Stella Maris College Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Cutoff, Ranking, Placement

About Stella Maris College Chennai

Stella Maris College, Chennai, established in 1947, is a premier autonomous women's college located in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Founded and managed by the Society of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, it is affiliated with the University of Madras and operates as a minority institution with a partly residential campus.

The college holds an A+ grade from NAAC valid until 2026 and is ranked 41st in the NIRF 2025 college category. It offers 19 undergraduate and 12 postgraduate programs, including unique courses in Western Music, Fine Arts, Social Work, and Data Science. With over 5,500 students and a strong faculty team, Stella Maris is known for academic excellence, leadership programs, and notable achievements in interdisciplinary education and research.

Key Highlights

Admission Dates 2026

Stella Maris College Chennai admission for the 2026 academic cycle is conducted online for UG, PG, and PhD programs. Admissions are based on merit for most UG courses, with entrance exams required for BA English, BVA, and all PG courses. The application process opens shortly after the Plus Two exam results and closes by late December 2025 for the 2026 session.

Admission Process

Stella Maris College Chennai offers admission to undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs primarily through merit in qualifying exams, with entrance tests and interviews required for specific courses such as BA English, BVA, and all PG programs. Applications are submitted online via the college website, followed by document verification and fee payment.

Undergraduate Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official Stella Maris College website and navigate to the Admissions section.
2. Register and fill out the online application form for the desired UG course.
3. Upload required documents such as mark sheets, identity proof, and community certificates.
4. Pay the application fee online to submit the form.
5. For BA English and BVA courses, appear for the entrance or aptitude test conducted by the college.
6. Attend the personal interview if shortlisted.
7. Upon selection, complete document verification and pay the admission fees to confirm enrollment.

Postgraduate Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Access the online application form on the official college website under the PG admissions section.
2. Complete the form and upload necessary academic and identity documents.
3. Pay the application fee online.
4. Appear for the entrance or aptitude test conducted by Stella Maris College.
5. Attend the personal interview following the entrance test.
6. After selection, verify original documents and pay the course fees to finalize admission.

PhD Admission

Steps to Apply

1. Apply online through the college portal for the PhD program.
2. Submit required documents including postgraduate degree certificates with minimum 55% marks.
3. Appear for the college-conducted entrance test and personal interview.
4. Complete document verification and pay fees after selection.

Eligibility Criteria & Fees

Documents Required

• Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
• UG degree certificate and mark sheets (for PG and PhD admissions)
• Entrance exam scorecard (if applicable)
• Identity proof (Aadhaar card or equivalent)
• Community and caste certificates (if applicable)
• Baptism certificate and letter from Parish Priest (for Catholic candidates)
• Passport/OCI/PIO/valid visa for foreign nationals
• Recent passport-sized photographs

Placements 2025

Stella Maris College Chennai recorded a strong placement performance in 2025, with 754 students placed across UG and PG programs. The median package for the 3-year UG program was ₹4.20 LPA, while the highest package reached ₹21 LPA. The placement rate stood around 57%, with over 120 companies participating in the recruitment process.

Placement Statistics

Top Recruiters

IT: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, Capgemini, Zoho, Google

Consulting: Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG, McKinsey, Boston Consulting Group

Core: Bank of Scotland, ICICI, Barclays, De Shaw, Royal Bank of Scotland

Branch-wise Placement

Rankings & Accreditations

Stella Maris College Chennai is ranked 41st in the NIRF 2025 College category with a score of 61.25. It holds strong positions in India Today and Outlook rankings for various streams, consistently placing within the top 20 nationally. The college maintains an 'A' grade accreditation from NAAC valid until 2026.

NIRF 2025

Other Rankings

Accreditations

• NAAC: A Grade (Valid till 2026)

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Stella Maris College Chennai offers a range of scholarships to support students from economically and socially disadvantaged backgrounds, including government, private, and institute-specific scholarships. The college has a dedicated scholarship cell to assist students in applying for these awards, which include merit-based, need-based, and category-specific scholarships with amounts varying up to ₹60,000 annually.

Institute Scholarships

Government Scholarships

External Scholarships

• EY Scholarship: ₹1,00,000 plus two-month internship for 2nd-year Humanities/Commerce students selected via business case challenge
• Maharani Vidyavathi Devi of Vizianagaram Trust: Scholarships for deserving students
• UDIS Forum: Financial aid for eligible students
• Sri Sai Trust: Scholarships for deserving candidates
• University of Madras Endowment: Tuition fee concession or cash awards for outstanding UG/PG students
• The Tamil Nadu Education Trust: Scholarships for eligible students

Comparison

Stella Maris College Chennai is compared with Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), Delhi, and Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, as all three are prestigious autonomous women's colleges in India known for strong academic programs, high NAAC accreditation, and consistent NIRF rankings in the top 50 colleges nationally.

Key Strengths

• Stella Maris College Chennai: Strong emphasis on holistic women’s education with a legacy of pioneering arts and social work programs and a well-maintained residential campus.
• Lady Shri Ram College for Women: Premier public institution with top NIRF ranking, excellent placement records, and a wide range of social sciences and commerce programs.
• Mount Carmel College: Renowned for science and commerce education with strong industry connections and high NAAC accreditation, fostering research and entrepreneurship.

