South Asian University, New Delhi

About

South Asian University (SAU) is an international inter-governmental university based in New Delhi, India, established in 2010. It was founded through a collaborative effort of the eight member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) — Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka — under an inter-governmental agreement to create a centre of academic excellence and foster regional cooperation and understanding through world-class education and research. SAU’s motto is “Knowledge without borders.”

The university’s main operations are currently conducted from its temporary campus at Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, while its permanent residential campus is located at Maidan Garhi, South Delhi, adjacent to the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) and close to the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary. The permanent campus spans about 100 acres and is designed to provide an inclusive, multidisciplinary learning environment with state-of-the-art facilities.

SAU’s degrees and certificates are recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India and by the governments of all eight SAARC member states. It is an international / inter-governmental institution rather than a conventional national university. While not featured in the mainstream NIRF Rankings as of 2025, it holds strong recognition regionally among SAARC countries for its postgraduate and research programmes.

SAU is planned to encompass a wide range of academic entities rather than separate colleges. It includes several faculties and departments such as Mathematics & Computer Science, Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Economics, Social Sciences, Legal Studies and others, with future expansion planned into fields like Management, Arts and Undergraduate Studies. It also houses an envisioned Institute of South Asian Studies to deepen regional research engagement.

SAU originally focused on postgraduate and doctoral programmes in disciplines like Economics, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Mathematics, International Relations, Legal Studies and Sociology. Recent developments include undergraduate degrees such as BTech and integrated courses, and expanded offerings including MCA, MTech, and interdisciplinary programmes. Admission is typically through SAU’s own entrance test (SAUET) or direct merit lists for certain programmes. SAU offers tuition subsidies and scholarships, particularly for students from SAARC countries, while non-SAARC students may pay full fees.

The 100-acre campus features academic buildings, residential hostels, faculty housing, a modern library, labs, and recreational facilities in progress. Infrastructure plans include dedicated blocks for sciences, arts and law, along with a faculty club and guest house. The lush surroundings near the wildlife sanctuary contribute to a serene academic setting.

Placement support is still developing; SAU has been building its placement / training cell, and many students also secure off-campus placements or internships through faculty networks and referrals. Some reports note average packages around ₹5 LPA with highest figures near ₹23 LPA from industry recruiters such as Amazon, TCS, Infosys, Siemens and others — though opportunities vary by programme and year.

South Asian University stands out as an international academic institution born from regional cooperation among SAARC countries, prioritising postgraduate and research excellence with growing undergraduate and professional programmes. Its expanding infrastructure, multicultural campus, and strategic academic vision aim to cultivate future leaders with a South Asian perspective, even as it develops its placement ecosystem and broader student services.

Some Highlights of South Asian University, New Delhi

Why to Choose South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi ?

1. International University with SAARC Recognition

South Asian University is a unique inter-governmental institution established by SAARC nations, and its degrees are recognised across all member countries. This international recognition opens opportunities for cross-border higher education, research, and career prospects across South Asia and beyond.

2. Multicultural Learning Environment

SAU attracts students and faculty from multiple South Asian countries, creating a diverse academic and cultural environment. This exposure enhances global outlook, teamwork, and intercultural communication skills, which are valuable in international careers and research collaborations.

3. Strong Focus on Research and Academic Excellence

The university emphasizes advanced research through modern laboratories, research centres, and collaboration with international scholars. It also offers PhD and Executive PhD programmes, promoting innovation and knowledge creation.

4. Wide Range of Modern and Industry-Oriented Courses

SAU offers diverse programmes in fields such as Computer Science, Biotechnology, Economics, International Relations, Management, Climate Change, and Law. It has introduced specialised and trending courses like Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, and Mathematics & Computing, aligning education with industry demand.

5. Integrated and Flexible Academic Options

The university provides integrated degree programmes (such as BS-MS and BBA-MBA) and one-year Master’s programmes for eligible students. These options allow students to complete advanced degrees faster and gain deeper interdisciplinary knowledge.

6. Affordable Fee Structure and Scholarships

SAU provides relatively low tuition fees, especially for students from SAARC countries, along with scholarships such as President Scholarships, Merit Scholarships, and SAARC-India Silver Jubilee Scholarships, making quality education more accessible.

7. Modern Campus and Infrastructure

The university operates from a developing 100-acre residential campus at Maidan Garhi equipped with Wi-Fi facilities, laboratories, hostels, sports amenities, and health services, supporting academic and personal development.

8. Virtual Campus and Digital Learning Opportunities

SAU offers online degree and certificate programmes through its virtual campus, providing flexible learning options for students who cannot relocate while maintaining academic standards.

9. Regional and Global Career Opportunities

Due to its international academic structure, interdisciplinary courses, and regional recognition, SAU helps students prepare for careers in international organisations, research institutions, government agencies, and multinational companies.

Admission Procedure

South Asian University New Delhi courses are offered at UG, PG, Doctorate level. There are 39 courses offered at South Asian University New Delhi. The courses are offered in fields like Science, Engineering, Management, Arts. South Asian University New Delhi courses includes BS + MS, B.Tech, MA, MBA, BA, B.Tech + M.Tech, L.L.M, Ph.D, M.Sc, BS. The popular courses at South Asian University New Delhi is BS + MS, B.Tech, MA.

