety, and accessibility play significant roles in choosing a destination. A common question that arises during the planning stage is: Are there Indian hostels and food available in these countries? This concern is particularly important for students and parents alike, who wish to ensure that life abroad remains culturally familiar and physically manageable, especially in terms of food and accommodation.
Explored here is the availability of Indian hostels and food across some of the most preferred study destinations for Indian students, such as Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, the Philippines, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Germany, and others. It provides a country-wise overview, covering essential aspects such as hostel facilities, food arrangements, cost considerations, and proximity to Indian communities.
Before diving into specifics, it’s important to understand why the availability of Indian hostels and food abroad is a critical consideration. Students studying in foreign countries often face a variety of adjustments, climate, language, academics, and social life. Having access to familiar food and comfortable living conditions helps ease this transition, supports mental well-being, and ensures healthier day-to-day living.
So, are there Indian hostels and food available in these countries? In most cases, the answer is yes, though availability varies by region, city, and university.
Russia remains a popular choice for Indian students pursuing MBBS and other medical degrees. Many universities in Russia have designated Indian hostels, either within the campus or in collaboration with private housing providers. These hostels often include:
Separate accommodation for boys and girls
Indian wardens or coordinators
Heating systems essential for Russian winters
Regarding food, many universities have Indian mess facilities or provide access to kitchens where students can cook. Indian restaurants and grocery stores are present in larger cities like Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Kazan, ensuring a steady supply of Indian food items.
Before the geopolitical crisis, Ukraine was also a favored destination for Indian students. Most universities had Indian student hostels, often located near the medical faculty. These hostels provided shared or private rooms, Wi-Fi, and basic furniture. Some also offered Indian food options either through mess services or catering.
Even today, some cities in Ukraine (where education is ongoing) still host Indian communities that run Indian grocery stores and restaurants. However, due to the current situation, students are advised to stay updated on official advisories and consider alternative countries if concerned about stability.
The Philippines, due to its English-speaking environment and US-based education model, has seen a rise in Indian student enrollment. Universities, especially in cities like Cebu and Manila, offer Indian-style hostels or dormitories managed by local Indian communities.
Indian food is widely available, either through in-house hostel messes or nearby Indian restaurants. Students also commonly rent shared apartments with Indian roommates and prepare their own meals using ingredients from Indian grocery outlets present in urban centers.
Georgia has become a new hub for MBBS aspirants from India. The answer to whether there are Indian hostels and food available in Georgia is increasingly affirmative.
Many Georgian universities offer accommodation specially arranged for Indian students. These hostels provide shared rooms, basic facilities, and are often located within walking distance of the university. Additionally, Indian food is available in hostel messes, or students can access local Indian eateries and online tiffin services tailored for Indian diets.
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan are known for offering affordable education in medicine. Most universities in these countries provide on-campus hostels with rooms assigned to Indian students. While not all hostels are exclusively Indian, many are populated by Indian student groups, creating a sense of community.
When it comes to food, students often prepare their own meals in common kitchens, and many cities have Indian food delivery services or community-run messes. Indian groceries are also available in capital cities like Almaty and Bishkek.
China hosts a large number of Indian students, particularly in medical universities. University hostels often accommodate international students by nationality. Some universities have hostel blocks for Indian students, managed with the help of Indian student coordinators.
Most medical universities offer canteens that serve Indian food or at least vegetarian options. In bigger cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, students have access to Indian restaurants and grocery stores where common Indian staples like rice, lentils, and spices are easily available.
Although Germany is more popular for engineering and technology courses, it has seen a growing number of Indian students in recent years. German universities usually provide dormitories, and while these are not specifically Indian hostels, Indian students often choose to live together in shared apartments or student residences.
Indian food options in Germany are relatively easy to find. Major cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich have Indian grocery stores, restaurants, and community groups that organize food events. Cooking at home is common, and availability of Indian ingredients makes it convenient.
Uzbekistan, Armenia, Poland, and Nepal are also emerging study destinations. In most of these countries, Indian students form active communities that facilitate shared accommodations and collective cooking.
Indian food services in these countries are often run by alumni or community members, ensuring that new students can rely on familiar cuisine. While dedicated Indian hostels may not always be available, private hostels or apartments rented by Indian students often serve the same purpose.
The cost of Indian hostels and food varies depending on the country and the city. On average:
Indian hostel accommodation costs range from $100 to $300 per month.
Indian food or mess services may cost around $100 to $200 per month, depending on whether it’s a meal plan or self-cooked meals.
