South Asian University (SAU) is an international university located in New Delhi and was established as an initiative of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). The university is designed to bring students and scholars from South Asian countries together in a multicultural academic environment.
Its main campus is located at Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068. SAU began its first academic session in August 2010 and subsequently moved toward its permanent 100-acre campus at Maidan Garhi. The university was established through the South Asian University Act, 2008, enacted by the Parliament of India.
According to the university’s current admission information, SAU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and executive programmes across areas such as engineering, computer science, mathematics, biotechnology, economics, law, international relations, sociology, management and interdisciplinary studies.
South Asian University – Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| University Name | South Asian University (SAU) |
| University Type | Central University |
| Location | Rajpur Road, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi |
| PIN Code | 110068 |
| State/UT | Delhi |
| Regional Association | South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) |
| Recognition Status | 2(f) & 12(B), as listed in the Central Universities directory |
| Campus | 100-acre campus at Maidan Garhi |
| Official Website | https://sau.int/ |
The Central Universities directory lists South Asian University as a Central University with 2(f) & 12(B) status.
About South Asian University
South Asian University was created to provide a common academic platform for students from the SAARC region. The legal foundation for the university comes from the South Asian University Act, 2008. The Act provides for the incorporation of the university and establishes its headquarters in Delhi.
The university has a distinctive international character. Students from India and other South Asian countries can study together, creating opportunities for cultural interaction, academic collaboration and exposure to different perspectives across the region.
SAU initially operated from the Old JNU Campus before moving to the Akbar Bhawan campus. A 100-acre site at Maidan Garhi was allotted for the permanent campus, which has developed into the university’s current campus.
South Asian University Campus
The South Asian University currently operates from its own 100-acre campus at Maidan Garhi, New Delhi. The university describes the campus as a large academic environment with modern infrastructure, green spaces and facilities designed to support teaching, research and student life.
The campus location provides students with access to the educational and cultural opportunities of Delhi while maintaining a dedicated university environment.
Courses and Programmes at South Asian University
SAU offers programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and executive levels. The range of programmes has expanded considerably, particularly at the undergraduate level.
Undergraduate Programmes
Current undergraduate offerings include programmes such as:
- Integrated BS–MS in Interdisciplinary Sciences
- BTech Computer Science & Engineering
- BTech Computer Science & Engineering with specialisations
- BTech CSE with Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- BTech CSE with Quantum Computing
- BTech CSE with Business Systems & Intelligence
- BTech CSE with Cloud Computing
- BTech CSE with Cybersecurity
- BTech CSE with Data Science & AI
- Dual Degree BTech–MTech in Computer Science & Engineering
- BTech Mathematics & Computing
- Integrated BBA–MBA
- BA LLB (Hons.)
- BBA LLB (Hons.)
- BA (Honours) in Media, Arts and Design
These programmes and their admission requirements are subject to the university’s current academic notifications.
Postgraduate Programmes
South Asian University has traditionally had a strong focus on postgraduate education and research. Master’s-level study is available in disciplines including:
- Applied Mathematics
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- International Relations
- Legal Studies
- Sociology
Applicants should check the programme-specific notification for the latest eligibility requirements, entrance arrangements and available specialisations.
PhD Programmes
SAU offers doctoral programmes across a broad range of disciplines. Current programme information includes PhD opportunities in areas such as:
- Biotechnology
- Computer Science
- Economics
- International Relations
- Legal Studies
- Mathematics
- Sociology
- Media, Arts and Design
- Physics
- Management
- Climate Change
- Chemistry
- English
The university’s admissions portal states that PhD admissions can be available through entrance and direct modes depending on the programme and eligibility requirements.
South Asian University Admission 2026–27
For the 2026–27 academic cycle, SAU is conducting admissions for multiple undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes. The university’s admission portal lists both entrance-test and direct-admission routes, depending on the programme and applicant category.
Admission Modes
SAU currently provides admission through the following broad routes:
- SAU Entrance Test Mode: Applicants appear for the university’s prescribed entrance examination where applicable.
