South Asian University: University For People in SAARC
What makes the best University? What is that which brings best for a university?
Well-build campus buildings, the proper Funding, Best of best infrastructure facility, services to students and Experienced Faculty are the necessity. Still, they might not be sufficient one as university needs to be helpful with students regarding their financial aspects. In India, we have 500+ universities, so random selection of university can be fatal for career, especially for scholar and merit student.
For those looking to pursue their masters (Post graduate) and PhD, Here is my review about the central government funded international university, South Asian University. It is not only the only one international university of India, but one among the small list of international universities in world. I write this review as it might be helpful to students looking to pursue their Post Graduate degree.
Introduction:-
South Asian University (SAU) is an international university established by the member of SAARC. SAARC consists of 8 countries which are India, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. It is a dream project of Dr Man Mohan Singh which he had proposed in 13th SAARC summit held in Dhaka in 2005. Later in 14th SAARC summit, it was decided that university will be established in India. Established under the parliament act of India, SAU currently has courses of Applied Maths, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Development Economics, International Relation, Sociology and Legal Studies. Its permanent campus is being built in Maidan Garhi; New Delhi while currently is being operated from Akbar Bhawan, Chanakyapuri.
The degree given by university is recognized by UGC of all 8 countries and with the name of SAARC attached to universities, it will be an advantage for further studies of foreign also.
Studying Post Graduate Studies in South Asian University (SAU)
Admissions for SAU are done through the entrance test which is held in all 8 SAARC countries. For the academic year 2013-14, entrance test was held in last week of March.
Though for now only 7 departments are available in SAU, they are in its best. Because of the country wise reservation quota, each department has students from almost all eight SAARC countries where Indian students have the maximum 50% out of total 30 seats. So in one way, the class room has diversity which will be a plus point in discussion for social science subjects. Though heterogeneous culture of students hardly matters in science subjects, the personal interaction and being aware to their culture and traditions brings a different environment.
And when it comes about together living in hostel, it is like a rare happening where being with friends from different ethnic people will be a fun filled environment... The hostel facilities available in SAU are in Akbar Bhawan itself very good where apart from regular infrastructure; cooler per room, attached bathroom and common washing machine is available.
All Faculties in SAU doctorate holder and they are the mixed bunch of experience ranging from highly experienced to experience (baring very few are the fresher's). Though most of the faculties are from India, few are from other SAARC countries with their education from reputed university around the world. They are full time in SAU.
Library
Library in SAU is one of its specialties. Wide ranges of books are available including local and foreign writers. With the availability of international writer and hard copy books in library, the online journal subscriptions are available in regular basis.
Academic Fees:-
As SAU is international university, its tuition fees for is $440 per semester for all courses fee and $60 per semester for hostel fees. Mess Charge is extra. The tuition fee of $440 is much higher than fees of Government University but it is also lower than private universities. And with the facilities and level of study they are providing, fees is well justified.
Scholarship Available
As I am myself the student of SAU, I can say that scholarship is available in wide range. There are two three types of scholarship available in university. President Scholarship for entrance topper, SAARC silver jubilee scholarship for outside students from Government of India and SAU scholarship for all other students who are in the need of scholarship. This year, the maximum scholarship was given up to 1.44 lakhs which consist up of full tuition fee waiver, hostel fee waiver and 7000 per month stipend. There were even other range of scholarship given to students as per their need and family background. Such range of scholarship to so much number of students is no where available in any of other Indian universities.
Laboratory
The lab facility available for Biotech is one of the well-equipped labs in the country. They have modern range of laboratory equipments of million dollar funds. So at least for Biotech Students, it will be Dream College in future. More ever, all classes have computer and projector. Over all, Lab facilities in SAU are very good.
Limitations
It's not so long since SAU has been established and hence it will always take time for a new university to get it settle. As a new university, it will have its own limitations, not regarding the fund and laboratory facilities, but in other aspects. SAU is not known to many of the people and surely not a first choice of scholars as many will prefer to IITs, DU and JNU for their post graduate studies, no matter they won't be getting such high level facilities in those university. Hence, Because of less popularity, entrance competition is not so tough which is a plus point for average level students. University doesn't have its own building as the construction of permanent campus of SAU is yet to begin. Because of only one batch passing out till this year, alumni network is not so strong but once university gets few batch pass out, things can happen in good.
Lastly, Placement is a point of concern till today but in coming days, with the brand of SAARC attached, things can be expected to be its place. As university is itself a dedicated towards Re-search, placements are not given that much preference. PHD admissions will commence from the batch 2013-14.
My conclusion
As university by countries of SAARC, it is going to be one of the highly talked universities in next five years. The multi cultures that can be seen in SAU are one of the valuable learning that students can get apart from their curriculum studies. Despite being a new university, students can join it for their post graduate studies because huge fund backed by SAARC nations makes university strong in educational aspects. For students needing scholarship, this is also a place to learn.
Truly, Education beyond Borders.
My rating 3.5 out of 5
