Sona Star Innovation Pvt. Ltd., the education and innovation arm of Sona Valliappa Group, has announced a 1+1 international pathway programme in collaboration with the University of West Alabama to offer a Master of Science in Data Science.

Launched on 26 June 2026 in Bengaluru, the SonaUWA programme enables students to complete the first year in India at the Sona Centre for Advanced Learning & Entrepreneurship (SCALE) and the second year at the University of West Alabama campus in Livingston, United States. On completion, students are awarded a US-accredited MS in Data Science from UWA.

According to the institutions, the curriculum follows the University of West Alabama academic structure and includes subjects such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity. The programme is designed to allow students to transition between India and the US while remaining within a single degree framework.

At the launch, Thyagu Valliappa said the initiative would provide access to a US-accredited degree at reduced cost. He added that academic rigour would be maintained across both study locations.

Students securing a GPA above 3.5 in the second year will be eligible for a scholarship of up to USD 5,000 across two semesters. The total cost of the programme is estimated at around ₹19 lakh, including the effect of the scholarship, compared with higher costs for full overseas study.

The programme is classified as a STEM course and includes eligibility for up to 36 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States after graduation.

An intake of 30 students is planned for the first cohort beginning September 2026. Applications close on 5 September 2026.

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