South Asian University (SAU) is a unique and innovative international university that is sponsored by the eight Member States of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The university is committed to providing world-class facilities and professional faculty to students and researchers from SAARC member countries. SAU began admitting students in 2010 and now offers Master's and MPhil/PhD programs.

The degrees awarded by SAU are recognized by all the member nations of SAARC according to an inter-governmental agreement. With a country quota system for admission, SAU attracts students primarily from all eight SAARC countries, but also from other continents. India provides the majority of funds for the foundation of the university, which is around 79 percent of the total cost of the full establishment of the University until 2014.

SAU is now located at its permanent campus in South Delhi, India, next to Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). This article provides an in-depth look at all that SAU has to offer, including its history, academic programs, and scholarship opportunities.

COURSES & FEES

South Asian University offers a diverse range of Master's and PhD level programs in seven different disciplines, namely Biotechnology, Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Legal Studies, Mathematics, and Sociology. The university aims to promote a South Asian consciousness and attract students from all member states. SAU's courses are recognized by all eight SAARC countries, making it an ideal destination for students seeking a world-class education in South Asia. Additionally, the university allows students to register for multiple programs as long as they meet the eligibility criteria and the Entrance Test timings do not clash. SAU also offers a direct mode of admission for certain categories of Ph.D. candidates, who are exempted from the Entrance Test and are called for interviews directly.

SCHOLARSHIP

South Asian University (SAU) recognizes the importance of financial support for its students and offers several scholarship opportunities. These scholarships are merit-based and dependent on the student's rank in the entrance test, ensuring that deserving students receive financial assistance to pursue their academic goals.

In addition, SAU provides a limited number of freeships for students who are unable to afford course fees and offers campus jobs through the Work-Earn program. These opportunities allow students to support themselves financially while studying and enable them to gain valuable work experience. SAU students can apply for these jobs on a monthly basis after joining the university, ensuring that they have access to financial support throughout their academic journey. With these scholarship opportunities, SAU strives to create a supportive learning environment that enables students to focus on their studies and achieve their academic aspirations.

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RANKING

South Asian University (SAU) has consistently been ranked as one of the top universities in South Asia. SAU has been acknowledged for its academic excellence, research, and international collaboration in various fields, including Applied Mathematics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Legal Studies, and Sociology. Its faculty members are highly qualified, and the university's state-of-the-art infrastructure and research facilities attract students from all over the world. SAU's commitment to academic excellence and research has earned it a well-deserved reputation as a top-tier university in the region.

PROS

Diversity: South Asian University is a multicultural university that attracts students from different parts of the world. The university has students from all eight South Asian countries, which creates a unique learning environment. Students get the opportunity to interact with people from different cultures and backgrounds, which broadens their perspectives and helps them develop cross-cultural communication skills.

Faculty: The faculty at South Asian University is highly qualified and experienced. Most of the professors have completed their education from renowned universities around the world, and they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the classroom. The professors are also highly approachable, and they work closely with students to ensure that they understand the course material.

Research Opportunities: South Asian University provides several opportunities for students to engage in research activities. The university has well-equipped laboratories, and students can work on cutting-edge research projects under the guidance of experienced professors. The university also encourages interdisciplinary research, which allows students to explore a wide range of topics.

Affordability: South Asian University is an affordable option for students who want to pursue higher education in India. The tuition fees at the university are much lower compared to other universities in India and abroad. Additionally, the university provides scholarships to students who excel academically, which can help reduce the financial burden on students.

Location: The location of South Asian University is another advantage for students. The university is located in New Delhi, which is the capital city of India. New Delhi is a hub for business, politics, and culture, which provides students with several opportunities to engage with the outside world. Additionally, the university is located in a quiet and peaceful area, which provides a conducive environment for studying.

