Pondicherry University (Pu)

Pondicherry University is a teaching, research and affiliating federal (central) university fully funded and administrated by the Government of India. PU operates on a credit-based semester system similar to US universities providing courses are all taught in English. In India, English is the instructional language in all institutions of higher learning. Being a research and teaching university, PU offers all undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees similar to US universities.

1. Location of the university

Pondicherry University is located in Pondicherry, the capital city of the union territory in South India. This coastal town is known for its serene atmosphere and French influence, and is 90 miles away from the international airport of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the Auroville International Township give a spiritual flavor to this city and attract thousands of western tourists. The climate is tropical with two monsoons, having heavy rainfall in November and moderate rainfall in July. The university campus is ideally located in 780 acres of land on the coast of the Bay of Bengal.

2. Life at Pondicherry city

Pondicherry, or recently named Puducherry, is the ideal location for a study abroad destination. With the endless cuisine options, ranging from Indian to French bakeries, there is something pleasing for everyone here. One can experience the elegance of the French culture and minutes later be surrounded by one of the infinite Hindu festival parades that crowd the streets frequently. Students can experience the multitude of shops, restaurants, beaches, resorts, ashrams and temples that Pondicherry has to offer. Nearby, the quaint town of Auroville offers even more diversity with residents from all over the globe. Here is the home of the famous Sri Aurobindo Ashram and the colossal Matrimandir, offering visitors an incredible spiritual and enlightening experience. Although located just outside of Pondicherry, Auroville provides vistors with a unique experience of spiritual and diverse emersion into Indian living. For more information please visit the Pondicherry City website: http://www.pondicherrycity.com/.

3. PU Academics and Degree Programs

PU offers degree programs in arts, languages, sciences, business and social sciences. The major departments that award degrees are:

Student’s from all majors can find a rich variety of courses from different departments at PU and can select five courses from a list of 1000 courses offered in each semester to create their individualized curriculum. Historically, study abroad courses are primarily from humanities and social sciences, but at PU, students from any major can find courses related to their specialization, major or interest.

4. Semester system and transcripts

Unlike many other Indian universities, PU operates on courses, credit and semester system similar to US institutions. The academic calendar is divided into two semesters: fall and spring. The fall semester starts in July and ends in November while spring semester starts in January and ends in May. A full time student status is offered only to those who register for 15 credits (five courses) per semester. Grading is based on in-class examinations, tests, term papers, assignments and quizzes. In the transcript, a letter grade is assigned based on performance that will include:

5. PU Faculty

PU has approximately 300 eminent faculty members holding advanced degrees from India, USA and Europe. Many of them continue collaborative research with international universities and publish joint papers in prestigious journals. Semester in India students are encouraged to conduct undergraduate research projects with their professors on a one-to-one basis.

6. PU Calendar

PU has two semesters: fall and spring Spring semester: January to May Fall semester: July to November Deadline for submitting application Fall: April 15th Spring: October 15th

7. PU Campus Facilities and Hostels

Pondicherry University’s 780 acre campus is plentiful with departmental buildings with modern classrooms as well as quiet areas for studying, bicycling and trekking. With PU being a residential university, over 90% of students live on campus in residential hostels.

PU’s other facilities include a modern library, computer laboratories, health clinic, cafeterias, modern auditoriums, cutting edge science laboratories, language laboratories, gymnasiums, free bicycles and electric cars for interdepartmental transportation. Additionally, PU offers several social and cultural opportunities, singing and dance contests, cultural festivals, games and sports tournaments. All these add to a students’ cultural experiences while studying at PU.