Jawaharlal Nehru University
Knowledge for a better world.
📍 Delhi, India 🇮🇳
🏆 #2 in India · QS World #558 · THE World #801 · ARWU #701
Quick Facts about Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Founded: 1969
- Type: Public
- Students: 8,847
- Campus: Urban
- Tuition: $1,000 – $4,000/year
- Language: English, Hindi, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, Tamil, Greek, Hebrew, Turkish
- Student-Faculty Ratio: 1:15.5
- Intakes: Fall
About Jawaharlal Nehru University
Academics
JNU offers a diverse range of interdisciplinary courses across its various schools and special centers. The university is particularly strong in Social Sciences, Humanities, and Foreign Languages, with notable programs in International Studies, Economics, Political Studies, and English Studies. The teaching approach encourages students to explore their creativity and engage in critical analysis, with a strong emphasis on research. The university is also introducing an elective course on Indian Knowledge Traditions across all disciplines, integrating traditional systems into modern academic frameworks.
International Students
JNU provides support services for international students through its Office of International Exchange and Cooperation and the International Students Association (ISA). These offices assist with visa procedures, admissions, accommodation, and cultural integration, aiming to make the transition to university life smoother. While specific diversity statistics for international students are not readily available, JNU attracts students from over 100 countries, fostering a global community. The university offers English-taught programs, particularly at the Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD levels in various fields.
Campus & Location
JNU boasts a large, green campus spanning approximately 1000 acres in New Delhi. The campus features academic buildings, hostels, eateries, and a well-regarded library system, including the Ambedkar Library. Delhi offers a lively city experience, and while JNU has a more campus-centered culture, it is well-connected by transportation. Students often use bicycles to navigate the expansive campus.
Career Outcomes
JNU alumni have a strong presence in various fields, including bureaucracy, academia, research think tanks, and non-governmental organizations. Many graduates pursue higher studies or research careers. The University Placement Cell (UPC) assists students with placements, conducting workshops and connecting them with recruiters. Notable employers include Amazon, Google, Accenture, and McKinsey & Company. JNU also fosters an entrepreneurial spirit through initiatives like the Atal Incubation Centre (AIC-JNUFI), which supports deep-tech, life sciences, and biotech startups.
Information for International Students at Jawaharlal Nehru University
Jawaharlal Nehru University in Delhi, India welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- No on-campus work
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English, Hindi, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Persian, Pashto, Russian, Spanish, Urdu, Tamil, Greek, Hebrew, Turkish
Admissions Requirements for Jawaharlal Nehru University
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to Jawaharlal Nehru University:
- Application fee: $313
- Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%)
- Application deadline: February 15, 2026
Programs at Jawaharlal Nehru University (10 programs)
Jawaharlal Nehru University offers 10 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (2)
- BA (Hons) in Foreign Languages (French) (BA) — 36 months · English
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of French language, literature, culture, and history, developing strong linguistic and analytical skills.
Field: French Language and Literature
Career outcomes: Translator, Interpreter, Diplomat, Academic, International Relations - BA (Hons) in Foreign Languages (German) (BA) — 36 months · English
Students delve into German language proficiency, German literature, cultural studies, and historical contexts, fostering critical thinking and cross-cultural communication.
Field: German Language and Literature
Career outcomes: Translator, Interpreter, Diplomat, Academic, International Business
Master Programs (2)
- MA in Economics (MA) — 24 months · English
Students gain a rigorous understanding of economic theories, quantitative methods, and their application to real-world economic problems and policy formulation.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst, Policy Advisor, Researcher, Data Scientist - MA in Philosophy (MA) — 24 months · English
Students engage with classical and contemporary philosophical traditions, exploring ethics, metaphysics, epistemology, and logic, fostering critical and analytical reasoning.
