Loading…

INDIA · NEW DELHI

Delhi University

public · Founded 1922 · Languages: en, hi

In short

The University of Delhi (DU) is a public central university in New Delhi, founded in 1922, with around 600,000 students across 90+ colleges and a QS world rank near #328.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1922
Students: 600,000
International students: 5,000
Acceptance rate: 30%
Tuition (intl): €2–5k/yr
Languages: EN, HI
Location: New Delhi, India

The University of Delhi, often referred to as Delhi University (DU), is a premier public central university located in New Delhi, India. Established in 1922, it is recognized for its high academic standards, diverse courses, and distinguished faculty. The university comprises a network of colleges, offering a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines including arts, sciences, commerce, and professional studies. DU is known for its competitive admission process and vibrant student life, attracting students from across India and around the world. It operates on a collegiate system, where students are admitted to individual colleges under the university's umbrella.

Why study here

Access to a wide array of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across numerous affiliated colleges.
Benefit from a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and a rigorous curriculum.
Experience a diverse and multicultural student body in the heart of India's capital.
Opportunity to engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities and societies offered by various colleges.

Student life

Student life at the University of Delhi is vibrant and diverse, largely influenced by its collegiate system. Each of the university's numerous colleges offers its own unique culture, societies, and activities, fostering a rich environment for personal growth and academic engagement. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurriculars, including sports, arts, debates, and community service. The university's location in New Delhi provides access to a dynamic metropolitan experience, with cultural events, historical sites, and social opportunities, ensuring a well-rounded student experience.

Fees

InternationalInternational students apply through the Foreign Students' Registry (FSR) and pay fees set per programme; annual tuition for most undergraduate and postgraduate courses typically ranges from roughly USD 1,600 to 5,500 depending on the discipline, with professional and science courses at the higher end. Fees vary by affiliated college.

HomeDomestic tuition at DU is heavily subsidised and very low, often only a few hundred euros per year, varying by college and programme.

LivingEstimated annual living costs in Delhi (accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses) range from roughly USD 3,000 to 5,000, with hostel options being the most economical.

Specific fee structures for international students are not provided in the source documents. Fees vary significantly between programs and affiliated colleges. Students are advised to check the individual college websites or the university's official admissions portal for detailed fee information.

Admissions

Undergraduate ProgramsPrimarily based on Class XII board examination scores, with high cut-off percentages. Specific subject requirements apply for various honors courses (e.g., Mathematics for B.A.(H) Economics, B.Com(H), B.Sc.(H) Computer Science, B.Sc.(H) Math).

Postgraduate Diploma in Cyber Security & LawGraduates or above in Science (Physics & Chemistry), Information Technology, Mathematics, Engineering (Computer science/ Electronics/Electronics and Communication, Information Technology), BCA, MCA, M.Tech, or equivalent, with admissions based on graduation marks (85%) and a personal interview (15%). Candidates in their final year are eligible to apply.

Doctoral Programs (Ph.D.)Minimum 55% marks in Master's degree/M.Phil./M.Tech./LL.M./M.D./M.S. in the same or allied subject from a recognized University. A 5% relaxation is given for OBC/SC/ST and Persons with Disability. Allied subjects are determined by the Departmental Research Committee (DRC).

IELTS6.0-6.5 (for international applicants where English proficiency evidence is required)

TOEFL iBT79-90 (typical)

Rankings

QS World University Rankings#328

NIRF India - UniversitiesTop 10 nationally

NIRF (HRD) 2017 (Dyal Singh College)8th (All India)

NIRF (HRD) 2018 (Dyal Singh College)25th (All India)

NIRF (HRD) 2019 (Dyal Singh College)20th (All India)

NIRF (HRD) 2020 (Dyal Singh College)21st (All India)

University scholarships

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) ScholarshipsTuition plus living stipend

Accreditation

The University of Delhi is a central university recognized by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and accredited 'A++' by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

Delhi University · India

B. Com. Programme (Under Graduate Curriculum Framework - UGCF)

The B. Com. Programme at Delhi University is designed under the Under Graduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This program is administered by the Faculty of Commerce and Business, which is responsible for curriculum design, syllabus administration, examination guidelines, and other related aspects. Classes for this programme are conducted in the university's various affiliated colleges. Students will gain a foundational understanding of commerce and business principles through a structured curriculum.

