In a landmark decision aligned with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has announced sweeping tuition fee reductions for international students—ranging between 33% and 80%—effective from this academic year.
The revised fee structure is especially favourable to students from SAARC, African, and Latin American nations, with the highest reductions reserved for those from economically disadvantaged regions. For instance, students from Latin America and Africa will now pay just $300 per semester for humanities programs, down from $1,500. Similarly, science courses for these students have been lowered to $400 from $1,900.
Under the new plan:
- SAARC students enrolling in humanities will now pay $200 per semester, down from $700.
- Science course fees for SAARC students are slashed to $300, reflecting a 57% cut.
- Students from West Asia will see fees reduced to $500 for humanities and $600 for science, marking nearly 70% reductions.
For all other foreign students, the updated fee now stands at $1,000 (humanities) and $1,250 (science) per semester. A one-time registration fee of $500 will be applicable across all categories.
According to Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, this move is part of the university’s broader strategy to rejuvenate international enrolment and restore JNU’s stature as a global academic hub. The measure also responds to a sharp decline in foreign admissions—from 152 students in 2020–21 to only 51 in 2023–24—a trend largely attributed to previously high tuition costs.
“This step makes JNU a more inclusive institution and aligns with the NEP 2020 vision of promoting global classrooms,” said Pandit.
The university is optimistic that these revised fees, combined with its academic legacy, will position it as a preferred destination for students worldwide, particularly those seeking quality education without the burden of financial strain.
