Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Where is SAU located?

South Asian University is located in New Delhi. Currently the university is functioning from its Akbar Bhawan Campus in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. A 100 acre campus in Maidan Garhi in South Delhi has been allotted by the government of India and the construction will be starting soon.

Q2.Is there any regional campus of SAU?

Currently South Asian University does not have any Regional Campus. But there are provisions for such campuses. The Regional Campus in any SAARC Member State would be a centre of academic excellence that would strive to take advantage and make use of special expertise and proven knowledge and skills available in that country including its achievements in science and technology and its geographic, environmental, socio-economic and cultural features.

Q3. What major courses does SAU offer?

Currently SAU offers Masters & Ph.D. programmes in Applied Mathematics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Development Economics, International Relations, Law & Sociology.

Q4. Are the degrees provided by South Asian University recognised?

As per an inter-governmental agreement, the degrees provided by South Asian University are recognised in all the member nations of SAARC.

Q5. What is the eligibility criteria required for admission?

For admission to Masters & Ph.D. programmes in Development Economics, Sociology, International Relations & Law, the minimum prescribed eligibility percentage in qualifying degree is 50% or equivalent grade and for Applied Mathematics, Biotechnology and Computer Science, the minimum prescribed eligibility percentage in the qualifying degree is 55% or equivalent grade.

Q6. How are the students inducted?

The candidates for admission to the Masters programmes are subjected to a written test. The syllabus & pattern for the test can be accessed from the university website.

Admission to Ph.D. programmes is based on an entrance test and an interview. The entrance test is based on a prescribed syllabus & pattern, uploaded on the university website. The interview for candidates outside India will be done through Skype. The requirements for interview are also uploaded on the university website for each programme of study.

Q7. Are hostel facilities available for all students?

Separate hostels for boys and girls who come from outside Delhi are available on a sharing basis. Accommodation is not available for family members, spouses and children of married students.

Q8. How do I apply?

You need to log in to the university website and has the option of applying either online or through normal post by downloading the form from the website.

Q9. When should I apply?

Admission process for 2014-15 will begin in the third / fourth week of January. The last date for applying is 3rd March 2014 and the entrance test will be held on 6th April 2014 on specified centers in all SAARC countries.

Q10. I don’t belong to the SAARC countries but I want to apply. Do you have centres in countries outside the SAARC region?

Candidates applying from outside SAARC countries do not have to appear in the written test but will be admitted on the basis of their academic record in the qualifying examinations.

Q11. What is the teacher student ratio at SAU?

The current teacher student ratio at SAU is approximately 1:6.  

Q12. Do you have any undergraduate programme?

The university doesn’t have any undergraduate programme as yet.

Q13. What types of scholarships are available?

Liberal number scholarships and financial assistance schemes are available to the students, which you can apply after taking admission.

Q14. How do I apply for scholarships?

You may apply for scholarship only after you have been admitted to the university. Applications have to be made on a prescribed format and you have to provide valid documents of your family income.

Q15. Can I get campus jobs at SAU?

Limited number of campus jobs are available under the Work & Earn programme. You can apply for these jobs on a monthly basis.

Q16. Do non-Indian students face any disparity?

All students, whether from within India or outside, are treated as equals in all matters, whether academic or administrative. In order to promote integration amongst students living in the hostel, the university has a policy of letting students from different countries share the accommodation.

Q17. What are the prospects SAU graduates might have?

The SAU degrees are recognized by the SAARC member countries. Job opportunities depend, among others, on the grades the students get. The university does have a placement cell that helps the students in finding jobs, internships, etc.

Q18. What all do I need to bring when I come to SAU after admission?

The university provides a bed along with the mattress and a table and a chair in the hostel rooms. Students have to bring along their own linen and bedding.