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More About SAU New Delhi
Campus Area
100
Year Of Established
2010
SAU New Delhi Rankings, Accreditations & Recognitions
About South Asian University - [SAU] New Delhi
South Asian University (SAU), established in 2010, is located in New Delhi, Delhi. It is a central international university founded by the eight SAARC member nations—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. SAU operates as an autonomous institution with a focus on regional cooperation and academic excellence.
SAU holds recognition from the University Grants Commission (UGC) and offers postgraduate and doctoral programs across disciplines such as Economics, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Sociology, International Relations, and Law. The university has a sprawling 100-acre campus in Maidan Garhi, New Delhi, with a diverse student body from all SAARC countries. It is ranked 47th among Indian colleges by IIRF in 2025 and is known for its cutting-edge research and international academic environment.
Key Highlights
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | South Asian University |
| Established | 2010 |
| Type | Central Autonomous University |
| Affiliation | Autonomous |
| Approved By | UGC |
| NIRF 2025 | #47 in College Category |
| Campus | 100 acres, New Delhi, Delhi |
| Courses | Postgraduate and PhD programs |
| Popular Programmes | Economics, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Mathematics, International Relations, Law |
| Students | International student body from 8 SAARC countries |
| Website | https://sau.int |
Courses Offered at SAU New Delhi
Specializations
Specializations
UG
Specializations
Specializations
Specializations
Specializations
Specializations
Specializations
Specializations
UG
Specializations
Specializations
Specializations
Admission Dates 2026
South Asian University (SAU) admission for 2026 includes an entrance test called SAUET, along with direct admission modes based on national level exams like JEE Mains, CUET, and others for various UG, PG, and PhD programs. The SAUET application process starts in February 2026, with the entrance exam scheduled for April 2026.
| Programme | Event | Date |
|---|---|---|
| All Programmes (Entrance Test Mode) | Application Start | 01 February 2026 |
| All Programmes (Entrance Test Mode) | Application Deadline | 18 April 2026 |
| All Programmes (Entrance Test Mode) | Entrance Test | 26 April 2026 – 27 April 2026 |
| All Programmes (Entrance Test Mode) | Result Declaration | 09 May 2026 |
| All Programmes (Direct Mode) | Application Deadline | 19 May 2026 |
| Virtual Campus Programmes | Application Deadline | 19 June 2026 |
| PhD Programmes (Direct Mode) | Applications Open (Rolling Basis) | From January 2026 onwards |
Campus Gallery Of SAU New Delhi
Admission Process
South Asian University (SAU) offers admission primarily through an online entrance test for Master’s and Ph.D. programs, with a direct admission mode available for non-SAARC nationals and certain Ph.D. candidates. The university reserves 50% of seats for Indian students and conducts separate merit lists by nationality.
Master’s and Ph.D. Admission
Steps to Apply
- Register online on the SAU official website and fill out the application form.
- Pay the entrance test fee of INR 670 (or USD 10 for international candidates) online or via bank draft.
- Download the admit card and appear for the offline entrance test at designated centers.
- For Ph.D. applicants with national fellowships or employment, submit research proposal and documents for direct interview shortlisting.
- Attend the interview (in-person or via Skype for international candidates) if shortlisted.
- Check merit lists published separately for each SAARC country and for non-SAARC candidates.
- Complete admission formalities upon selection, including fee payment and document submission.
Eligibility Criteria & Fees
| Programme | Qualification | Entrance Exam | Min % | Fees (per year) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s (M.A., M.Sc., LL.M.) | Bachelor’s degree (3 years or equivalent) | SAU Entrance Test | 50% for M.A. & LL.M., 55% for M.Sc. | ₹1,00,000 |
| Ph.D. | Master’s degree in relevant field | SAU Entrance Test or Direct Interview (if fellowship/employed) | 50% | ₹1,20,000 |
Documents Required
- Completed application form (online submission)
- Proof of educational qualifications (mark sheets and degree certificates)
- Entrance test admit card (for test mode applicants)
- Passport size photographs
- Proof of nationality (passport or national ID)
- Research proposal and reference letters (for Ph.D. direct admission candidates)
- Payment receipt of application/entrance fee
Nearest Attractions at SAU New Delhi
Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)
22 km
Saket Bus Terminal
8 km
Batra Hospital & Medical Research Centre
7 km
Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station
16 km
Cutoff 2025
The cutoff trends at South Asian University (SAU) for 2025 indicate that admissions for BTech programs are based on percentile scores in JEE Main, with general category candidates requiring around 80 percentile or above for Computer Science & Engineering. For MSc and MA programs, the SAU Entrance Test cutoffs generally range between 50% to 70% marks depending on the course and category. Integrated undergraduate admissions are based on CUET-UG scores with specific subject requirements.
