The South Asian University (SAU) is an international university located in New Delhi, India, established and sponsored by the eight member states of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). It offers postgraduate and doctoral programmes to students drawn from across the South Asian region and is intended to serve as a regional centre of higher learning and research.
Key facts
| Name | South Asian University |
|---|---|
| Type | International university sponsored by SAARC member states |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Sponsoring organisation | South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) |
| Member states | Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka |
| Host country | India |
Background
The idea of establishing a regional university in South Asia was proposed at the SAARC summit held in New Delhi in 2007. Member states subsequently signed an inter-governmental agreement that gave the university a formal legal basis, recognising its degrees across SAARC nations on par with those issued by national universities. India was selected as the host country, with the campus to be located in New Delhi.
The university began academic operations in 2010, initially functioning from temporary premises in the Indian capital while a permanent campus was developed at Maidan Garhi in southern Delhi.
Academics
SAU offers postgraduate (Master's) and doctoral programmes through faculties covering disciplines such as economics, mathematics, computer science, sociology, international relations, legal studies, biotechnology and the natural sciences. Admission is conducted through a region-wide entrance examination, and seats are distributed among the SAARC member states under a fixed country-wise quota, with the largest share reserved for students from India and proportionate shares for the other member states.
The medium of instruction is English. Degrees awarded by the university are recognised by all SAARC member states under the inter-governmental agreement governing the institution.
Governance
The university is governed by a Governing Board with representation from each SAARC member state. Academic affairs are overseen by an Executive Council and an Academic Council. The institution is headed by a President, who serves as its chief academic and administrative officer.
Campus
The university's permanent campus is being developed at Maidan Garhi in New Delhi, on land allocated by the Government of India. Until the permanent campus became operational, classes were held at interim premises in the Akbar Bhawan area of Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
Significance
South Asian University is one of the principal institutional outcomes of SAARC cooperation in education. It is intended to promote regional understanding, build human capital across South Asia and provide a shared academic space for students and faculty from member countries. The university also functions as a platform for research on issues of regional importance, including economics, environment, public health and security in South Asia.
Related topics
- South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation
- Education in India
- Universities in Delhi
- International universities
- Higher education in South Asia
References
- Wikidata entry: Q7566050
- Agreement for the Establishment of South Asian University, SAARC Secretariat.