![South Asian University - [SAU]](https://img.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/149157053466666.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
South Asian University (SAU) is an international university established in 2010 by the eight member nations of the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC): Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It is the first and only university jointly funded by SAARC member states. SAU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India as a national university under a special Act of Parliament.
SAU does not currently participate in NIRF University rankings.
The university moved to its permanent 100-acre campus at Maidan Garhi, South Delhi in January 2023. The campus is situated at Gaushala Road, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi.
- B.Tech programmes: Computer Science and Engineering (with specialisations in AI and ML, Cyber Security, Data Science and AI, Business Systems, and Mathematics and Computing)
- BCA and BCA Hons, BA, BS (Data Science and Engineering), BBA+MBA integrated
- MA programmes: Economics, International Relations, and Sociology
- M.Sc programmes: Computer Science, Biotechnology, Mathematics, and Applied Mathematics
- MBA, Executive MBA, M.Tech (CSE), MCA, LLM, MS (Data Science)
- PhD: across all schools in Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Sociology, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Physics, Legal Studies, and Art and Design
- Certificate and Diploma: Fashion Designing, Graphic and Visual Communication Design, Certificate in Singing
Total B.Tech fees at SAU are INR 1.46 Lakhs for the full 4-year duration. MBA totals INR 1.68 Lakhs. MA and LLM programmes total INR 89,610. M.Sc programmes total INR 1.07 Lakhs.
SAU students are eligible for SAARC-funded fellowships and scholarships, with a revised scholarship policy effective 2025.
SAU offers careers in international organisations, research institutions, government services, and the private sector, drawing from its unique focus on South Asian studies, economics, and international relations.
SAU Admission Dates 2026
SAU admissions for the 2026-27 session were conducted through CUET-UG for undergraduate programmes and CUET-PG for postgraduate programmes for Indian nationals. SAARC national students from other member countries applied through SAU’s own entrance and admission process. Both cycles have concluded with the 2026-27 batch enrolled and classes underway.
| Event | Date (2026-27 Cycle, Concluded) |
|---|---|
| CUET-PG 2026 Exam | March to April 2026 |
| CUET-UG 2026 Exam | May to June 2026 |
| SAU Merit List and Counselling | July to August 2026 |
| SAU International Application Rounds | April to July 2026 |
| Programme Commencement (2026-27) | August to September 2026 |
The next admission cycle for 2027-28 is expected to follow the established CUET schedule. Tentative dates based on the annual pattern are listed below.
| Event | Expected Date (2027-28 Cycle, Tentative) |
|---|---|
| CUET-PG 2027 Registration | January 2027 (Tentative) |
| CUET-PG 2027 Exam | March to April 2027 (Tentative) |
| CUET-UG 2027 Exam | May to June 2027 (Tentative) |
| SAU Merit List and Admission | July to August 2027 (Tentative) |
Programme-wise entrance exam requirements at SAU are listed below, covering both Indian national and SAARC national pathways.
| Programme | Exam for Indian Nationals | International SAARC Route |
|---|---|---|
| B.Tech, BCA, BA, BS (UG) | CUET-UG | SAU International Entrance |
| MA, MBA, M.Sc, MCA, LLM, M.Tech (PG) | CUET-PG | SAU International Entrance |
| PhD | UGC-NET JRF or SAU PhD Entrance | SAU International Entrance |
SAU Courses and Fees
SAU offers over 35 programmes spanning UG, PG, PhD, and certificate levels. Fees are among the most affordable in Delhi for an internationally accredited university, reflecting the SAARC-member-state funding model. All programmes at SAU are taught in English.
| Course | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| B.Tech (CSE, AI and ML, Cyber Security, Data Science and AI, Business Systems, Mathematics and Computing) | 4 years | 10+2 with PCM, CUET-UG | INR 1.46 Lakhs |
| BCA, BCA Hons | 3 years | 10+2, CUET-UG | INR 77,410 |
| BA | 3 years | 10+2, CUET-UG | INR 89,610 |
| BS (Data Science and Engineering) and BS+MS Integrated | 4 to 5 years | 10+2 with PCM, CUET-UG | INR 1.07 Lakhs |
| BBA+MBA Integrated | 5 years | 10+2, CUET-UG | INR 1.24 Lakhs |
| MA (Economics, International Relations, Sociology) | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 50%, CUET-PG | INR 89,610 |
| M.Sc (Computer Science, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics) | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 50%, CUET-PG | INR 1.07 Lakhs |
| MBA | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 50%, CUET-PG | INR 1.68 Lakhs |
| Executive MBA | 2 years | Bachelor’s with 50% and work experience | INR 2.11 Lakhs |
| MCA, LLM, MS (Data Science), M.Tech (CSE) | 1 to 2 years | Relevant bachelor’s with 50%, CUET-PG | INR 89,610 to 2.01 Lakhs |
| PhD | 3 to 5 years | Master’s with 55%, UGC-NET JRF or SAU entrance | INR 89,610 to 1.07 Lakhs |
SAU hostel accommodation is available on the Maidan Garhi campus for both boys and girls. Hostel fees are up to INR 8,700 per month. The university’s fee structure is identical for Indian and SAARC national students, with no differentiation by nationality.
