South Asian University (SAU) PhD Admission 2026-27 has been officially announced. Based in New Delhi, this regional university established by SAARC nations invites online applications for the academic session 2026-27. The programmes are offered through two distinct modes: SAU Entrance Test and Direct Admission (based on national-level tests). An exclusive Executive PhD is also available for senior professionals. This is a golden opportunity to pursue doctoral research in a multicultural campus with attractive fellowships.
🔍 See Ongoing PhD Admission| PhD Discipline | Total Seats (Entrance test mode with scholarship) a+b | Direct Mode / Executive PhD seats |
|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | 3+4 = 7 | As per availability |
| Computer Science & Engineering | 5+5 = 10 | As per availability |
| Economics | 1+1 = 2 | As per availability |
| International Relations | 2+2 = 4 | As per availability |
| Legal Studies | 3+3 = 6 | As per availability |
| Mathematics | 3+3 = 6 | As per availability |
| Sociology | 1+1 = 2 | As per availability |
| Media, Arts and Design | – | As per availability |
| Physics | 1+2 = 3 | As per availability |
| Management | 3+3 = 6 | As per availability |
| Climate Change & Sustainability | 1+1 = 2 | As per availability |
| Chemistry | 1+0 = 1 | As per availability |
| English | 1+0 = 1 | As per availability |
a: Indian candidates, b: other SAARC nations. Direct mode seats are flexible.
🔹 SAU Entrance Test Mode
- Indian candidates: Center-based online tests conducted by SAU.
- Other SAARC nations (excl. India): Proctored online tests on scheduled dates.
🔹 Direct Admission Mode (without SAU Entrance Test)
- In India: Based on scores from national-level tests (JRF/NET/GATE etc.)
- Other SAARC countries: National-level test scores or qualifying exam results.
- Non-SAARC candidates: Merit in qualifying examination.
- Executive PhD: For salaried professionals (interview + experience).
Through Direct Mode (twice a year)
Exempted from entrance test. Shortlisted based on CV/SOP/research proposal/LOR. Eligible categories:
- National fellowship holders (based on respective national entrance tests).
- Funded by any government agency for PhD.
- Salaried professionals with leave sanction (at least until coursework completed).
- Other eligible candidates as recommended by Faculty Academic Council.
💵 75% concession in semester fee for candidates admitted through Direct Mode.
Through Entrance Test (once a year)
- Entrance test + interview. Minimum 50% in each to qualify.
- Applications invited usually from January/February each year.
| Stream | Monthly scholarship (Entrance test mode) |
|---|---|
| Science streams | ₹39,000 per month |
| Other streams | ₹36,000 per month |
✅ In addition, all PhD students (entrance or direct) are entitled to a Travel Support of ₹80,000 during the total tenure (excluding extension).
✅ Direct mode candidates get 75% fee concession (fee details below).
✅ Candidates admitted through entrance test mode receive the scholarship as above.
| Category | Fee (per semester) |
|---|---|
| PhD (Science)* | USD 800 |
| PhD (Other disciplines)* | USD 600 |
| Executive PhD | USD 1200 |
| *Direct mode candidates get 75% concession → Science: USD 200; Others: USD 150 per semester. | |
One-time fees (all programmes): Registration USD 20 (non-refundable) + Admission USD 200 (non-refundable) + Refundable security deposit USD 200. Hostel and other fees as applicable.
| Event | Date (tentative/official) |
|---|---|
| Last date to apply online | 10 April 2026 |
| Release of Admit Cards | 20 April 2026 |
| Entrance Test Date | 25 & 26 April 2026 |
| Interviews for PhD candidates | 1 – 5 June 2026 |
| Result declaration | 11 June 2026 |
⚠️ Apply well before deadline. Prepare your documents, photo, signature. Use our Photo Resizer and Signature Resizer if exact dimensions are needed (though not explicitly mentioned, it’s safe to have resized images ready).
- Apply online through SAU official admission portal (separate applications for Entrance mode and Direct mode).
- Read instructions carefully before filling.
- Admission based on entrance test / national test scores / merit / interview as applicable.
💡 Tip: If you need to combine multiple documents (like mark sheets, certificates) into one PDF for upload, use the Merge PDF tool above.
| Query type | Email / Phone |
|---|---|
| General Queries | admission@sau.int | +91(11)35656600 |
| Technical (Direct Mode) | techsupport-admission@sau.int | +91(11) 35656633 |
| Technical (Entrance Test) | techsupport-entrance@sau.int | +91 9220407727/28 |
| +91-9818185222 |
📞 Telephone support: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (IST). Send queries to relevant section only.