- Direct Admission Mode: Admission may be based on scores from recognised national-level examinations or qualifying examination results, depending on the programme and applicant category.
- Executive Programme Admission: Executive programmes can have programme-specific eligibility, professional-experience and interview requirements.
For Indian candidates applying through Direct Mode, the university lists national-level examinations such as JEE Main, CUET, NEET, CAT, CLAT, NET and GATE, depending on the programme.
SAU Direct Admission: National-Level Examination Mapping
| Programme | Duration | Relevant National-Level Test |
|---|---|---|
| BTech CSE / BTech Mathematics & Computing | 4 Years | JEE Main |
| Dual Degree BTech–MTech CSE | 5 Years | JEE Main |
| Integrated BS–MS (Interdisciplinary Sciences) | 5 Years | NEET, CUET UG, JEE Main |
| Integrated BBA–MBA | 5 Years | CUET UG |
| BA LLB (Hons.) / BBA LLB (Hons.) | 5 Years | CLAT, AILET, LSAT |
| BA (Honours) Media, Arts and Design | 4 Years | CUET UG |
| PhD Programmes | Programme-specific | NET/JRF where applicable |
The above mapping is based on SAU’s published Direct Mode admission information for 2026–27. Applicants should always verify the latest programme-specific notification before applying.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements vary according to the programme. For the traditional Master’s and PhD programmes, SAU’s FAQ information states that the minimum prescribed eligibility for Economics, Sociology, International Relations and Legal Studies is generally 50% marks or an equivalent grade in the qualifying degree, while Applied Mathematics, Biotechnology and Computer Science generally require 55% marks or an equivalent grade. Programme-specific rules can differ.
For undergraduate and newer programmes, applicants should carefully check the programme-specific eligibility, qualifying examination and national-level test requirements published by SAU.
How to Apply for South Asian University Admission
Students interested in admission to South Asian University should apply online through the official admission portal.
- Visit the official SAU admission website.
- Read the programme-specific eligibility criteria.
- Select the appropriate admission mode.
- Register and complete the online application form.
- Enter academic and examination details carefully.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the applicable application or registration fee.
- Submit the application before the prescribed deadline.
- Keep a copy of the submitted application and payment receipt.
SAU states that applications are submitted online and that applicants should refer to the relevant programme page for detailed instructions.
International and SAARC Student Opportunities
One of the most distinctive features of South Asian University is its regional character. The university was established to serve the wider South Asian academic community, and students from SAARC countries can apply subject to the applicable eligibility and admission requirements.
SAU also accepts applications from candidates outside the SAARC region, subject to seat availability and the university’s eligibility requirements.
This international environment can provide students with opportunities to interact with classmates from different countries and develop a broader understanding of South Asian society, economics, politics, law, science and culture.
Research and Academic Environment
Research is an important part of SAU’s academic structure. Its postgraduate and doctoral programmes cover areas ranging from mathematics and computer science to biotechnology, economics, international relations, sociology, law, climate change, physics and management.
The university’s multidisciplinary academic environment can be particularly valuable for students interested in research-oriented careers, doctoral study, policy research, international affairs and advanced professional fields.
Why Choose South Asian University?
- International academic environment: SAU brings together students and scholars associated with the South Asian region.
- Wide range of disciplines: Programmes span engineering, science, management, law, social sciences and interdisciplinary areas.
- Research focus: The university provides Master’s and PhD-level opportunities across several academic disciplines.
- 100-acre campus: The university’s permanent campus is located at Maidan Garhi in New Delhi.
- Multiple admission routes: Depending on the programme, students may apply through SAU’s entrance process or Direct Mode.
- Delhi location: Students can benefit from the academic, cultural and professional ecosystem of India’s capital.
Student Life at SAU
Student life at South Asian University is shaped by its diverse academic community. Because of the university’s South Asian orientation, students can experience interaction with peers from different cultural and national backgrounds.
The campus environment includes academic spaces and facilities intended to support classroom learning, research, student activities and residential life. The university also provides hostel-related information and registration facilities for eligible students.
