South Asian University

The idea of establishing a South Asian University (SAU) was first mooted by the Prime Minister of India at the 13th SAARC Summit in Dhaka in 2005. It is an international university established by the 8 member nations of SAARC namely, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Maldives and India.

The University will focus overwhelmingly on research and post-graduate level programmes. It will ultimately have 12 post-graduate science and non-science Faculties, as also a Faculty of Undergraduate Studies. At full strength, the SAU will have 7000 students and 700 teachers. A flagship Institute of South Asian Studies will also be established in the University.

Vision of South Asian University

The mandate of the South Asian University, as set out in the Agreement of the SAARC member states under which the University is being set up envisages that the choice of the programs of studies to be offered at this University should:

enhance learning in the South Asian community that promotes an understanding of each others perspectives and strengthen regional consciousness;
provide liberal and humane education to the brightest and the most dedicated students of South Asia so that a new class of quality leadership is nurtured; and
enhance capacity building of the South Asian Nations in science, technology and other areas of higher learning vital for improving their quality of life such as information technology, bio-technology and management sciences, etc.