SAU Admission Process
UG Admission (B.Tech, BCA, BA, BS, BBA+MBA)
Indian national applicants for SAU UG programmes must qualify CUET-UG. Eligibility for B.Tech programmes requires 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics with at least 50% aggregate. SAU prepares a merit list based on CUET-UG domain scores and calls candidates for document verification and enrolment.
SAARC national students from Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and other member countries apply through SAU’s own international admission portal on sau.int. They sit for SAU’s entrance examination specific to the programme. Admission is highly competitive for international applicants given the limited seats per country.
PG Admission (MA, MBA, M.Sc, M.Tech, MCA, LLM)
PG admission at SAU is based on CUET-PG scores for Indian nationals. Eligibility requires a relevant bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks (45% for SC/ST). Key PG programme eligibility notes:
- MA Economics and International Relations: bachelor’s degree in any social science or economics discipline
- M.Sc Biotechnology: B.Sc in Life Sciences or related field with 50%
- LLM: LLB degree with 50%
- MBA: bachelor’s in any discipline with 50%
SAU prepares a merit list based on CUET-PG scores, holds a personal interview for select programmes, and then issues admission offers. The 2-year MA in International Relations is one of the most sought-after programmes at SAU, attracting applicants from across India and the SAARC region.
PhD Admission
PhD admissions at SAU are based on UGC-NET JRF qualification or qualifying the SAU PhD Entrance Examination. Fellowships are available for admitted PhD scholars per UGC norms. Candidates must have a relevant master’s degree with at least 55% aggregate. SAARC nationals also apply for PhD through SAU’s international research admission process.
SAU Placements and Career Outcomes
SAU is an interdisciplinary international university focused on social sciences, technology, and law. Career outcomes are oriented towards international organisations, research institutions, government ministries, policy think tanks, and the private sector. SAU maintains a dedicated Training and Placement Cell at the Maidan Garhi campus.
Graduates from MA International Relations and MA Economics programmes join the Indian Foreign Service, think tanks, multilateral organisations, and policy research bodies. B.Tech and MCA graduates are placed in IT and software companies. M.Sc Biotechnology graduates pursue research at national laboratories and join pharmaceutical companies.
| Programme Stream | Common Career Pathways |
|---|---|
| MA International Relations | IFS (Civil Services), think tanks, multilateral organisations, UN agencies, diplomatic missions |
| MA Economics | Civil services, World Bank, ADB, policy research bodies, academia |
| B.Tech / MCA / M.Sc Computer Science | IT and software companies, research labs, startup ecosystem |
| M.Sc Biotechnology | Pharmaceutical industry, CSIR labs, academic research |
| LLM and Legal Studies | Law practice, judicial services, legal research, international law firms |
| MBA and EMBA | Management roles in private sector, development finance institutions |
The SAARC affiliation of SAU provides international students with unique networking access across the South Asian region. Indian students benefit from an internationally diverse cohort, collaborative research programmes, and faculty with strong international credentials.
SAU Scholarships
SAU operates a comprehensive scholarship framework revised in 2025. Scholarships are available for both Indian and SAARC national students, funded through contributions from SAARC member states and the Indian government.
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| SAARC National Scholarship | Citizens of SAARC member states (other than India) admitted to SAU | Tuition fee waiver and monthly stipend as per scholarship policy 2025 |
| UGC-NET JRF (PhD scholars) | JRF-qualified Indian nationals admitted to SAU PhD | INR 37,000 per month (initial years) per UGC norms |
| SAU PhD Fellowship (Non-JRF) | PhD candidates without UGC-NET JRF admitted to SAU full-time | INR 31,000 per month per UGC Non-NET norms |
| NSP Post-Matric Scholarship | SC/ST/OBC/Minority Indian national students at SAU | Tuition fee and maintenance as per NSP norms |
SAARC national students from member countries receive the most significant scholarship support, as the university’s mandate is to promote regional integration through affordable education. Indian nationals may also access the NSP scheme through scholarship.gov.in and the UGC fellowship programmes for research students.
SAU Campus and Infrastructure
SAU relocated to its permanent 100-acre campus at Maidan Garhi, South Delhi in January 2023. The campus is located at Gaushala Road, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi 110068, close to the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road corridor.
The campus houses academic blocks for all schools, a central library with international databases, computer labs for B.Tech and MCA programmes, science laboratories for Biotechnology and M.Sc programmes, and dedicated research infrastructure for PhD scholars. The university operates a virtual campus for online BCA and other distance learning programmes.
On-campus hostel accommodation is available for boys and girls. The campus also has a health facility, guest house, cafeteria, and sports facilities. The multinational student body creates a culturally diverse residential community, with students from all eight SAARC nations represented on campus.