CONS

Limited Course Options: South Asian University offers a limited range of courses compared to other universities in India and abroad. The university primarily focuses on social sciences, law, and international studies. This can be a disadvantage for students who want to pursue a specific field of study that is not offered at the university. For instance, students who want to study engineering or medicine cannot do so at South Asian University.

Infrastructure: While the university has decent infrastructure, it falls short in some areas. The classrooms and laboratories are often overcrowded, and some of the buildings require maintenance. This can be a hindrance to students who require a conducive environment for learning. Additionally, the university lacks a proper sports facility, which can be a disadvantage for students who want to participate in sports.

Lack of Campus Life: The university lacks a vibrant campus life. While the university has a student council, there are limited extracurricular activities available for students to participate in. This can be a disadvantage for students who want to pursue their interests outside of academics. The university does not have a proper campus café or hangout spot, which can further limit the social life of students.

Limited Placement Opportunities: The university has a limited number of placement opportunities compared to other universities in India and abroad. While the university does provide career guidance and placement support, the number of companies that visit the campus for recruitment is limited. This can be a disadvantage for students who want to secure a job soon after graduation. Moreover, the companies that visit the campus often have limited job profiles and offer low salaries.

Political Unrest: South Asian University has faced political unrest in the past, which has disrupted academic activities. This can be a disadvantage for students who want to complete their studies on time. For example, in 2015, the university witnessed a series of protests that led to the suspension of classes for a few weeks. While the university has taken measures to prevent such incidents, it is still a concern for some students. The political unrest can also create a sense of insecurity among students and affect their mental well-being.

MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is South Asian University (SAU)?

South Asian University (SAU) is an international university established by the eight-member nations of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) viz. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The university is located in New Delhi, India and offers various undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs.

What are the eligibility criteria for admission to SAU?

The eligibility criteria for admission to SAU varies from program to program. However, in general, candidates must have completed a Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a minimum percentage of marks as specified by the university. Additionally, some programs may require candidates to clear national or international level entrance examinations.

What are the facilities available at SAU?

SAU provides various facilities to its students such as well-equipped classrooms, a modern library, computer labs, sports facilities, hostel accommodation, medical facilities, and a student activity center. The university also has a diverse student community with students from all eight SAARC countries, which provides students with an opportunity to experience different cultures.

What is the fee structure at SAU?

The fee structure at SAU varies from program to program and also depends on the nationality of the student. Students from SAARC countries have a lower fee structure compared to non-SAARC students. The fee structure includes tuition fees, examination fees, hostel fees, and other charges. However, the university also provides various scholarships and financial assistance to deserving students.

What are the career opportunities after completing a degree from SAU?

SAU provides its students with a global perspective and prepares them for a career in various fields such as academia, research, government, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. Students can pursue careers in their respective fields in their home countries or can also explore opportunities globally. The university also has a dedicated placement cell that assists students in finding suitable employment opportunities.

NOTABLE ALUMNI

South Asian University (SAU) is a relatively young university, having admitted its first batch of students in 2010. Despite its short history, SAU has produced a number of notable alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields.

Nizamuddin Ahmed Siddique (LLM - Class of 2013), Assistant Professor at West Bengal National University for Juridical Sciences, Kolkata, India, is a proud alumnus of the first batch of South Asian University. He believes that SAU has one of the best master's programs in Law in India, with a high placement rate in academics, research, judiciary or public services. Many SAU alumni have gone back to their respective countries to join policy-making institutions. Being a part of the prosperous smaller world of the South Asian community has been a fulfilling experience for Siddique.

Naser Timory (M.A. International Relations - Class of 2014), a Lecturer at Al Qiyaas University in Afghanistan, values the research-oriented approach of South Asian University. He spent two years at SAU and believes that the emphasis on assignments at SAU teaches you everything about research. SAU graduates are South Asian experts through experience and interaction with SAARC students, which gives them a comparative advantage in the job market. Timory's experience at SAU has made him a skilled researcher and a knowledgeable expert in international relations.

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