South Asian University PhD January 2027 Direct and Executive modes are open. Last date to apply is 30 November 2026. Programmes cover science, social science, law, media and management. Apply on admissions.sau.int. Detailed guidelines are on the PhD general guidelines page.
Key fact
On this notice
Last date
30 November 2026
Pay / stipend
No institute stipend for Direct/Executive; fee concessions for Direct
Fee
USD 150–200/semester after concession (Direct); Executive higher
Who can apply
Master’s holders meeting Direct or Executive mode rules
South Asian University is an international university set up by the eight SAARC countries. It sits in New Delhi and runs undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes for students from the region.
This January 2027 window covers Direct Mode and Executive PhD pathways across multiple faculties.
What kind of role this is
This is a full research PhD. Direct Mode suits candidates with national fellowships or government funding. Executive PhD is for working professionals with at least ten years of relevant experience who can take leave for coursework.
Who should apply — and who should skip
Apply if
You hold a recognised Master’s degree (or equivalent under SAARC rules).
You qualify for Direct Mode (national fellowship, government funding, or faculty-recommended) or Executive Mode (10+ years progressive professional experience).
You can attend interviews and complete the required coursework on campus or as per the mode.
Skip if
You are looking for the annual Entrance Test Mode (that cycle usually opens later).
You do not meet the minimum marks or experience given for your chosen mode.
You cannot arrange the required leave or funding for the Executive pathway.
Dates and fee
Item
On the official notice
Apply start
Open now (rolling for some Executive programmes)
Last date
30 November 2026
Fee (Direct after concession)
Around USD 150–200 per semester depending on stream
No category-wise vacancy split is mentioned in the public notice. Seats follow SAARC country reservations under SAU rules. Programmes listed include Mathematics, Biotechnology, Computer Science & Engineering, Economics, International Relations, Sociology, Legal Studies, Media Arts & Design, Physics, Climate Change, Management, Chemistry and English. Executive options exist in Intelligent Transportation Systems & Sustainable Mobility.
1. Direct Mode PhD — fee concession, no institute stipend Seats as per rules
Eligibility
Master’s degree from a recognised institution under SAARC rules.
Exempt from entrance test if you hold a national fellowship, government funding, or are recommended after faculty review.
Shortlisted on CV, statement of purpose, research proposal and letters of recommendation.
2. Executive PhD — for senior professionals Seats as per rules
Eligibility
Master’s degree from a recognised university.
At least 10 years of significant professional experience with progressive responsibility.
Must be able to take leave for coursework as required by the regulations.
Total vacancies: Not mentioned in the official notice. Check the official website for updates.
Educational qualifications
Post
Degree / marks
Experience / extras
Direct Mode PhD
Master’s (or 4-year bachelor’s with high marks where allowed)
National fellowship / funding / faculty shortlist; interview
Executive PhD
Master’s from recognised university
Minimum 10 years relevant professional experience
Selection
Submit online application with documents on the SAU portal.
Shortlisting based on CV, SOP, research proposal and recommendations (Direct/Executive).
Interview of shortlisted candidates.
Final offer as per SAARC seat rules and faculty recommendation.
Does this lead to a permanent job? This is a research degree. No job is guaranteed.
More openings are on the admissions board. Check the closing-this-week list before you miss a deadline.
Stay safe: Campus Reality never charges you. Pay only the fee printed in the official notice, only on the official site (admissions.sau.int). Nobody can guarantee selection for money.