Pondicherry University PG Diploma Foreign Trade: Fees 2026, Course Duration, Dates, Eligibility

Pondicherry, PuducherryCentral UniversityEstd 1985NAAC Grade A+
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Collegedunia Team

Content Curator | Updated 3+ months ago

The Post Graduate Diploma in Foreign Trade (PGDFT) at Pondicherry University is an Add-on (Evening Session) programme offered by the Department of International Business under the School of Management. Contrary to what the course label "Full Time" may suggest, this programme is structured as an evening add-on course (classes held from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, five days a week) and is NOT a standalone full-time daytime programme. It covers key areas of international trade including export-import procedures, foreign exchange management, trade documentation, WTO regulations, and global marketing. The course is open to graduates from any discipline and is particularly popular among working professionals and students already enrolled in other university programmes who wish to gain specialised knowledge in foreign trade. The total fees are nominal, making it one of the most affordable diploma options at a Central University.

Admissions for 2026-27 were notified in January 2027 (for the academic year 2026-27 add-on courses). The 2026-27 add-on course admissions are currently closed. For 2027-28, the university is expected to release a fresh notification for add-on/evening session programmes, typically in November-December 2027. Candidates should monitor the official Pondicherry University website (www.pondiuni.edu.in) for the latest notification.

Key Points

  • This is an Add-on (Evening Session) programme, NOT a standalone full-time daytime course. Classes are held from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, five days a week.
  • Offered by the Department of International Business, which also runs the MBA (International Business) programme, ensuring quality faculty and industry exposure.
  • Preference in admission is given to students already enrolled in Pondicherry University departments, though external candidates are also eligible.
  • The course may not be offered if fewer than 20 students register, as per university norms.
  • Pondicherry University is a NAAC A+ accredited Central University, and the diploma carries national recognition.

Pondicherry University Latest Updates and News

21 Aug, 2026 MAT September 2026 MBA exam schedule is out @mat.aima.in. Check the latest events below-

  • Special drive exam will be held on Sept 6 in PBT mode, and registrations are open till Sept 1, 2026. Read News.
  • PBT exam registrations are open till Sept 7, and the exam will be conducted on Sept 13, 2026.
  • CBT exam registrations will close on Sept 14. The exam will be held on Sept 20, 2026. Read More.

03 Aug, 2026 CAT 2026 registration begins. Aspirants can register @iimcat.ac.in till Sept 15, 2026. CAT 2026 is scheduled for Nov 29, 2026. Read News.

PU PGDFT Fees

The PG Diploma in Foreign Trade is offered at a highly subsidised fee for university students and employees, while external candidates pay a slightly higher fee. The fee structure is per semester, and the course spans two semesters (1 year). Based on the most recent available fee structure (2023-24 rates), the fees are as follows:

Fee Structure

Fee ComponentUniversity Students/EmployeesExternal Candidates
Admission Fee (one-time)Rs. 200Rs. 500
Tuition Fee (per semester)Rs. 10,000Rs. 20,000
Library Fee (optional, per semester)Not applicableRs. 1,000 (optional)
Total (2 semesters)Rs. 20,200Rs. 40,500
Total FeesRs. 20,200 (University students) / Rs. 40,500 (External)
  • The above fees are based on 2023-24 rates. Actual fees for 2026-27 and 2027-28 may vary and will be notified at the time of admission.
  • Library fee of Rs. 1,000/semester is optional for external candidates who wish to use the university library for reference.
  • For foreign students, the fee is 150 US Dollars per semester.
  • No hostel facility is specifically allocated for add-on course students.
  • Fees are to be paid at the time of admission.

PU PGDFT Admission 2026

Admissions to the PG Diploma in Foreign Trade (Add-on) are conducted through a merit-based process based on marks in the qualifying degree. The university releases a notification for add-on/evening session programmes typically in November-December each year. For 2026-27, the notification was issued in January 2027 and admissions are now closed. Candidates interested in 2027-28 should watch the official university website for the upcoming notification.