Delhi University · India

Doctoral Programmes/Ph.D. in Home Science

The University of Delhi offers Doctoral (Ph.D.) programs across five specialized areas within Home Science. These programs are designed for students aspiring to contribute to research and academia in fields critical to human well-being and development. As a Ph.D. candidate, you will engage in advanced research under expert supervision, aiming to produce original scholarship that addresses contemporary challenges in your chosen specialization. The program provides a robust academic environment within the Faculty of Science, preparing you for a career in research, teaching, or expert consultancy.

Delhi University · India

PhD in Physics and Astrophysics

The Department of Physics and Astrophysics at Delhi University offers a comprehensive Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. This program focuses on providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research across a wide spectrum of physics and astrophysics topics. Students will have the chance to delve into specialized areas and contribute to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Scholarships

for India

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

National Law School of India University (NLSIU), Bengaluru

NLSIU Research Fellowships

Open to Indian and international scholars depending on the fellowship category. Graduate Research Fellowships require a graduate degree in law or a postgraduate degree in social sciences, public policy, or allied fields. Doctoral Fellowships are for full-time PhD candidates at NLSIU. Postdoctoral Fellowships require a PhD awarded within the last three years, while University Research Fellowships require a PhD plus over ten years of teaching or research experience. Distinguished University Fellowships are by invitation only.

Wellcome Trust Fellowships and Grants (for international researchers)

For researchers at different career stages working on health-related science. Wellcome funds a family of fellowships and grants — early-career, career-development, and discovery awards, plus team and translational funding — each with its own eligibility, value, and call deadline. There is no single scholarship application; you apply to the specific scheme that fits your stage and project.

Wellcome International Training Fellowships

For early-career researchers based in low- and middle-income countries (outside the high-income world) who want protected time and support for research training in health, often including a PhD or postdoctoral research. Wellcome's scheme names and exact criteria change over time, so applicants should check the current relevant Wellcome funding scheme.

European Commission - European Research Executive Agency (REA)

Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships

Open to researchers of any nationality who hold a PhD (or will have defended their doctoral thesis by the call deadline) and have at most 8 years of full-time-equivalent research experience after the PhD. Applicants apply jointly with a host organisation - a university, research institution, business, SME, or other body based in an EU Member State or a country associated to Horizon Europe. European Postdoctoral Fellowships are open to all nationalities for a project inside the EU or an associated country; Global Postdoctoral Fellowships are reserved for EU nationals or long-term residents who carry out a phase in a third country before returning to Europe. Researchers who have been displaced by conflict and those restarting a research career after a break are explicitly encouraged to apply.

Rotary Peace Fellowships

For professionals committed to peace and development, with relevant work experience and (for the master's) a strong academic background and proficiency in English. Applicants apply through their local Rotary district and are selected globally by The Rotary Foundation for study at a Rotary Peace Center.

Independent Social Research Foundation (ISRF)

ISRF Europe Early Career Fellowship

Open to early-career researchers in the social sciences and humanities who are within 10 years of their PhD award (career breaks considered) and hold a salaried position at a higher education or research institution, or are independent scholars with a host institution. Research must be hosted at a European institution and address innovative, interdisciplinary social research questions. Open to scholars of all nationalities.

Frequently asked questions

Is the University of Delhi a public or private university?

Delhi University (DU) is a public central university, established in 1922 and funded through the University Grants Commission (UGC). It holds an 'A++' NAAC accreditation.

How much is tuition at Delhi University for international students?

International tuition typically ranges from roughly €1,500 to €5,000 per year, depending on the programme and affiliated college. Domestic fees are heavily subsidised and much lower.

What are the English language requirements at Delhi University?

International applicants who need to evidence English proficiency typically present an IELTS score of 6.0–6.5 or a TOEFL iBT score of about 79–90.

How do international students apply to the University of Delhi?

International students apply through the university's Foreign Students' Registry (FSR), rather than the domestic merit and cut-off route used for Indian applicants.

How competitive is admission to Delhi University?

Admission is highly competitive, with an acceptance rate of roughly 30%. Undergraduate places are decided largely by Class XII results and high cut-offs, while postgraduate and PhD entry may use entrance exams and interviews.

Are scholarships available for international students at DU?

Yes. International students can apply for Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships, which cover tuition plus a living stipend, applied for through ICCR and Indian missions abroad.

What is the University of Delhi ranked?

DU is ranked around #328 in the QS World University Rankings and sits among the top 10 Indian universities in the NIRF rankings.

Last updated 31 May 2026