![South Asian University - [SAU]](https://image-static.collegedunia.com/public/college_data/images/logos/149157053466666.jpg?h=71.7&w=71.7&mode=stretch)
South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi was established in 2010 and is an international university supported by SAARC nations. It was founded by the eight member countries of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The university is recognized by the UGC and offers programs with a strong regional and international academic focus.
Key Highlights:
- University Type: International (SAARC-supported)
- Established: 2010
- Recognition: UGC approved
- Popular Courses: BS + MS & B.Tech
- Total Fees:BS+MS (INR 7.41 Lakhs) & B.Tech ( INR 9.14 Lakhs)
- Focus Areas: Postgraduate and PhD programs in economics, international relations, biotechnology, computer science, and legal studies
South Asian University Important Dates 2026
Admissions at SAU, New Delhi are based on the SAU Entrance Test / CUET UG & CUET PG for most graduate, postgraduate and PhD programs. Here are the important admission related events:
CUET UG Dates
CUET PG Dates
South Asian University Entrance Dates
| Event | Entrance Test Mode | Direct Mode |
|---|---|---|
| Last Date for Application | April 10, 2026 | April 10, 2026 |
| Release of Admit Cards | April 20, 2026 | - |
| Entrance Test Dates | April 25 & 26, 2026 | - |
| First Merit List (UG & PG) | May 15, 2026 | May 28, 2026 onwards |
South Asian University Courses & Fees
South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi offers undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated, and PhD programs with an international academic structure. Below are the SAU courses and fees, and eligibility criteria:
| Course | Total Fees |
|---|---|
| BS + MS | INR 7.41 Lakhs |
| B.Tech | INR 9.14 Lakhs |
| BA | INR 3.55 Lakhs |
| BS (Data Science and Engineering) | INR 6 Lakhs |
| B.Tech + M.Tech (CSE) | INR 11.33 Lakhs |
| MBA | INR 5.62 Lakhs |
| MA | INR 2.49 Lakhs |
| M.Sc | INR 3.18 Lakhs |
| Master of Laws [L.L.M.] | INR 2.49 Lakhs |
| Ph.D | INR 3.55 – INR 4.59 Lakhs |
Note: The application process for most programs is expected to begin around April 2026 through the official SAU admission portal.
South Asian University Admission 2026
South Asian University , New Delhi offers undergraduate, postgraduate, integrated, and PhD programs such as BS-MS, B.Tech, BA, MBA, MA, M.Sc, LLM, and Ph.D. Admissions at SAU are primarily conducted through the SAU Entrance Test, followed by further selection stages depending on the program.
B.Tech and BS-MS programs are among the most popular courses at SAU. For admission, candidates must have passed 10+2 with at least 65% marks in relevant subjects. Selection is based on the SAU Entrance Test, and shortlisted candidates may be called for further evaluation.
Candidates seeking admission must apply through the official SAU admission portal. The application process generally begins around April 2026, and the fee varies by program and category. SAU offers a research-oriented international academic environment with students from SAARC countries.
Course-wise Eligibility & Selection Process
| Course | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| BS + MS | 10+2 with minimum 65% + CUET UG / SAU Entrance Test |
| B.Tech | 10+2 with minimum 65% (PCM) + CUET UG / SAU Entrance Test |
| BA | 10+2 in any stream + CUET UG / SAU Entrance Test |
| BS (Data Science and Engineering) | 10+2 with minimum 50% + CUET UG / SAU Entrance Test |
| B.Tech + M.Tech (CSE) | 10+2 with minimum 65% + CUET UG / SAU Entrance Test |
| MBA | Graduation with minimum 50% + CUET PG / SAU Entrance Test |
| MA | Graduation with minimum 50% + CUET PG / SAU Entrance Test |
| M.Sc | Graduation with minimum 55% + CUET PG / SAU Entrance Test |
| Master of Laws [L.L.M.] | LLB with minimum 50% + CUET PG / SAU Entrance Test |
| Ph.D | Post Graduation with minimum 55% / SAU Entrance Test |
SAU is a good option for students looking for an international-level education at relatively affordable fees, with strong focus on research, regional cooperation, and multidisciplinary learning.
