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JNU has slashed tuition fees by up to 80% for foreign students to boost global enrolment and attract learners from SAARC, Africa, and Latin America.
JNU slashes tuition fees by up to 80% for international students, aiming to boost global enrolments.
To boost international admissions and enhance its global reputation, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has announced major cuts in tuition fees for foreign students. Starting from this academic year, international students will pay significantly lower fees — with reductions ranging from 33% to 80%, depending on the course and the student’s region of origin.
The biggest fee cuts have been offered to students from SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries, Africa, and Latin America. These reductions are aimed at making JNU more affordable for students from developing nations.
For instance, students from Africa and Latin America will now pay just $300 per semester for humanities courses — a steep drop from the earlier fee of $1,500. Science students from these regions will pay $400 per semester, down from $1,900 — an overall reduction of about 80%.
Students from SAARC countries will also benefit from substantial fee cuts. Those enrolling in humanities will now pay $200 instead of $700 — a 71% reduction. For science courses, the fee has been slashed to $300 from the earlier $700 — a 57% drop.
For students from West Asian countries, the revised fees are $500 for humanities (down from $1,500) and $600 for science (down from $1,900). Meanwhile, for students from all other countries, the semester fees have been brought down to $1,000 for humanities and $1,250 for science. All international students will also have to pay a one-time registration fee of $500.
The move comes amid a significant drop in international student enrolments at JNU in recent years. In 2020–21, the university had 152 foreign students. But by 2023–24, that number had dropped sharply to just 51. The number of countries sending students to JNU also fell — from 14 to only 8. Many foreign students had pointed to the high cost of tuition as a major reason for this decline.
What Do Foreign Students Study At JNU?
International students at Jawaharlal Nehru University come for a wide range of courses, especially in liberal arts, languages, social sciences, international affairs, and science research. Here are the most popular areas of study:
1. Language and Literature Studies
JNU’s School of Language, Literature and Culture Studies (SLL&CS) is famous across the world. It offers courses in both foreign and Indian languages, including:
Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Russian, and Spanish
Sanskrit, Hindi, and Urdu
These language courses are a big draw for students interested in learning about South Asian or Asian cultures.
2. International Relations and Political Science
JNU’s School of International Studies (SIS) is one of the most well-known departments in India and abroad. It offers courses in:
Political Science
Diplomacy and Disarmament
International Law and Governance
Area Studies (South Asia, Africa, Europe, Central Asia, Latin America)
These programs attract students who want to study Indian foreign policy, diplomacy, or international politics.
3. Social Sciences
Through its School of Social Sciences (SSS), JNU offers various popular programs to international students, including:
Sociology
Economics
History
Geography
Philosophy
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4. Science and Life Sciences
JNU is also a preferred choice for international students pursuing advanced science research. Popular fields include:
Biotechnology
Molecular Medicine
Environmental Sciences
Physics
Computational Biology
These courses are mostly available at the MPhil and PhD levels, although some master’s programs are also open to foreign students.
5. Development and Policy Studies
Courses in Development Studies, Public Policy, Economic Policy, and Gender Studies are offered under the School of Public Policy and School of Social Sciences. These programs are popular among students from countries looking to build careers in governance and development.
Most Popular Degrees Among Foreign Students
PhD and MPhil: These are the most sought-after programs for international students at JNU.
MA Degrees: Especially in subjects like International Relations, Political Science, and Economics.
BA (Hons.) in Languages: Undergraduate programs in foreign or Indian languages are also popular.
Certificate and Diploma Courses: Short-term courses in languages and area studies also see good participation.
With these fee cuts and a diverse academic portfolio, JNU hopes to once again become a top choice for students from around the world.
Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-…Read More
Archit Gupta is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com and a seasoned education journalist specialising in reporting on education and employment. He has covered a variety of education-related stories, including high-… Read More
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