Question : South Asian University

(a) the total number of students and teachers at the South Asian University (SAU) including data of nationalities and courses from the inception of the university till date;

(b) whether the Government has devised any new plans to boost the number of foreign students and faculty members at the university in post-covid times and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of courses in the university along with the details of students enrolled therein nationality-wise from the start of the university;

(d) whether the Government has planned to start new courses in the university and if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government has any scheme to attract Indians who have studied in foreign universities as teaching faculty in the SAU and if so, the details thereof;

(f) the details of cultural activities organized by the SAU; and

(g) the details of financial data regarding contributions from foreign countries, fees, salaries and other expenditure as well as revenues for the SAU ?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[SHRI V. MURALEEDHARAN]


(a) The total number of students and teachers at the South Asian University(SAU) including data of nationalities and courses from the inception of the university till date are as follows :-

I. No. of faculty and students : Annex I
ii. Data on nationalities of students : Annex II
iii. Data on nationalities of teachers : Annex III
iv. Data on courses and enrollment : Annex IV

(b) South Asian University is an international university established by eight Member States of SAARC. The Government of India is not directly involved in academic planning of the university except as a party to collective decisions of the Governing Board of the university in which all member states are represented.

(c) The university currently offers courses in seven disciplines, viz. Biotechnology, Computer Science, Economics, International Relations, Legal Studies, Mathematics and Sociology. The details of students enrolled therein nationality-wise from the start of the university are at Annex V.

(d) The Government of India is not directly involved in academic planning of the university except as a party to collective decisions of the Governing Board of the university in which all member states are represented.

(e) The Government of India is not directly involved in the recruitment policy of the university except as a party to collective decisions of the Governing Board of the university in which all member states are represented.

(f) Details of cultural activities organised by the university is at Annex VI.

(g) Details of financial data regarding contribution from foreign countries, fees, salaries and other expenditure as well as revenues of the university are at Annex VII.