South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi, established after the SAARC Agreement signed in April 2007 and formally opened to students in August 2010, is a unique regional institution envisioned by SAARC member countries and inaugurated after extensive inter-governmental collaboration; it shifted from its temporary JNU‑affiliated setup in 2011 to its permanent 100‑acre residential campus at Maidan Garhi in January 2023. SAU has carved a niche in research-intensive postgraduate and doctoral education, particularly in social and natural sciences. Notable student achievements include awards such as the ‘Best Intern Award’ earned by a Master’s student during the 2024 inStem Summer Research Fellowship, reflecting SAU’s emphasis on high-impact scholarship.
The university’s degrees are officially recognized across all SAARC member nations via intergovernmental agreements, ensuring high academic credibility and regional mobility . While formal national or international rankings are modest it featured around 43rd overall in IIRF rankings in 2024 its mission-centric character as a SAARC‑backed centre of excellence stands out. Facilities at SAU are comprehensive: a modern library with thousands of volumes and e-resources, Wi‑Fi enabled campus, dedicated research labs, sports complex (including cricket, football, badminton), music room, cafeteria, gymnasium, health centre with medical insurance up to INR 1.5 lakh, conference and multipurpose halls, recreation spaces, and residential hostels housing around 400 students across six towers all fostering a supportive academic and extracurricular environment. Scholarships and financial aid are a core aspect of SAU’s ethos: the President’s Scholarships (two per MA/MSc/LLM program one Indian, one non-Indian) offer full tuition and hostel fee waivers plus a monthly stipend (INR 7,000), along with start‑up and wrap‑up allowance.
The SAARC India Silver Jubilee Scholarships, instituted by the Ministry of External Affairs, provide full financial support for up to 75 Master’s and 25 PhD students from least developed SAARC nations, including stipend of INR 7,000 (Master’s) or INR 10,000 (PhD); and the SAU Merit Scholarships reward top performers in entrance tests (beyond President scholars), offering waived fees and a stipend of INR 5,000 monthly renewable subject to academic performance and conduct.
South Asian University Highlight 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| College Name | South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi |
| Year of Establishment | 2010 (operational from August 2010 after 2007 SAARC agreement) |
| Type of College | International public research university under SAARC |
| Accreditation & Recognition | Degrees recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC) India and by all SAARC member states under Article 7 of the SAARC Agreement |
| Affiliation | Sponsored and affiliated with the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) |
| Famous Provided Courses | Postgraduate & doctoral: M.A./M.Sc. & Ph.D. in Economics, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Applied Mathematics, Sociology, International Relations, Legal Studies |
| Accepted Entrance Exams | SAU Entrance Test (SAUET), plus JEE Main (B.Tech), GATE (M.Tech), CUET (PG), CAT/MAT (MBA) |
| Top Recruiters | TCS, Wipro, Infosys, Cognizant, HCL, GE, ABB, Siemens, Schneider Electric, L&T, Flipkart, Amazon, Ola, Uber, EY, KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, HSBC, ICICI, HDFC, Kotak, DRDO, ISRO, UPSC |
| Official Website | https://sau.int/ |
South Asian University Courses and Fees 2027
South Asian University (SAU) New Delhi offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels across disciplines like science, technology, social sciences, and management. Popular programs include B.Tech in Computer Science & Engineering with specializations such as AI & ML, Cybersecurity, and Data Science; M.Sc in Biotechnology, Computer Science, and Applied Mathematics; and M.A. in Economics, International Relations, and Sociology. The university also offers MBA, M.Tech, LL.M., and Ph.D. programs in all major departments. Online options include an MS in Data Science & AI and short-term certificate courses in areas like music and fashion design. Most programs are 2–4 years in duration, with eligibility typically requiring a bachelor's degree in the relevant field and qualifying scores in SAUET, JEE, CAT, or GATE. Check below mention courses and other details
| Course | Specializations | Duration | Eligibility | Semester Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (CSE) | Computer Science & Engineering– Mathematics & Computing– CSE w/ AI & ML, Data Science & AI, Cybersecurity, Business Systems & Intelligence | 4 years | 12th grade science (Math + Physics/Chemistry), ≥65% aggregate | INR 1,08,750 |
| Dual Degree B.Tech–M.Tech (CSE) | CSE with specializations above | 5 years | Same as B.Tech | INR 1,08,750 |
| M.Sc (Science) | Biotechnology, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics | 2 years | Bachelor’s in relevant field, ≥55% | INR 69,600 |
| M.A | Economics, International Relations, Sociology | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree, ≥50% | INR 52,200 |
| MBA | Finance, HR, Banking, Marketing | 2 years | Bachelor’s with ≥50%; CAT/MAT required | INR 1,30,500 |
| M.Tech (CS) | Computer Science & Engineering | 2 years | B.Tech/BE/BS in CS or related, ≥55%, or MSc+55% | INR 87,000 |
| PhD | Applied Mathematics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Economics, IR, Legal Studies, Sociology | ~3–5 years | Master’s (MA/MSc/MCA/LLM): ≥50% for social sciences, ≥55% science | INR 69,600 - INR 1,04,400 |
| MS (Online) | Data Science & Artificial Intelligence | 2 years (Online) | B.Tech/B.E (any branch) or UG/MSc/MS/MCA with ≥2 math courses | INR 69,600 |
South Asian University Admission 2027
South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi, admits students to its UG, PG, and PhD programs through the SAU Entrance Test (SAUET) or via Direct Mode using national-level exams like JEE (for B.Tech), GATE (M.Tech), CUET-PG (PG courses), CAT/MAT (MBA), and NET (PhD). Eligibility varies by program such as 10+2 with ≥65% in PCM for B.Tech, a relevant bachelor’s degree with ≥50–55% for PG courses, and a master’s degree with ≥50–55% for PhD programs. Admission is open to all SAARC nationals under a country-wise quota, while non-SAARC international students can apply directly based on academic merit. Applications are submitted online at sau.int, with an application fee of INR 800 (or $10 for foreign nationals).