| Exam | Branch/Course | General | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JEE Main | BTech Computer Science & Engineering | 80 percentile | ||||
| JEE Main | BTech Mathematics & Computing | 75 percentile | ||||
| SAU Entrance Test | MSc Computer Science | 60% - 70% | ||||
| SAU Entrance Test | MSc Biotechnology | 60% - 70% | ||||
| SAU Entrance Test | MSc Applied Mathematics | 60% - 70% | ||||
| SAU Entrance Test | MA International Relations | 50% - 60% | ||||
| SAU Entrance Test | MA Economics | 50% - 60% | ||||
| SAU Entrance Test | MA Sociology | 50% - 60% | ||||
| CUET-UG | Integrated BBA-MBA | 100+ score in General Aptitude Test | ||||
| CUET-UG | Integrated BS-MS (Interdisciplinary Sciences) | Qualifying scores in relevant science subjects | ||||
| CAT/CMAT/MAT/GMAT/CUET-PG | MBA | 70 percentile and above |
Campus Facilities at SAU New Delhi
Auditorium
Conference Rooms
Lecture Halls
Seminar Halls
Guest House Facilities
ATM Facility
Laundry Services
Stationery Shop
Utilities & Maintenance
Accessibility Features
Assistive Technologies and Support
Access Control System
Canteen
Hostel Mess Facilities
Boys'' Hostel (Multiple Blocks)
Girls'' Hostel (Multiple Blocks)
Research Centers
Central Computing Facilities
Wi-Fi Infrastructure
Computer Labs
Language Lab
Science Labs (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
Central Library
Digital Library
Health Centre
Green Lawns and Open Spaces
TV Rooms/Common Rooms
Campus Security
Emergency Facilities
Gymnasium/Fitness Centre
Outdoor Courts (Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton)
Playground/Open Fields
Counseling Centre
Grievance Redressal Cell
Bus Services
Parking Facilities
Placements 2025
South Asian University (SAU) has initiated an active placement cell from June 2025, marking the beginning of structured placement support. The highest package recorded recently is ₹23 LPA, primarily in MSc Computer Science, with average packages ranging between ₹4 to ₹6 LPA across various postgraduate programs. Top recruiters include major IT firms and consulting companies, reflecting strong industry connections despite the university's research-focused and international orientation.
Placement Statistics
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Highest Package | ₹23 LPA |
| Average Package | ₹5 to 6 LPA |
| Placement Rate | Approximately 60% |
Top Recruiters
IT: TCS, Cognizant, Infosys, Wipro, HCL, Accenture, Siemens
Consulting: EY, HSBC
Core: ISRO, DRDO, Flipkart, Ola
Branch-wise Placement
| Branch | Highest | Average | %Placed |
|---|---|---|---|
| MSc Computer Science | ₹23 LPA | ₹5-6 LPA | ~60% |
Student Reviews & Testimonials
Santosh Das
South Asian University (SAU) features a diverse and international faculty with members from various countries. It draws students from all SAARC nations, encouraging cross-cultural interactions and enhancing regional integration.
Al Mahmud
South Asian University (SAU) is a premier academic institution fostering regional collaboration and excellence in higher education. Established by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), SAU stands as a beacon of unity, drawing students and faculty from across South Asia to create a truly multicultural and intellectually vibrant community. The university’s well-designed academic programs, ranging from the humanities and social sciences to sciences and law, reflect its commitment to interdisciplinary learning. SAU's faculty members are distinguished scholars and practitioners, providing students with an enriching learning environment that encourages critical thinking, innovation, and a global perspective. One of the university’s standout features is its research focus. SAU actively supports research addressing pressing regional challenges, such as climate change, social justice, and economic development, contributing significantly to policy and academic discourse. The modern campus, with state-of-the-art facilities, creates an ideal atmosphere for academic and personal growth. SAU’s emphasis on regional cooperation is not limited to academics. Its diverse student body promotes cross-cultural understanding and lifelong friendships, making it a melting pot of ideas and traditions. This unique environment prepares graduates not only for academic success but also for leadership roles in a rapidly globalizing world. With its strong commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and regional integration, South Asian University is a remarkable institution. It equips students with the skills and knowledge to make meaningful contributions to their societies and fosters a spirit of unity among the South Asian nations.
Vishal Agrawal
This university provides world class state of the art infrastructure for student persuing their masters and PhDs. It has well equipped classrooms and labs with 24*7 internet and electricity supply. The hostel rooms are well furnished and tiled. It's offers peaceful environment as it is located in the outskirts of the mainstream City area.
