Overview

The South and Southeast Asian Studies M.A. at University of California, Berkeley provides a rigorous academic foundation for students pursuing professional expertise or future doctoral research. This postgraduate programme focuses on the diverse linguistic and literary traditions of the region, fostering a sophisticated understanding of its historical and contemporary contexts.

Why South and Southeast Asian Studies at University of California, Berkeley?

The department offers a distinguished environment for the study of Hindi, Indonesian, Khmer, Sanskrit, Tamil, Tibetan, and Urdu. Students benefit from a structured curriculum that combines language mastery with historical knowledge. The programme is specifically designed to bridge the gap between undergraduate study and advanced doctoral research, providing access to expert faculty and specialised resources.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 6570 per year
National fee: USD 6570 per year
Local fee: USD 6570 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires a minimum of twenty units of graduate coursework, including specific language seminars and methodological training. Modules may include:

Methods Seminar
Hindi
Indonesian
Khmer
Sanskrit
Tamil
Tibetan
Urdu
Linguistics

Candidates must also complete a Master's thesis under the supervision of a three-member faculty committee. For those specialising in Sanskrit, additional requirements include a written competency examination and demonstrated reading knowledge of a second scholarly language, such as French or German.

Careers with South and Southeast Asian Studies

Graduates from this programme are prepared for a variety of professional paths involving regional expertise. Many students use the M.A. as a stepping stone to Ph.D. programmes in their chosen fields. The advanced language proficiency and analytical skills gained at the university also support careers in international relations, cultural heritage, translation, and academic research focused on South and Southeast Asia.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

A minimum of twenty units of course work in graduate status at UCB, including at least two graduate seminars in the language of emphasis (which may be taken outside the Department, with permission of the Head Graduate Adviser) and the departmental Methods Seminar (SSEAS 294);

A historical knowledge of the area of emphasis, demonstrated by appropriate course work.

Completion of a Master’s thesis, supervised by a committee of three faculty members;

Advanced competence in the language of emphasis, as demonstrated by course work through the third-year level or the equivalent and completion of seminar and thesis research in that language;

Advancement to M.A. candidacy.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-17 00:00:00

Language

English

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Berkeley, United States

Disciplines

Asian studies View 94 other Masters in Asian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

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Other requirements

General requirements

Unofficial Transcript

Toefl Or Ietls If Applicable

3 Letters Of Recommendation

Personal Statement

Statement Of Purpose (1-2 Single Spaced Pages)

A Writing Sample (No Less Than 15 Pages)

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

6570 USD / year

≈ 6570 USD / year
Out-of-State

6570 USD / year

≈ 6570 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

6570 USD / year

≈ 6570 USD / year

Living costs

Berkeley

United States

1750 - 2820 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for South and Southeast Asian Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

South and Southeast Asian Studies

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Berkeley

Financing

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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