Cultures converge as Andhra University marks its centenary

Andhra University’s centenary celebrations unite diverse cultures, showcasing international student contributions through food, performances, and global exchanges.

As Andhra University approaches its 100th Foundation Day on April 26, 2026, the centenary celebrations are unfolding as more than just an academic commemoration. They are emerging as a vibrant showcase of diverse cultures, traditions, cuisines, and languages. The festivities highlight the university’s long-standing international relations, reaffirming its role as a hub where local heritage meets global exchange.

“At present, Andhra University has around 1,150 international students from 57 countries. This is among the highest in India, with students enrolled across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes,” says Prof. S. Paul Douglas, Dean International Affairs of AU.

The presence of international students at Andhra University is not new. For decades, the university has attracted students from Asia and Africa through its academic reputation and scholarship programmes, particularly those administered by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). However, a more formalised structure emerged with the establishment of the Office of International Affairs in the late 1990s. This helped streamline admissions, student services, and institutional collaborations.

“The scale is not incidental but the result of sustained engagement across regions. This year, the largest number of students is from Bangladesh, with over 150. A significant share of our international students also comes from African countries, with representation from across the continent,” says Prof. Douglas.

What distinguishes this cohort is not only its diversity but its continuity. “Many students stay for extended periods. Some have been here for seven to ten years, completing their bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies,” Prof. Douglas observes. In disciplinary terms, engineering remains the principal draw, while doctoral enrolment is concentrated in the sciences.

For Abeedullah Aabede from Afghanistan, a doctoral scholar in the Department of Law, the centenary carries both symbolic and personal resonance. “As an international student and a member of the university community, I am proud to be part of this celebration. Campus life has been thoroughly enjoyable for me so far,” he says.