Obaidullah Zaland
Everything that you need from a university can be found here. A great international university with students from 8 saarc countries. It's great honour to be a student of this esteemed university. They focus on research a lot and if you want to build your career in research, this is one of the best options that you have right now in Delhi. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Nepal are the 8 countries contributed to building this university.
Rankings & Accreditations
South Asian University (SAU), New Delhi, is recognized as a notable central university but does not appear in the top NIRF overall or university rankings for 2025. It holds a position of 47th among central universities in the India Rankings 2025 by IIRF. SAU is not listed in QS Southern Asia 2026 or Times Higher Education Asia rankings. It is officially recognized by the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation.
NIRF 2025
| Category | Rank | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Overall University Ranking | Not Ranked | — |
| Research Institutions | Not Ranked | — |
Other Rankings
| Agency | Rank | Year |
|---|---|---|
| IIRF (Central Universities) | #47 | 2025 |
Accreditations
- Recognition: Accredited by South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)
Scholarships & Financial Aid
South Asian University (SAU) offers a range of scholarships and financial aid primarily for students from SAARC countries, covering tuition, hostel fees, and providing monthly stipends. These scholarships are merit- and income-based, with special provisions for Indian and non-Indian students, including start-up and pack-up allowances to support travel and study expenses.
Institute Scholarships
| Scholarship | Eligibility | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SAU President Scholarship | One Indian and one non-Indian student per Master’s programme per year; merit-based | ₹15,000/month + 100% tuition & hostel fee waiver + ₹7,000 monthly stipend + ₹5,000 (Indian) or ₹10,000 (non-Indian) start-up and pack-up allowances |
| SAU Merit Scholarship | Meritorious students; Indian and non-Indian; based on CGPA | ₹12,000/month + 100% tuition & hostel fee waiver + ₹5,000 monthly stipend |
| PhD Scholarship (Entrance Test) | PhD students admitted through SAU entrance test | ₹39,000/month (Science streams), ₹36,000/month (Other streams) + 75% fee concession for Direct Mode PhD students + ₹80,000 travel support |
| Merit Scholarship | Master’s students meeting CGPA criteria | ₹5,000/month + 100% tuition & hostel fee waiver |
Government Scholarships
| Scheme | For | Amount | Portal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Sector Scheme of Scholarships for College and University Students | General category students meeting merit and income criteria | Varies; typically ₹10,000 to ₹20,000/year | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| National Fellowship and Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Students | Scheduled Tribe students pursuing higher education | Up to ₹39,000/month (PhD level) | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
| Post Matric Scholarship for Students with Disabilities | Students with disabilities | Varies by disability and course | National Scholarship Portal (NSP) |
External Scholarships
- SAARC Scholarships: Covers tuition, hostel fees, monthly stipend of ₹7,000, and allowances for travel and books for students from SAARC countries at SAU
Comparison
South Asian University (SAU) New Delhi is compared with Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and University of Delhi (DU) as all three are prominent central universities in New Delhi known for their postgraduate and research programs, attracting a diverse student body and offering strong academic and research opportunities.
| Parameter | South Asian University - [SAU] New Delhi | Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) New Delhi | University of Delhi (DU) New Delhi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Government (Central University) | Government (Central University) | Government (Central University) |
| Established | 2010 | 1969 | 1922 |
| NIRF 2025 (University Category) | Not ranked in top 100 | #21 | #69 |
| NAAC Grade | Not accredited by NAAC | A+ | A+ |
| Fee (Total for Master's) | Approx. ₹1.5 L | Approx. ₹0.5 L | Approx. ₹0.6 L |
| Highest Package | ₹15 LPA | ₹30 LPA | ₹25 LPA |
| Average Package | ₹6 LPA | ₹10 LPA | ₹8 LPA |
Key Strengths
- South Asian University - [SAU] New Delhi: Unique regional cooperation mandate under SAARC, strong international student diversity, focused on postgraduate and doctoral education with emphasis on South Asian studies and interdisciplinary research.
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU): Renowned for its research output, strong social sciences and humanities programs, high NIRF ranking, and excellent placement records especially in government and research sectors.
- University of Delhi (DU): Large and diverse academic offerings across disciplines, extensive alumni network, high NAAC accreditation, and strong industry connections for placements.
Campus & Infrastructure
South Asian University (SAU) is located at Maidan Garhi in South Delhi, adjacent to IGNOU and the Asola Wildlife Sanctuary. The university operates on a sprawling 100-acre permanent campus featuring faculty buildings, hostels, playgrounds, and residential apartments, completed by 2023.