South Asian University Ranking
The table below shows the latest available South Asian University Rankings :
| Ranked By | Category | Year | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| IIRF | Overall | 2025 | 47 |
South Asian University Campus
- Campus Area: Modern campus located in New Delhi with developing infrastructure.
- Location: Situated in the capital city, offering good connectivity and exposure.
- Academic Facilities: Equipped with smart classrooms, advanced laboratories, and a well-stocked library with digital resources.
- Hostel Facilities: Separate hostels for boys and girls with international student accommodation.
- Food Facilities: Mess and cafeteria serving diverse food options for students from different countries.
- Environment: Multicultural and academic-focused environment with students from SAARC nations.
- Student Activities: Regular seminars, cultural events, international fests, and academic workshops are organized.
According to student reviews, SAU provides a diverse and intellectually engaging environment with students from different countries. The campus is safe and academically focused, with access to Wi-Fi, modern classrooms, and research facilities. However, students feel that campus infrastructure is still developing, and more recreational facilities can be added.
South Asian University Scholarships
SAU is committed to awarding financial aid to the needy and deserving students. The following scholarships are available to students admitted in the University:
- President’s Scholarships (For MA/M.Sc. and LLM students only): Two scholarships are offered for each academic program: one to the student scoring the highest marks in the Entrance Test in the Indian list and the other to the student scoring the highest marks in the non-Indian list (South Asian countries other than India) who finally joins the University. The scholarship is offered for two years and will be renewed in the second year subject to satisfactory performance in the first year.
- SAARC India Silver Jubilee Scholarships for Masters and PhD Programs: It is instituted by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Government of India, are offered for Master’s and Doctoral level studies to meritorious students coming from one of the following lists of eligible countries specified by the MEA: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal. MEA has made available 75 SJS scholarships for Masters level students to SAU. The MEA has laid down detailed criteria regarding the award of these scholarships. SJS scholarships are awarded based on merit.
- SAU Merit Scholarships (For MA/MSc and LLM students only): Two SAU Merit scholarships are available in each academic program and shall be awarded as per the following criteria:
- Indian: Based on the entrance test, from the merit list the top two students will be awarded SAU merit scholarships, which excludes President scholarship holders.
- Non-Indian: Based on the entrance test, from the merit list the top two students will be awarded SAU merit
SAU New Delhi vs JNU vs University of Delhi
Here’s a quick comparison of SAU, New Delhi with Jawaharlal Nehru University and University of Delhi all located in New Delhi and known for strong academic and research-oriented programs.
- South Asian University is an international university supported by SAARC nations, known for its research focus and multicultural environment.
- Jawaharlal Nehru University is a top-ranked central university, famous for social sciences, international studies, and research programs.
- University of Delhi is one of India’s largest central universities, offering a wide range of UG and PG courses with strong academic reputation and placements.
Comparison Table
| Parameters | SAU | JNU | University of Delhi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Popular Courses | MA, M.Sc, MBA, LLM, PhD, B.Tech | MA, M.Sc, M.Phil, PhD | BA, B.Com, B.Sc, MA, MBA |
| Entrance Exam Accepted | SAU Entrance Test | CUET PG / JNUEE (PhD) | CUET UG / CUET PG |
| MA Fees | INR 2.49 Lakhs | INR 420.50 | INR 8,176 |
| MA Selection Criteria | SAU Entrance Test | CUET PG | CUET PG |
| MBA Fees | INR 5.62 Lakhs | INR 12,000 – 1 Lakh | INR 50,000 – 2 Lakhs |
| MBA Selection Criteria | Entrance Test / Interview | CAT / CUET PG | CAT / CUET PG |
| Placement Trend | Moderate to good (international exposure) | Moderate placements | Good placements (top colleges) |
| University Type | International (SAARC-supported) | Central University | Central University |
Why Choose South Asian University (SAU)?
SAU is ideal for students seeking an international academic environment with exposure to multiple SAARC countries. It offers research-focused programs, diverse peer learning, and globally relevant curriculum. The university is especially suitable for students interested in international relations, economics, computer science, and interdisciplinary studies, with a focus on regional cooperation and research excellence.
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Comments
Found 7 Comments
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.