Admission Criteria

MA, M.Sc & LL.M. Admission

• SAU offers three PG programs in six specializations. Admissions to these programs include clearing an Entrance Test conducted by the University. The minimum educational qualification for applying is a Bachelor’s degree in the relevant subject with the minimum required percentage.
• The entrance exam organized by the University is offline and is conducted in various selected centers in the SAARC countries. It must be noted that the exam will be conducted simultaneously at the centers in each country. Sample question paper is available on SAU official website.
• To apply for the program/entrance test, candidates must visit the SAU website. Application process for all the courses are same with the application fee of INR 670/-

Ph.D. Admission

• SAU offers the research Ph.D. program in seven specializations. Admission to the Ph.D. program requires the candidate to pass the Entrance test and clear the Personal Interview organized by SAU. The basic eligibility criterion for the program is Master’s degree in the relevant field with the minimum required percentage.
  
• The entrance conducted by the University will be offline and candidates can download sample question papers from SAU website. The test will be conducted at different centers allotted in the SAARC countries.
  
• The candidates can apply for the entrance exam on the official website of SAU. All the courses have the same application process and application fee of INR 670/-
  

Scholarship

Students can avail a few scholarships, fee waivers as well as freeships. Scholarships and freeships are available to students with meritorious academic performance and/or entrance test results. All Ph.D. students will receive tuition fee waiver. The Scholarships/Freeships available to SAU students are:

• President’s Scholarships (M.A. / M.Sc. & LL.M students)
  
• SAARC India Silver Jubilee Scholarships for Master’s & Ph.D. programs
  
• SAU Merit Scholarships (M.A. / M.Sc. & LL.M students)
  
• SAU Freeships (M.A. / M.Sc. & LL.M students)
  
• SAU Tuition Fee Waiver for Ph.D. students
  
• Financial Support from SAU for Ph.D. programs
  

SAU gives financial support to Ph.D. students who do not receive any kind of scholarship/sponsorship or JRF support. All scholarships/fee waivers/freeships are granted for one year and their continuation depends on good conduct and satisfactory performance.

Placement

• To Bridge Academia and Industry: Facilitate collaboration between academic learning and industry expectations by preparing students for real-world employment opportunities.
  
• To Enhance Employability Skills: Organize training sessions, workshops, mock interviews, and aptitude tests to improve students’ communication, technical, and soft skills.
  
• To Provide Internship and Job Opportunities: Actively connect students with internship and job openings through campus recruitment drives, industry tie-ups, and alumni networks.
  
• To Guide Career Planning and Development: Support students in identifying their career interests and pathways through counseling, mentoring, and personalized career development plans.
  
• To Maintain Strong Industry Relations: Build and sustain partnerships with companies, recruiters, and industry leaders to ensure consistent placement opportunities for students.
  

Facilities Offered @ South Asian University, New Delhi

South Asian University offers a developing yet modern academic infrastructure. The permanent campus includes well-planned academic blocks, laboratories, classrooms with digital teaching aids, residential hostels, health facilities, sports areas and green spaces. The campus is Wi-Fi enabled and designed to support teaching, research and student life in a peaceful environment.The university cafeteria provides hygienic and affordable meals catering to diverse tastes. It serves Indian and international cuisines, keeping in mind the multicultural student population. The café also acts as a social space for students to relax and interact beyond academics.

The university campus is well connected to the city through public transport, metro services and road networks. Internal transport facilities and nearby bus routes help students commute easily between campus and key locations in New Delhi.South Asian University (SAU) is an International University established by the eight member nations of South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) viz. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

SAU started its operations from the academic year 2010. The University now offers post graduate and doctoral programmes in various disciplines that include Development Economics, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Sociology, International Relations and Law. The University is currently functioning from Akbar Bhawan Campus in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.The SAU Central Library is a key academic resource, housing a rich collection of books, journals, research papers, e-books and international databases. It provides access to digital libraries, online journals and reading spaces for students and researchers. The library supports interdisciplinary learning and advanced research activities.

Hostel

The South Asian University Hostels provide affordable accommodation and mess facilities to students from different backgrounds. The university offers on-campus housing for both master’s and doctoral students. The hostel’s rooms are large and spacious, and frequent cleaning is provided. The well-maintained building and the adjacent lawns enhance the overall charm.

The hostel residence offers around 1000 units of partially furnished shared accommodation in twelve different towers.

We also have recreational areas such as a lounge for gatherings, a fitness centre for workouts, and playgrounds. Admitted students’ spouses/children or other family members are not provided with hostel accommodations. All students who stay in the hostel must strictly adhere to the hostel rules. The hostel fee for students from the SAARC region is US $100 per academic semester. Students must vacate the hostel as soon as their programme is completed and/or they are unable to continue their studies. During the summer and winter vacations, master’s students must vacate their accommodations. According to the University Regulations, doctoral students will be provided with hostel facilities for a maximum of five years.

The hostel facilities at SAU are limited, and allocation is strictly subject to availability. If hostel accommodations are not available, students must make their own arrangements. SAU will not provide any compensation in lieu of hostel accommodation under any circumstances for the duration of a student’s enrolment in the programme.

Transport

The university campus is well connected to the city through public transport, metro services and road networks. Internal transport facilities and nearby bus routes help students commute easily between campus and key locations in New Delhi.