Campus & Infrastructure

Stella Maris College is located on Cathedral Road in Chennai, spread over a well-maintained, green campus of approximately 19 acres. The campus features a blend of historic and modern buildings, including academic blocks, hostels, and recreational facilities, providing a conducive environment for women's education.

Campus Details

Academic Facilities

• Library: Carpet area 1560 sq. meters, fully automated, over 60 PCs, extensive collection including rare books, journals, e-resources, and facilities for visually challenged students
• Labs: Multiple well-equipped laboratories including DST-FIST lab with advanced instruments like UV-Vis Spectrophotometer, HPLC, Gel-Doc Imager, Electrochemical Workstation
• Classrooms: 31 smart classrooms equipped with audio-visual aids and projectors

Hostel

Other Facilities

• Auditorium with audiovisual equipment for cultural and academic events
• Gymnasium
• Football ground
• 24/7 Wi-Fi connectivity across campus and hostels
• Medical centre with qualified personnel and 24/7 assistance
• Indian Overseas Bank branch and ATM on campus
• DTP Centre offering photocopying, lamination, and binding services
• Multiple canteens including a mess and pani puri stall

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process and eligibility criteria for undergraduate courses at Stella Maris College?

Admission is merit-based on Class 12 marks, with 50% seats reserved for minority Catholics. For most UG courses, candidates must pass 10+2 in relevant subjects. Some courses like B.A. English and BVA require an entrance test and interview.

Are there entrance exams for postgraduate admissions at Stella Maris College?

Yes, PG admissions require candidates to clear a college-conducted entrance exam followed by an interview. Eligibility includes a relevant bachelor's degree with at least 50% aggregate marks.

What is the fee structure for hostels at Stella Maris College?

Hostel fees range from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per semester, with additional mess fees of ₹3,000 per month or ₹22,000 per semester. Rooms vary from 5-sharing in the first year to single rooms in the third year.

Does Stella Maris College offer scholarships or financial aid?

The college provides financial aid and scholarships based on merit and need. It also offers education loans through its on-campus Indian Overseas Bank branch to support students financially.

What is the placement scenario and average package at Stella Maris College?

The placement cell supports students with training programs; only candidates scoring 65% and above are eligible. While exact package figures vary, the college has a good placement record with internships facilitated by the cell.

Which companies recruit from Stella Maris College?

Recruiters include firms from sectors like IT, finance, and social work, though specific company names are not publicly listed. The college emphasizes skill development to enhance employability.

How is the curriculum and faculty quality at Stella Maris College?

The college offers well-structured curricula aligned with University of Madras guidelines, with experienced faculty members. It also encourages research and practical learning through well-equipped labs.

Are there research opportunities available for students at Stella Maris College?

Yes, the college supports research activities, especially at the postgraduate and PhD levels, requiring candidates to clear entrance exams like UGC NET and participate in interviews for admission.

What hostel facilities and amenities are available for students?

There are five hostels with amenities like air-conditioned rooms, attached bathrooms, WiFi, common refrigerators, and 24/7 security. Hostel management is strict, ensuring discipline and safety.

How is the food quality and variety in the college mess and canteens?

The college mess offers both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options with generally good food quality. There are also three canteens and snack stalls like a pani puri stall and juice shop on campus.

What student clubs and extracurricular activities does Stella Maris College offer?

The college has active clubs including French, Dance, Photography, Rotaract, NCC, NSS, YRC, and RRC. The Students' Union organizes cultural fests, sports events, and social activities throughout the year.

Is there a dress code or attendance requirement at Stella Maris College?

Yes, students must maintain at least 85% attendance to appear for exams, with a condonation fee for attendance between 80-85%. The college enforces a dress code for all students.

How safe is the campus and hostel environment for students?

The campus and hostels have strong security measures, including strict hostel timings and mobile submission at night. The environment is considered safe, especially with convent sisters managing hostels.

What are the transport and commute options for students attending Stella Maris College?

The college provides transport facilities for students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, the campus is located in central Chennai with good public transport connectivity.

Can students pursue part-time jobs while studying at Stella Maris College?

While the college does not officially facilitate part-time jobs, students often find opportunities in the city. The college encourages focus on academics and extracurriculars alongside any work.

How does Stella Maris College compare to other women's colleges in Chennai in terms of reputation and ROI?

Stella Maris College is highly reputed for academics, discipline, and campus life, with a strong alumni network. Its fees are moderate compared to private institutions, offering good return on investment.

What is the process for applying to PhD programs at Stella Maris College?

Applicants must have a relevant master's degree with at least 50% marks and clear UGC NET, CSIR NET, or equivalent exams. Admission includes an interview and counselling session focused on research objectives.

Are laptops or specific technical devices required for courses at Stella Maris College?

Laptops are recommended but not mandatory. The college provides computer labs with internet and software access, supporting students' academic and research needs.

Does Stella Maris College provide counseling and mental health support?

The college has trained counselors and a dedicated counseling center offering psychological support and mentoring services to students for mental well-being.

What is the application fee and how can one apply for admission at Stella Maris College?

The application fee is ₹1,000. Admissions are conducted online through the official college website, with candidates required to attend interviews after shortlisting based on merit or entrance exams.