How to apply for South Asian University Delhi?
- Visit the official website https://sau.int.
- Choose UG, PG, Integrated, or PhD programs.
- Review course-specific eligibility criteria and accepted entrance exams.
- Create an account on the SAU admission portal.
- Complete the form with personal, academic, and exam details.
- Submit required documents (photo, ID, mark sheets, certificates).
- Pay INR 800 (INR) or $10 (USD) online via net banking/card.
- Review and submit the final application.
- Download admit card for SAU Entrance Test (SAUET) candidates.
- Monitor email/portal for further instructions, entrance dates, or merit list.
South Asian University Scholarship 2027
South Asian University Delhi provides scholarships and freeships, these scholarships are designed to promote academic excellence and ensure equitable access for meritorious and economically needy students, particularly from SAARC nations. Scholarships include merit- and need-based awards, with benefits such as full tuition and hostel fee waivers, monthly stipends, and start-up/pack-up allowances. Most are renewable based on academic performance. South Asian University Delhi provided scholarships are
- SAU Freeships (Need‑cum‑Merit)
- SAARC India Silver Jubilee Scholarship (SJS)
- SAU Merit Scholarship
- SAU Freeship with Stipend
- SAU Freeship
South Asian University Facility 2026
South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi built a 100-acre campus and a suite of well-rounded facilities aimed at ensuring academic excellence, personal well-being, and cultural interaction. With fully equipped classrooms, creative studios, research labs, and sports amenities, the campus is designed to foster interdisciplinary scholarship and holistic student development. South Asian University Delhi provided facility are
- On‑campus Hostels: Accommodates 400 students in six towers with partially furnished shared rooms, study lounges, multipurpose rooms, fitness centre, and playgrounds.
- Library & Learning Spaces: Modern library with vast collections (print and electronic), quiet study zones, and group discussion rooms.
- Laboratories & Research Centers: Well-equipped labs for life sciences, biotechnology, computing, and specialized interdisciplinary research centres (e.g. AI/ML, climate change).
- Wi‑Fi & Academic Technology: Campus-wide high-speed internet enabling access to e-resources, interactive teaching, and research tools.
- Cultural & Recreational Facilities: Auditorium, music and art studios, clubs, and regular cultural events supporting the university’s multicultural ethos.
South Asian University FAQs
What types of programs does South Asian University Delhi offer?
South Asian University Delhi offers postgraduate and doctoral programs in disciplines like Applied Mathematics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Legal Studies, and Sociology.
Does South Asian University Delhi have an entrance test?
Yes, South Asian University Delhi conducts an online SAU Entrance Test (SAUET) for Master's and PhD programs; some candidates with national fellowships may be exempted
Are the degrees from South Asian University Delhi recognized?
Yes, degrees from South Asian University Delhi are officially recognized by the UGC in India and by all SAARC member states under an inter-governmental agreement.
How can I apply to South Asian University Delhi?
To apply to South Asian University Delhi, candidates must register online via the official website, pay the application fee (₹800 or USD 10), complete the form, upload required documents, and submit before the deadline .
What is the eligibility criterion for Master's at South Asian University Delhi?
South Asian University Delhi requires a relevant bachelor’s degree with at least 50% marks for social sciences and law programs, and 55% for science and tech programs .
What is the eligibility criterion for PhD at South Asian University Delhi?
South Asian University Delhi requires candidates to hold a master’s degree with a minimum of 50% (social sciences/law) or 55% (sciences) along with 12 years of prior education.
