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!
The Master in South Asian Studies is an exciting degree program drawing on a wide range of disciplines as a means of coming to terms with historical and current societal, political, and economic developments and events, as well as interactions between environment and society, in the context of regional and global change in the countries of South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
The core aim of the program is to introduce students to multi and interdisciplinary approaches of studying different fields of the social sciences and humanities, enabling them to work independently and self-reflectively in multicultural environments.
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.
Study and research environment
As Europe’s leading center for South Asian studies for over 60 years, the SAI offers an unparalleled interdisciplinary environment dedicated to the study of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Located at the vibrant CATS campus with its world-class library, the SAI integrates seven core departments alongside affiliated faculties in Islamic Studies, Religious Studies, Global Art History, Media Anthropology, and Buddhist Studies to provide a truly holistic perspective on the region. Our students and researchers benefit from an extensive international network and several branch offices in South Asia, as well as unique academic enrichment through visiting professorships sponsored by the governments of Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan. This dynamic platform for applied learning is further enhanced by regular workshops and lectures featuring global scholars, writers, and activists, ensuring a research environment that is as diverse and engaged as the region itself.
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 MASAS 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.