Campus Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Area | 100 acres |
| Location | New Delhi, Delhi |
| Nearest Railway | Delhi Junction (approx. 15 km) |
| Nearest Airport | Indira Gandhi International Airport (approx. 20 km) |
Academic Facilities
- Library: Prof. G. K. Chadha Library with extensive collection of books, international e-resources, and journals
- Labs: 8 specialized research and computing labs including Computing Lab, Data Science & Analytics, Hardware Simulation, and Distributed Systems
- Classrooms: Smart classrooms equipped with smart boards and Wi-Fi access
Hostel
| Type | Capacity | Fee/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Boys | Partially furnished shared accommodations across six towers (exact capacity not specified) | US $60 per academic semester (approx. ₹5,400 per semester) |
| Girls | Partially furnished shared accommodations across six towers (exact capacity not specified) | US $60 per academic semester (approx. ₹5,400 per semester) |
Other Facilities
- Gym facility within hostel premises
- Sports facilities for students
- Cafeteria operating from 8 am to 10 pm serving beverages and snacks
- Medical centre with first aid and health insurance coverage
- Bank and ATM on campus
- Free Wi-Fi access across classrooms and library
Frequently Asked Questions
What entrance exams are required for admission to South Asian University (SAU)?
SAU conducts its own admission tests annually at various centres across the eight SAARC countries for Master's and PhD programs. There is a country quota system for admissions, and eligibility depends on the specific program applied for.
What is the eligibility criteria for applying to SAU's postgraduate programs?
Applicants must have a relevant undergraduate degree with a minimum qualifying percentage as specified by SAU. Admission is competitive and based on entrance test scores and country quotas among SAARC member states.
How can I apply for admission to South Asian University?
Applications are submitted online through the official SAU admission portal. Candidates must select the mode of admission and submit required documents before the deadline, typically in early April each year.
What is the fee structure for SAU hostels for SAARC students?
The hostel fee for students from SAARC countries is approximately US $100 per academic semester. Mess charges are extra, ranging from US $50 to $75 per month.
Are scholarships available at South Asian University?
SAU offers scholarship facilities to students from SAARC countries, supported by the member states, to promote regional cooperation and academic excellence.
Does SAU provide education loans or financial aid options?
While SAU itself does not directly provide education loans, students can avail loans from banks in their home countries, often supported by government schemes for international study.
What is the placement scenario at South Asian University?
SAU has a growing placement record with students securing internships and jobs in regional and international organizations, especially in economics, international relations, and computer science sectors.
Which companies or organizations recruit from SAU?
Recruiters include multinational companies, NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations linked to South Asia, reflecting the university’s regional focus.
Does SAU offer internship opportunities during the course?
Yes, SAU encourages internships as part of its curriculum, facilitating placements in research institutions, think tanks, and corporate sectors across SAARC countries.
What specializations are available in SAU’s academic programs?
SAU offers Master's and MPhil/PhD programs in Applied Mathematics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Legal Studies, and Sociology.
How experienced is the faculty at South Asian University?
SAU faculty includes internationally recognized scholars and experts from SAARC countries, ensuring high academic standards and research output.
What research facilities does SAU provide to students?
The university has state-of-the-art laboratories, a comprehensive library with international e-resources, and a computer centre to support advanced research activities.
What are the hostel facilities like at SAU?
SAU hostels offer around 800 partially furnished shared units across twelve towers, with common rooms, study areas, fitness centre, and recreational lounges. Hostel fees are US $100 per semester for SAARC students.
Is the hostel accommodation compulsory for SAU students?
Hostel accommodation is not compulsory but limited and allocated based on eligibility, merit, and availability. Priority is given to students from SAARC countries outside India.
What is the food quality and mess facility in SAU hostels?
The hostel mess provides meals with charges ranging from US $50 to $75 monthly. The cafeteria on campus operates from 8 am to 10 pm, serving snacks and beverages.
How safe is the SAU campus and hostel environment?
SAU maintains strict hostel rules and has a proctorial committee to ensure student safety. The campus is secure, with a diverse and collaborative student community.
Are part-time jobs allowed for students at South Asian University?
SAU does not officially facilitate part-time jobs on campus; students typically focus on academics and internships related to their programs.
Is there a dress code for students at SAU?
SAU does not enforce a strict dress code but expects students to dress modestly and appropriately for academic and cultural events.
How does South Asian University compare with other regional universities?
SAU is unique as an international university sponsored by SAARC nations, offering recognized degrees across member countries with a strong regional focus and diverse student body.
What is the return on investment (ROI) for studying at SAU?
With low tuition and hostel fees, plus scholarships and regional recognition, SAU offers a high ROI, especially for students aiming for careers in South Asia or international organizations.