Field: Philosophy
Career outcomes: Academic, Researcher, Writer, Analyst, Ethicist
PhD Programs (6)
- PhD in History (PhD) — 60 months · English
This program supports advanced historical research across diverse periods and geographical areas, emphasizing critical methodology and original contributions to the field.
Field: History
Career outcomes: Academic, Historian, Archivist, Curator, Researcher - PhD in Life Sciences (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
This doctoral program involves cutting-edge research in various areas of life sciences, including molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, and environmental biology.
Field: Life Sciences
Career outcomes: Academic, Researcher, Biotechnologist, Pharmaceutical Scientist, Medical Scientist - PhD in Economics (PhD) — 60 months · English
The PhD in Economics offers rigorous training in economic theory, econometrics, and specialized fields, preparing students for original research and academic careers.
Field: Economics
Career outcomes: Academic, Economist, Researcher, Policy Analyst, International Organization Staff - PhD in Environmental Sciences (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
Students conduct original research on critical environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity conservation, pollution, and sustainable resource management.
Field: Environmental Science
Career outcomes: Academic, Environmental Researcher, Policy Advisor, Conservation Scientist, Environmental Consultant - PhD in International Relations (PhD) — 60 months · English
This doctoral program involves advanced research in international relations, focusing on theoretical frameworks, regional studies, and global governance issues.
Field: International Relations
Career outcomes: Academic, Researcher, Policy Advisor, Diplomat, Think Tank Analyst - PhD in Computer Science (PhD) — 60 months · English · STEM
This program offers advanced research opportunities in theoretical computer science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data science, and computational linguistics.
Field: Computer Science
Career outcomes: Academic, Researcher, Software Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Specialist
Scholarships & Tuition at Jawaharlal Nehru University
Annual tuition for international students: $1,000 – $4,000/year
✅ Jawaharlal Nehru University offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of Jawaharlal Nehru University
- National Ranking: #2 in India
- QS World University Ranking: #558
- Times Higher Education (THE): #801
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #701
- Ranking tier: Unranked
- Research output: High
Campus & Facilities at Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- Disability support available
- Campus type: Urban
Key Highlights
- Academic excellence, research focus
- Strong in Social Sciences, Humanities
- Vibrant, green New Delhi campus
- Global student community
- Critical thinking, social awareness
- "University of Excellence" status
Accreditation
- NAAC A++ Grade
- UGC
- AICTE
- NCTE
- BCI
- INC
- PCI
- MCI (now NMC)
Fields of Study at Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Social Sciences
- International Studies
- Languages
- Arts
- Sciences
Notable Alumni
- Abhijit Banerjee
- Nirmala Sitharaman
- Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
- Baburam Bhattarai
- Ali Zeidan
Frequently Asked Questions about Jawaharlal Nehru University
What is Jawaharlal Nehru University?
Jawaharlal Nehru University is a public university located in Delhi, India, founded in 1969. It has approximately 8,847 students.
How much does it cost to study at Jawaharlal Nehru University?
Tuition fees at Jawaharlal Nehru University for international students range from $1,000 – $4,000/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for Jawaharlal Nehru University?
Application fee: $313. Selectivity: Very Selective (<20%). Application deadline: February 15, 2026.
What language are courses taught in at Jawaharlal Nehru University?
Courses at Jawaharlal Nehru University are taught in English and Hindi and Arabic and Chinese and French and German and Japanese and Korean and Persian and Pashto and Russian and Spanish and Urdu and Tamil and Greek and Hebrew and Turkish.
How many programs does Jawaharlal Nehru University offer?
Jawaharlal Nehru University offers 10 programs: 2 Bachelor's, 2 Master's, and 6 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is Jawaharlal Nehru University ranked?
#2 in India · QS World #558 · THE World #801 · ARWU #701.
Does Jawaharlal Nehru University offer scholarships?
Yes, Jawaharlal Nehru University offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does Jawaharlal Nehru University provide visa support?
Yes, Jawaharlal Nehru University provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available.
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