Are you looking to pursue world-class higher education in South Asia? Applications are officially open for admission to the South Asian University (SAU) for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Established by the eight member nations of SAARC (including Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Maldives), SAU is an international university located in New Delhi, India. The university offers a diverse range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs, providing a unique multicultural environment and high-quality education recognized across all SAARC countries.

Key Details & Summary

• Institution: South Asian University (SAU)
• Location: New Delhi, India
• Degree Levels: Bachelor (UG), Master (PG), and Doctoral (PhD)
• Target Audience: Students from SAARC countries (and non-SAARC countries, subject to availability)
• Application Fee: USD 20

Important Dates

• Application Deadline (Entrance Mode): 10 April 2026 Deadline extended: 17 April 2026
• Application Deadline (Direct Mode): 10 May 2026      Deadline extended: 17 April 2026
• Admit Card Release: 20 April 2026
• Entrance Test Dates: 25 and 26 April 2026
• First Merit Result (UG & Master): 15 May 2026
• PhD Interviews: 1 to 5 June 2026
• PhD Final Results: 11 June 2026
• Latest Joining Date (Visa Deadline): 07 September 2026

Scholarship and Financial Support

For the 2026 admission cycle, South Asian University offers highly competitive scholarships specifically for PhD candidates admitted through the SAU Entrance Test mode.

The scholarship is awarded based on a combined merit list (Entrance Test and Interview performance):

• Science Stream Candidates: INR 39,000 per month
• Other Disciplines: INR 36,000 per month
• Travel Support: Students admitted through either mode will receive a travel grant of INR 80,000 during their PhD tenure.

Note: PhD candidates admitted through the “Direct Mode” are granted a 75% concession on their semester tuition fees.

You may apply

• KAAD Scholarship Programs 2026 in Germany
• 50 President’s PhD Scholarship for Brilliant Students at Imperial College London- UK
• Australian Government RTP Scholarship 2026 at University of New England (Fully Funded)
• Edinburgh Online Internal Medicine Scholarship for Postgraduate 2026-2027

Admission Modes

SAU offers flexible pathways for admission:

1. SAU Entrance Test Mode: Candidates appear for an entrance examination conducted across various test centers in SAARC countries. Admission is based on test performance and eligibility fulfillment.
2. Direct Admission Mode: Eligible candidates are evaluated based on their merit in recognized National Level Tests. They are exempt from the SAU Entrance Test.

Available Fields of Study

SAU provides over 40 specialized programs across 13 distinct faculties, including Engineering, Economics, Computer Science, International Studies, and Legal Studies.

Bachelor / Undergraduate Programs:

• BTech Computer Science & Engineering (Specializations in AI & ML, Quantum Computing, Cybersecurity, Data Science, etc.)
• Dual Degree BTech-MTech Computer Science & Engineering
• BTech Mathematics & Computing
• Integrated BS-MS (Interdisciplinary Sciences)
• Integrated BBA-MBA
• BA LLB (Honours) / BBA LLB (Honours)
• BA (Honours) in Media, Arts & Design

Master / Postgraduate Programs:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) / Executive MBA
• Master of Laws (LLM)
• Master of Computer Applications (MCA) / MSc Computer Science
• MTech Computer Science & Engineering
• MA Economics / Sociology / International Relations
• MA in Communication for Sustainable Development / Journalism and Digital Media
• MSc Biotechnology / Applied Mathematics
• MS Climate Change and Sustainability / Business Analytics

PhD Programs: Doctoral degrees are available in Mathematics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Sociology, Legal Studies, Media/Arts, Physics, Climate Change, Management, Chemistry, and English.

General Fee Structure

Students must note the following standard fee structure (for SAARC students):

• Registration Fee: USD 20 (Non-refundable)
• Admission Fee: USD 200 (One-time, non-refundable)
• Security Deposit: USD 200 (Refundable)
• Semester Tuition Fees: * BA/MA/LLM/MCA/MSc: USD 600
  • MTech/MSc Biotech/MS Climate Change: USD 800
  • MBA/BTech/BA-LLB: USD 1500
  • PhD (Science): USD 800 / PhD (Other): USD 600

How to Apply?

Application Process: Applications are strictly accepted online. Candidates applying for both Entrance and Direct modes must submit separate forms and pay the application fee for each. Ensure you select the correct portal for your desired degree level and mode.

Student Visa: Overseas students admitted to SAU will be issued a student visa based on official SAU endorsement. Upon receiving the Admission Letter, students must apply at the Indian Embassy or High Commission in their home country.

Apply Now 

For detailed guidelines, specific eligibility criteria, and institutional policies, please refer to the official South Asian University Admissions 2026-27 website.