Overview

The South Asian Studies programme at Harvard University provides students with a comprehensive framework for understanding the intellectual and social history of the region. This Master of Arts degree emphasises a deep engagement with primary sources and the various disciplinary perspectives required to analyse complex cultural traditions.

Why South Asian Studies at Harvard University?

Choosing this programme allows students to benefit from the extensive resources of the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. The university is home to a distinguished faculty with expertise spanning Sanskrit, Tibetan, and Himalayan studies. Students gain access to exceptional library collections and a vibrant community of scholars dedicated to regional research.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 57328 per year
National fee: USD 57328 per year
Local fee: USD 57328 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is designed to strengthen academic backgrounds in regional languages and research methodologies. Modules may include:

South Asian Texts and Traditions
Sanskrit
Classical Tibetan
South Asian Languages
Cultural and Social Practices
Research Methods in South Asian Studies
Intellectual History of South Asia

Careers with South Asian Studies

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for advanced doctoral research or professional roles requiring deep regional expertise. The analytical and linguistic skills developed at the university enable alumni to pursue careers in international relations, cultural heritage, and academia. Many students use the Master of Arts as a foundation for further specialisation in South Asian history, linguistics, or social sciences.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Political Economy

The Rise of Authoritarian Populism

Addressing the Global Climate Crisis: Challenges for Both Developed and Developing Economies

Language and Prehistory

Happiness and Different Ways of Life

Sex, Money, and Power in the Postcolonial World

Global Feminisms

Natural Disasters

Pluralism: Case Studies in American Diversity

Law and Politics in Multicultural Democracies

Statelessness

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Language Studies Asian studies View 847 other Masters in Language Studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Writing Sample

Letters of Recommendation

Transcipts

English Proficiency

Standardized Tests

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

57328 USD / year

≈ 57328 USD / year
Out-of-State

57328 USD / year

≈ 57328 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

57328 USD / year

≈ 57328 USD / year

Living costs

Cambridge

United States

1814 - 3756 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 Asian Studies.

Available Scholarships

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

On this page

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

Cambridge

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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