You should consider the following when choosing the best Ayurvedic college: the state, regional, or national requirements to practice Ayurveda, the location of the college, the courses offered, and the duration of study. Additional considerations are the costs associated with the course and additional costs, such as travel or accommodations. Some Ayurvedic colleges offer Internet-based or part-time studies for those who are unable to study full-time.
A good Ayurvedic college should be accredited by an international governing body, such as the International Academy of Ayurveda, but state or local regulations should be taken into account as well. In order to practice Ayurveda legally in a specific US state, you'll have to ensure the college you choose complies with the state regulations.
There are over 150 schools of Ayurveda in India, but in the US, for example, the choice is somewhat limited. When searching for an Ayurvedic college in your area, it is a good idea to talk to local practitioners and healers to see which colleges they recommend. Since there are few Ayurveda colleges in the US, you may have to travel to attend classes, or you may even consider going to India to receive training.
Some institutes offer modular training or certificate courses in specific aspects of Ayurveda, such as Ayurvedic massage or Ayurvedic nutrition, so it’s a good idea to consider how much you would like to learn. If you wish to receive in-depth training, look for a college that offers training in the entire Ayurveda system. A course such as this could take up to five years to complete and is offered by some institutions.
Since it is likely that you will have to travel to get to the college of your choice, you should figure in travel costs and costs of accommodation. These expenses can add up over time, so it is good to be prepared financially. Tuition costs for Ayurvedic courses vary, but are considered to be relatively high. Check to see if the college of your choice offers financial aid to their students.
If you choose to study at a local Ayurvedic college, you may want to visit the campus or ask if it is possible to sit in on a lecture. This will help to give you an idea of what the atmosphere and facilities of the college are like. By visiting the college in person, you'll have a good idea of whether it will be a good choice for you.
Some Ayurvedic colleges offer Internet-based or part-time studies for students who cannot attend full-time classes. Part-time study may also be more affordable. If you wish to receive training from an Indian Ayurveda institute, online courses may also be a solution.