Hostel and Student Facilities
Hostel facilities are available through the university’s student-services system, with hostel registration notices published for different categories and programmes. Students should check the latest hostel registration notification for availability, eligibility, fees and allotment procedures.
The university also lists facilities and information relating to medical services, scholarships, education loans and student support through its admissions portal.
Scholarships and Financial Support
Students can check SAU’s official scholarship information for available financial-support schemes. The admission portal also provides information relating to education loans and the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme. Since scholarship rules and amounts can change, applicants should consult the latest official notification before making financial decisions.
South Asian University Location
| Address | South Asian University, Rajpur Road, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068 |
|---|---|
| City | New Delhi |
| State/UT | Delhi |
| PIN Code | 110068 |
The university’s current admission pages identify the campus location as Gaushala Road, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068, while the university’s FAQ gives the full institutional address as South Asian University, Rajpur Road, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068.
Contact Details
| University | South Asian University |
|---|---|
| Address | Rajpur Road, Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068 |
| General Admission Queries | +91 (11) 35656600 |
| Admission Mobile | +91-9818180096 / +91-9818185222 |
| Admission Email | admission@sau.int |
| Official Website | https://sau.int/ |
| Admission Portal | https://admissions.sau.int/ |
The contact details above are published on the university’s official admissions website.
South Asian University Recognition and Legal Status
South Asian University has a distinctive legal status because it was created through an international agreement involving SAARC member states and implemented in India through the South Asian University Act, 2008. The Act provides for the incorporation of the university and establishes its headquarters in Delhi.
The university is also listed in the Central Universities directory with 2(f) & 12(B) status.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Asian University
1. Where is South Asian University located?
South Asian University is located at Maidan Garhi, New Delhi – 110068. Its permanent campus is a 100-acre campus in the Maidan Garhi area.
2. Is South Asian University a Central University?
Yes. South Asian University is listed as a Central University in the Central Universities directory.
3. What courses does South Asian University offer?
SAU offers undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD and executive programmes in areas including engineering, computer science, mathematics, biotechnology, economics, law, international relations, sociology, management and interdisciplinary studies.
4. Does SAU offer BTech programmes?
Yes. Current undergraduate offerings include BTech Computer Science & Engineering and BTech Mathematics & Computing, along with several CSE specialisations.
5. Does South Asian University offer law courses?
Yes. The university currently lists BA LLB (Hons.) and BBA LLB (Hons.) programmes. The university has also announced Bar Council of India approval for these programmes.
6. Does SAU offer PhD programmes?
Yes. SAU offers doctoral programmes in multiple disciplines, including biotechnology, computer science, economics, international relations, legal studies, mathematics, sociology, physics, management, climate change, chemistry and English.
7. Can students from other SAARC countries apply?
Yes. SAU was established with a regional South Asian focus and provides admission opportunities for candidates from other SAARC countries subject to the applicable rules.
8. Can non-SAARC students apply to SAU?
Yes. The university’s current admission FAQ states that candidates from outside SAARC countries can apply, subject to seat availability and eligibility requirements.
9. How can I apply for SAU admission?
Applicants should apply online through the official South Asian University admission portal and follow the programme-specific instructions.
10. What entrance exams are accepted for Direct Mode admission?
Depending on the programme, SAU lists national-level examinations such as JEE Main, CUET UG, NEET, CAT, CLAT, AILET, LSAT, NET and GATE. The applicable examination varies by programme.
South Asian University is a distinctive higher-education institution in New Delhi with a strong South Asian and international orientation. Established through the South Asian University Act, 2008, the university combines undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and executive education with a research-oriented academic environment.
Its 100-acre Maidan Garhi campus, multidisciplinary programmes and diverse student community make it an interesting option for students looking for an academic experience that extends beyond a conventional single-country university environment. Current programmes include engineering and technology, interdisciplinary sciences, management, law, media, social sciences and several research disciplines.
Students planning to apply should always check the official SAU website and admission portal for the latest eligibility criteria, programme availability, fees, admission deadlines, entrance examinations, scholarships and hostel information.
Official Website: South Asian University
Official Admission Portal: South Asian University
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