Master of Arts South Asian Studies
Starting with the Winter Semester 2026/27, our Master’s program will feature a refreshed structure under a new name: MA South Asian Studies (formerly MA Development, Environment, Societies, and History in South Asia). Join us in exploring the complexities of South Asia through a modern lens. Applications for this updated program open on April 1, 2026. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of South Asia experts!
Students can choose from a large selection of classes to support a research-oriented program that engages with historical, social, and current political and economic developments and events, as well as geography and environment in the countries of South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The goal of the program is to familiarize students with interdisciplinary approaches from various fields in the humanities and social sciences and to enable them to work independently and self-reflectively. Students choose a focus area, which they can supplement with other courses, including languages.
The following focus areas can be selected:
- Anthropology
- Development Economics
- Geography
- History
- Political Science
The classes are taught in English, in small group formats comprising students from all over the world.
Program structure
Study and research environment
The South Asia Institute is Europe's leading center for South Asian studies, characterized by interdisciplinary teaching and research that addresses the regional diversity of South Asia. Scholars at our institute have been studying the countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka for more than 60 years. Together with our international research network and our branch offices in several South Asian countries, we offer all students and researchers an ideal platform for interdisciplinary applied learning and research.
The governments of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka sponsor four visiting professors at SAI whose courses complement and enrich the curriculum. Students also have the chance to meet external scholars, writers, and social and cultural activists through weekly lectures and workshops.
Unique language program on the region of South Asia
Students who wish to learn a South Asian language or continue their language studies can choose from a regular course offering of eleven languages: Bengali, Hindi, Classical Tibetan, Sanskrit, Tamil, Urdu, Dari, Nepali, Pali, and Sinhala. The languages are part of SAI minor programs (MAKLM, MAKRS), which can be flexibly combined with the MADESH major.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold an above-average Bachelor’s degree in one of the focus disciplines or a closely related field. Applicants with degrees in other disciplines may be considered if they can demonstrate significant academic or professional expertise in their chosen focus area.
