South Asian University (SAU) is an international university located in Delhi, sponsored by the eight-member states of the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC): Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SAU was established to evolve a South Asian consciousness and encourage greater cooperation and friendship in the region. Studying at the university is truly an enriching experience as SAU attracts students from all member countries of SAARC. Degrees provided by the university are recognized by all member countries of the SAARC. There is a country quota system in place to ensure the participation of students from all countries but students from other countries also enroll in various programmes offered by the institute. Currently functioning from the Akbar Bhavan campus in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi, it is all set to move to its 100-acre campus in Maidan Garhi, South Delhi soon.
South Asian University is rapidly becoming a center of excellence in the region. The focus of the university is on providing a rigorous academic environment and cultivating leaders in the research and public sector. The university attempts to promote an understanding of each other’s perspectives and strengthen regional consciousness. As SAU is primarily a research-oriented institution, it only offers Master’s and Doctoral programs in the following disciplines:
- Applied Mathematics
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Development Economics
- International Relations
- Legal Studies
- Sociology
Master’s courses are very inventive as they emphasize primary research through seminar papers and dissertations. To prepare students to conduct primary research on their own, SAU offers accurate training and exposure through international conferences and symposiums. The faculty at the SAU is excellent as the professors are established players in their respective fields and are chosen from all the member countries of SAARC. SAU is also planning to introduce a faculty of undergraduate studies that would conduct a 4-year BA/BS in Humanities, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences.
For admission to Master’s & Ph.D. programmes in Economics, Sociology, International Relations and Legal Studies, the minimum prescribed eligibility criteria is 50 percent marks or an equivalent grade in the qualifying degree. For admission to Master’s & Ph.D. programmes in Applied Mathematics, Biotechnology and Computer Science, the eligibility criterion is 55 percent or an equivalent grade in the qualifying degree. SAU conducts an online computer-based entrance test every year for the master’s programmes. For the Ph.D. programmes, the university conducts a two-phase entrance process including a computer-based test and an interview. South Asian University offers an opportunity to study in a global environment and critically engage with the pressing issues of South Asia under acclaimed faculties and international peers. For further information, check the official website over here.