SAU vs JNU vs Jamia Millia Islamia
Aspirants targeting PG social sciences and humanities programmes at Delhi-based universities often consider SAU alongside Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI), as all three offer CUET-PG-based MA programmes in Economics, International Relations, and Social Sciences at government-affiliated fee levels in New Delhi.
| Parameter | SAU New Delhi | JNU New Delhi | JMI New Delhi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Established | 2010 | 1969 | 1920 |
| Type | International SAARC University | Central University | Central University |
| NAAC Grade | Not available | A++ | A |
| Admission Route (PG) | CUET-PG + SAU International | CUET-PG | CUET-PG |
| MA Total Fees | INR 89,610 | Comparable government level | Comparable government level |
| Distinctive Feature | SAARC nations cohort, international faculty, unique South Asian focus | Top NIRF university ranking, strong research culture | Minority institution, architecture and fine arts strength |
| Campus | 100 acres, Maidan Garhi | 1019 acres, Vasant Kunj | 258 acres, Okhla |
JNU ranks among the top universities in India with a NAAC A++ grade and strong NIRF standing, offering the most research-intensive environment for PG social science students. JMI is a minority institution with particular strengths in architecture and fine arts. SAU offers the unique advantage of an internationally diverse cohort from SAARC nations, faculty with international profiles, and a South Asia-specialised curriculum that no other Delhi university matches. For aspirants interested in international relations and South Asian regional studies, SAU’s distinct mandate makes it a standout option.
SAU FAQs
Ques. What is South Asian University (SAU)?
Ans. SAU is an international university jointly established by the eight SAARC nations (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) in 2010. It is recognised by the UGC of India as a national university and operates from a 100-acre campus at Maidan Garhi, South Delhi. It is the only university funded collectively by SAARC member states.
Ques. How does admission work at SAU for Indian students?
Ans. Indian nationals apply to SAU through CUET-UG for undergraduate programmes (B.Tech, BCA, BA, BS) and CUET-PG for postgraduate programmes (MA, MBA, M.Sc, MCA, LLM, M.Tech). SAU prepares a merit list from CUET scores and invites candidates for document verification and admission. Students from SAARC member countries apply through SAU’s own international entrance process on sau.int.
Ques. What is the fee for B.Tech at SAU?
Ans. The total B.Tech fee at SAU is INR 1.46 Lakhs for the complete 4-year duration, which is among the lowest B.Tech fees in Delhi. The MA programme total fee is INR 89,610. MBA total fees are INR 1.68 Lakhs. Hostel accommodation is available on campus at up to INR 8,700 per month.
Ques. Is the SAU MA International Relations degree valued?
Ans. Yes. The MA in International Relations at SAU is one of its flagship programmes, taught by an internationally diverse faculty with expertise in South Asian geopolitics, international law, and regional diplomacy. Graduates pursue careers in the Indian Foreign Service (through UPSC), multilateral organisations such as the UN and World Bank, policy think tanks, and diplomatic missions. The SAARC student cohort adds a uniquely regional perspective to the programme.
Ques. Does SAU offer scholarships?
Ans. Yes. SAU offers SAARC National Scholarships for students from member countries, covering tuition fees and monthly stipends under the 2025 revised scholarship policy. Indian PhD scholars receive UGC-NET JRF (INR 37,000 per month) or Non-NET UGC fellowship (INR 31,000 per month). Indian students from SC/ST/OBC/Minority categories are eligible for NSP post-matric scholarships through scholarship.gov.in.
Ques. Where is the SAU campus located?
Ans. SAU’s permanent 100-acre campus is located at Gaushala Road, Maidan Garhi, South Delhi (New Delhi 110068). The university moved to this campus in January 2023 from its previous temporary location at Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri. The campus is accessible from the Mehrauli-Badarpur Road corridor in South Delhi.
Ques. Is SAU recognised by UGC?
Ans. Yes. SAU is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) of India as a national university established under a special Act of Parliament. It has degree-granting authority in India. Degrees awarded by SAU are recognised for employment and higher studies in India just like any other UGC-recognised university.
Comments
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No, South Asian University (SAU), Delhi does not offer courses in Hindi medium. The medium of instruction at SAU is English for all its programs.
You need to have passed your PG course with 50% or more to be eligible and then get admission to PhD course based on entrance exam conducted by the college followed by personal interview.
Well, SAU New Delhi offers fee concession to the reserved category students provided you submit all the necessary documents. However, you can also opt for SAARC SJS scholarship to get fee waivers by the college.
The first and second-year fees of MA International Relations is 74,580 and INR 66,980 respectively.
Click on the below links to get the fee structure and Admission process of SAU New Delhi
SAU New Delhi Courses Fees
SAU New Delhi Admission Process
The LLM course at SAU New Delhi is a full-time on campus course. Thus, distance learning at SAU New Delhi along with your practice is not viable.
Yes, SAU New Delhi provides PhD in International Relations, you can check out more about the course at SAU New Delhi PhD International Relations Course.