Stella Maris College is an autonomous women’s college located on Cathedral Road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Established in 1947, it is affiliated with the University of Madras and managed by the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary. The college has a diverse student body of ~5,000+ students and offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in arts, science, commerce, and emerging fields. NAAC A+ accreditation and a legacy of pioneering women’s education in South India distinguish Stella Maris as a leading institution. Flagship programs include B.A., B.Sc., B.Com., and M.A. degrees, with annual intakes across disciplines.
Stella Maris College Highlights
Founded in 1947 with just 32 students, Stella Maris College has grown into a premier institution for women’s higher education in Chennai. The college is recognized for its autonomous status under the University of Madras, NAAC A+ accreditation, and a vibrant campus community. With over 5,000 students and a faculty strength of ~200, the college offers more than 20 undergraduate and 12 postgraduate programs, as well as research opportunities. Admissions are based on merit and, for select programs, entrance tests or interviews.
Particulars | Details |
Established | 1947 |
Type | Autonomous, Women’s College |
Approvals/Accreditations | Affiliated to University of Madras, NAAC A+ (Cycle 4) |
Student Intake / Strength | ~5,000+ |
Faculty | ~200 |
Flagship Program & Fees | B.A./B.Sc./B.Com.: INR 30,000–50,000 per year |
Entrance Exams | Merit-based; Entrance/Interview for select PG programs |
Official Website |
Stella Maris College Rankings
Stella Maris College consistently features among the top women’s colleges in India, recognized for academic excellence and social impact. It has been ranked in the top 25 in national surveys for arts and science colleges, and is regularly listed in reputed rankings such as NIRF and India Today. In 2024, it maintained a strong presence in the NIRF and India Today rankings for colleges in India.
Year | Ranking Body | Category | Rank |
2024 | India Today | Arts Colleges (All India) | Top 20 |
2023 | NIRF | Colleges (All India) | Top 25–30 |
Stella Maris College Courses & Fees
Stella Maris College offers a comprehensive portfolio of UG, PG, and research programs across arts, science, commerce, and vocational streams. Popular courses include B.A. in English, B.Sc. in Mathematics, B.Com., and M.A. in Social Work. Fees are affordable compared to many private institutions, and vary by program and specialization.
Program | Level | Duration | Eligibility | Total Fees |
B.A. (English, Economics, Sociology, etc.) | UG | 3 Years | 10+2 (Any Stream) | INR 90,000–1,20,000 |
B.Sc. (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, etc.) | UG | 3 Years | 10+2 (Science Stream) | INR 90,000–1,20,000 |
B.Com. | UG | 3 Years | 10+2 (Commerce/Any Stream) | INR 90,000–1,20,000 |
M.A. (English, Economics, Social Work, etc.) | PG | 2 Years | UG Degree in relevant subject | INR 60,000–80,000 |
M.Sc. (Maths, Chemistry, Bioinformatics, etc.) | PG | 2 Years | UG Degree in relevant subject | INR 60,000–80,000 |
Ph.D. (Arts, Science, Social Work) | Doctoral | 3–5 Years | PG Degree + Entrance/Interview | INR 30,000–50,000 (per year) |
Stella Maris College Admission Process
Admissions for UG and PG programs at Stella Maris College are primarily merit-based, with select programs requiring entrance tests or interviews. The application process is conducted online, typically opening in April–May for the academic year starting in July. Shortlisted candidates may be called for interviews or group discussions, especially for postgraduate and professional courses.
Application Window: April–May (for July intake)
Entrance Exams (if any): Only for select PG/professional programs
Selection Stages (GD/PI/WAT/etc.): Interview/Group Discussion for some courses
Step | Details | Indicative Timeline | Documents |
Online Application | Register and fill application form on official website | April–May | 10th/12th Marksheet, ID Proof, Photo |
Merit List/Shortlisting | Based on academic performance | May–June | NA |
Entrance/Interview (if applicable) | For select programs (PG, Social Work, etc.) | May–June | UG/PG Marksheet, Certificates |
Admission Confirmation | Fee payment and document verification | June–July | All original documents |
Stella Maris College Scholarships
Stella Maris College provides a range of scholarships and financial aid to support meritorious and economically disadvantaged students. Scholarships are offered by the college, government, and private donors, with criteria based on academic performance, financial need, and specific categories such as minorities or first-generation learners.
Scholarship | Eligibility | Benefit | How to Apply |
Merit Scholarship | High academic performance in qualifying exams | Fee concession/partial waiver | Apply at college office after admission |
Government Scholarships (SC/ST/OBC) | Belonging to reserved category | Tuition fee waiver/maintenance allowance | Apply through college with caste/income certificates |
Minority Scholarship | Minority community students | Financial support | Apply via official portal/college |
Endowment Scholarships | Varies (academic/need-based) | Cash awards/fee support | College nomination/application |
Stella Maris College Campus & Facilities
The Cathedral Road campus of Stella Maris College is spread over several acres and features a blend of heritage and modern infrastructure. Facilities include a central library with 1,00,000+ volumes, advanced science and computer labs, seminar halls, and a large auditorium. Residential accommodation is available for outstation students, and the campus supports a vibrant extracurricular and sports culture.
Library / Digital Resources: Central library, e-resources, reading halls
Labs / Research Centres / Special Equipment: Science, computer, language labs, research centres
Classrooms / Seminar Halls / Auditoriums: Smart classrooms, AV rooms, 1,000+ seat auditorium
Hostel / Dining: On-campus hostels, mess, cafeteria
Sports / Gym / Grounds: Indoor/outdoor sports, gymnasium, basketball/volleyball courts
Connectivity / Transport: Well-connected by city transport, bus stops nearby
Stella Maris College Placements
Stella Maris College has a dedicated Placement Cell that coordinates campus recruitment, internships, and career guidance. In 2024, the highest package offered was INR 12 LPA, with the average package around INR 4–5 LPA. Leading recruiters include multinational companies, banks, consulting firms, and NGOs.
Year | Highest Package | Average Package | Median Package | Top Recruiters |
2024 | INR 12 LPA | INR 4–5 LPA | INR 4 LPA | Deloitte, EY, TCS, Wipro, HCL, Accenture |
2023 | INR 10 LPA | INR 3.8 LPA | INR 3.5 LPA | Infosys, Cognizant, KPMG, NGOs |
Stella Maris College Notable Alumni
Stella Maris College boasts a distinguished alumni network, including leaders in government, arts, business, and social service. Alumni have made significant contributions nationally and internationally, reflecting the college’s legacy of women’s empowerment and leadership.
Name | Role / Achievement |
Indra Nooyi | Former CEO, PepsiCo |
Sudha Ragunathan | Carnatic vocalist, Padma Bhushan awardee |
Revathi | National Award-winning actress and director |
Jayanthi Natarajan | Former Union Minister, Government of India |
Priya Ravichandran | First woman fire officer in India |


