South Asian University has opened applications for its Direct and Executive PhD programmes. The last date to apply is November 30, 2026. Students and working professionals can check the subject list, eligibility, fees and application steps before applying.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Open the SAU admission website and read the PhD notice. Choose a subject and check its department page. Keep your degree records, CV, research proposal and recommendation details ready. Submit the form through the official portal before November 30, 2026, and save the application number and payment receipt.
South Asian University PhD Admission 2027: Important dates
Applications are open now for the Direct and Executive PhD programmes. The last date to apply is November 30, 2026.
Which PhD subjects are available?
SAU lists PhD programmes in Mathematics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Physics, Economics, International Relations, Sociology, Legal Studies, Media, Arts and Design, Climate Change, Management, Chemistry and English. The exact qualifying degree and other conditions can differ by subject, so applicants should read the individual programme page.
How does the admission process work?
SAU offers Direct Mode and Entrance Test Mode PhD admission. The current notice is for Direct and Executive PhD applications. Direct Mode candidates may be shortlisted using a CV, statement of purpose, research proposal and recommendation letters, followed by an interview. Some candidates may be exempt from the entrance test under the university rules.
The general guidelines say Entrance Test Mode admissions are normally invited once a year, usually in January or February. Candidates in that mode must score at least 50% in both the entrance test and interview.
Eligibility and fee details
Direct Mode eligibility depends on the selected department. Executive PhD applicants must hold a recognised master’s degree and have at least 10 years of significant professional experience. SAU lists a 75% semester-fee concession for Direct Mode candidates. The listed semester fee after this concession is USD 200 for several science subjects and USD 150 for several social science, law, management and English subjects. Executive PhD course fees are listed as USD 1,200 per semester, along with other charges shown by the university.
What support is available?
For Entrance Test Mode, SAU lists a monthly scholarship of INR 39,000 for science streams and INR 36,000 for other streams. The guidelines also mention travel support of up to INR 80,000 over the total PhD period for students admitted through Entrance Test or Direct Mode, subject to the university conditions.
How to apply
Start from the SAU admissions website, choose the PhD subject and read the department rules. Use the official application portal to complete the form, upload the required files and pay the fee, if applicable. Save the application number and payment receipt after submission.
FAQs
What is the last date to apply? The last date shown on the SAU admission website is November 30, 2026.
Which subjects can students choose? Options include Computer Science, Mathematics, Biotechnology, Physics, Economics, International Relations, Legal Studies, Management, Chemistry, English and other subjects listed by SAU.
Can working professionals apply? Yes. SAU has an Executive PhD programme for senior professionals. Applicants need a recognised master’s degree and at least 10 years of significant professional experience.
Is the same eligibility rule used for every subject? No. Students must read the detailed page for the subject they want to study.
Updated on October 27, 2026 after checking the current SAU admission website and PhD general guidelines.
