South Asian University’s new executive PhD to begin by year-end with 13-student cohort

The South Asian University (SAU) has introduced a new executive PhD programme for professionals. The first batch of 13 accomplished professionals will begin their research journey by the end of this year.

SAU’s executive PhD programme is designed for senior professionals, officers, and domain experts and provides an opportunity to pursue advanced research and earn a PhD degree mid-career.

The PhD programme invites professionals from diverse fields such as Mathematics, Biotechnology, Computer Science, Physics, Economics, International Relations, Sociology, Legal Studies, Media, Arts and Design, Climate Change, and Management.

The inaugural cohort brings participants from civil services, international agencies, diplomatic missions, media, academia, and the creative industries.

SAU’s president K K Aggarwal said: “This programme reflects SAU’s commitment to integrating professional expertise with academic excellence. It provides a platform for experienced professionals to contribute to knowledge creation while enriching their organisations and sectors through research-driven insights.”

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SAU’s new executive PhD programme

The SAU's programme will offer a flexible learning structure including both classroom and learning, interactive assignments, and guided self-study, designed to balance their professional schedules and research goals.

“Among them are senior public servants, high-ranking officials from the United Nations system, diplomatic professionals from SAARC member nations, distinguished editors from national media houses, and gold medallists in performing arts—reflecting the programme’s ability to attract outstanding professionals committed to advancing research and leadership in their respective fields,” the official SAU press release said.

For more information, candidates can visit the official website, sau.int.