South Asian University

South Asian University (SAU) functions as an international university sponsored by SAARC member states, located in Maidan Garhi, South Delhi. Proposed by India's Prime Minister at the 13th SAARC Summit in 2005, it formally established through an inter-governmental agreement in 2007, with classes commencing in 2010 at temporary campuses before shifting to its permanent 100-acre facility in January 2023. SAU holds international organization status with privileges under diplomatic conventions, focusing on postgraduate research across humanities, social sciences, law, economics, computer science, and biotechnology.

Designed as a Centre of Excellence, the lush campus features residential halls, designed by a Nepalese firm, fostering regional collaboration among students from all eight SAARC nations. Faculty recruitment emphasizes global scholars to deliver interdisciplinary programs.

• Institution type:International University (SAARC-sponsored)
• Established:2010 (permanent campus 2023)
• Recognition:SAARC Agreement, international status
• Campus Area:100 acres
• Programs offered:Postgraduate (MA/MSc/LLM/MTech), PhD

Important Admission Dates (Tentative)

South Asian University Admissions 2026-27

Admissions prioritize SAARC nationals (80% seats) via SAU Entrance Test (SAUET), followed by interviews; 20% for others.

Admission Process:

• Online SAUET application with subject test
• Merit from test scores (70%) + interview (30%)
• Category quotas for SAARC countries
• Fully-funded scholarships for most students

Eligibility requires bachelor's degree (55% marks) with strong academic record.

Courses Offered at South Asian University

SAU structures programs across five faculties with interdisciplinary electives.

Postgraduate Programs:

• MA/MSc (2 years): Sociology, Economics, International Relations, Biotechnology, Applied Mathematics
• LLM (1 year): International Law
• MTech: Computer Science

Doctoral:

• PhD across all departments with research focus

Fees Structure at South Asian University

Generous scholarships waive tuition for SAARC students; nominal fees for others.

Indicative Fee Details:

• Tuition: Waived for SAARC nationals (scholarships)
• Non-SAARC: US$2,000 - 5,000 per year
• Hostel/Food: US$1,500 annually (subsidized)
• One-time deposit: US$500 refundable

Full funding covers living expenses for top performers.

Faculty and Academic Environment

Global faculty from Ivy League and top Asian universities employ seminar-based teaching, research mentorship, and SAARC-focused curricula. English-medium instruction encourages publications in high-impact journals.

Library, computing clusters, and cultural exchange programs enrich campus life.

Infrastructure and Placements

Permanent campus offers fully residential hostels, dining halls, auditorium, sports courts, medical center, and green spaces.

Placements Highlights:

• Roles: Academia, UN agencies, World Bank, regional think tanks
• Average stipend: US$10,000+ (PhD fellowships)

90% pursue PhDs/research globally

Why Choose South Asian University?

South Asian University attracts regional scholars seeking fully-funded postgraduate research with international exposure. Its SAARC backing, new campus, and focus on South Asian issues position it uniquely for diplomacy, development, and academia careers.

South Asian University – FAQs

Q1. Who can apply to SAU?

Ans. Primarily SAARC nationals (80% seats) with scholarships.

Q2. What entrance exam is used?

Ans. SAUET (online test) + interview.

Q3. Is tuition free?

Ans. Yes for SAARC students via scholarships.

Q4. When did permanent campus open?

Ans. January 2023 at Maidan Garhi, Delhi.

Q5. What makes SAU international?

Ans. Sponsored by 8 SAARC nations with equal governance.