Important Dates

EventDate (2026-27 cycle)
Admission Notification ReleasedJanuary 19, 2027
Last Date to ApplyLate January 2027 (as per notification)
Date of Admission / ReportingAs per notification
Commencement of ClassesShortly after admission
Next Cycle (2027-28) NotificationNovember-December 2027 (Tentative)

Note: No entrance exam is required. Admission is based on marks in the qualifying degree.

The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree (10+2+3) in any discipline from a recognised university.
  • Minimum 50% marks in the qualifying degree (for SC/ST candidates, mere pass is sufficient).
  • Students in the 4th or 5th year of Five Year Integrated Courses at Pondicherry University are also eligible.

Admission Process

  • Monitor the official Pondicherry University website (www.pondiuni.edu.in) for the add-on course notification, typically released in November-December.
  • Apply online through the Pondicherry University admissions portal within the notified deadline.
  • Admission is based on merit (marks in qualifying degree); preference is given to existing university students/employees.
  • Report to the concerned Head of Department on the notified date with all original certificates and prescribed fees.
  • No separate intimation is sent; candidates must check the university website for updates.

PU PGDFT Scholarships 2026

As an add-on/evening session programme, the PG Diploma in Foreign Trade does not attract the same range of scholarships as regular full-time PG programmes. However, students who are simultaneously enrolled in a regular PG programme at Pondicherry University may be eligible for university scholarships applicable to their primary programme. The following general support options are available:

Scholarship Options

SupportDetailsEligibility
SC/ST Fee ConcessionSC/ST candidates admitted on mere pass basisSC/ST candidates
PM-Vidyalaxmi Education LoanCollateral-free education loan; apply at pmvidyalaxmi.co.inAll admitted students
Govt. of India SC/ST/OBC ScholarshipAs per state/central norms for Post-Matric scholarshipSC/ST/OBC candidates
  • University merit and MCM scholarships are primarily applicable to regular full-time PG degree programmes, not add-on courses.
  • Students enrolled in both a regular PG programme and this add-on course may avail scholarships for their primary programme.
  • PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme offers collateral-free and guarantor-free education loans for eligible students.

PU PGDFT FAQs

Ques. Is the PG Diploma in Foreign Trade at Pondicherry University a full-time daytime programme?

Ans. No. Despite being listed with "Full Time" in some databases, the PG Diploma in Foreign Trade at Pondicherry University is an Add-on (Evening Session) programme. Classes are held from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM, five days a week. It is designed to be pursued alongside another programme or job, and is NOT a standalone full-time daytime course.

Ques. Can external candidates (not enrolled in Pondicherry University) apply for this programme?

Ans. Yes, external candidates can apply. However, preference in admission is given to students already studying in Pondicherry University departments. External candidates also pay a higher fee (Rs. 20,000/semester) compared to university students/employees (Rs. 10,000/semester).

Ques. Is there an entrance exam for admission to this programme?

Ans. No. Admission is purely merit-based, based on marks secured in the qualifying degree. There is no entrance examination required for this add-on course.

Ques. What are the career prospects after completing this PG Diploma in Foreign Trade?

Ans. Graduates can pursue careers in export-import companies, customs brokerage firms, freight forwarding agencies, international trade departments of corporates, and government trade promotion bodies like FIEO, APEDA, and DGFT. The diploma is also useful for those preparing for IIFT entrance exams or pursuing MBA in International Business.

Ques. How often is this course offered, and is it guaranteed every year?

Ans. The course is offered as part of the annual add-on/evening session programme cycle. However, the university may not offer the course if fewer than 20 students register. Candidates should check the official notification each year to confirm availability.

Ques. Is the diploma from Pondicherry University's add-on programme recognised by employers?

Ans. Yes. Pondicherry University is a Central University established by an Act of Parliament and is UGC-recognised. The PG Diploma in Foreign Trade, though an add-on evening course, is awarded by Pondicherry University and carries the same institutional recognition. However, candidates should note that it is a diploma, not a full degree, and its weight in the job market depends on the employer and the candidate's overall profile.

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