Executive PhD at South Asian University starting by year-end with 13-student cohort

The Executive PhD programme was conceptualised to provide senior professionals, officers, and domain experts the opportunity to pursue advanced research and earn a PhD degree mid-career.

The first batch comprises 13 professionals (file image)

South Asian University (SAU), which launched its Executive PhD programme earlier, will now start the classes by the end of this year. The first batch comprises 13 professionals.

The Executive PhD programme was conceptualised to provide senior professionals, officers, and domain experts the opportunity to pursue advanced research and earn a PhD degree mid-career. It seeks to bridge the gap between academia and industry by facilitating research that combines theoretical insights with practical experience.

Executive PhD scholars will benefit from a flexible, blended structure combining classroom sessions, online learning, interactive assignments, and guided self-study — all tailored to fit demanding professional schedules. The programme also aims to draw mentors from both academia and industry, fostering meaningful cross-sector collaboration. With its regional focus and strong international academic ecosystem, South Asian University is steadily positioning itself as a leading centre for advanced research and intellectual exchange in South Asia.

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Designed to foster interdisciplinary and practice-based research, the programme invited professionals from diverse fields including mathematics, biotechnology, computer science, physics, economics, international relations, sociology, legal studies, media, arts and design, climate change, and management.

The inaugural cohort, according to a university statement, represents a remarkable blend of experience and expertise, featuring participants from civil services, international agencies, diplomatic missions, media, academia, and the creative industries. 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 university was established by the eight member nations of SAARC.

Highlighting the significance of the initiative, President, Prof 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 organizations and sectors through research-driven insights.”