Overview

The Regional Studies - East Asia programme at Harvard University provides a multidisciplinary framework for students to explore the complex dynamics of the East Asian region. This Master of Arts degree is designed for individuals seeking high-level expertise in the languages, histories, and contemporary societies of China, Japan, and Korea. By combining rigorous academic training with flexible course selection, the curriculum supports diverse research interests ranging from archaeology to modern diplomacy.

Students benefit from a personalised educational experience, working alongside world-renowned scholars to develop sophisticated analytical skills. The programme emphasises the use of primary source materials and advanced linguistic proficiency.

Why Regional Studies - East Asia at Harvard University?

Choosing this programme grants students access to the unparalleled resources of the Harvard Library system, including the prestigious Harvard-Yenching Library and the Fung Library. These facilities house some of the most extensive collections of East Asian materials outside of Asia, providing a unique environment for primary research and scholarly discovery.

The institution's global reputation and extensive network offer students a vibrant intellectual community. With over 1,400 living alumni, the programme maintains a significant presence in top-tier academic institutions and international organisations worldwide. This vast network facilitates professional connections and provides a platform for impactful research that addresses global challenges through a regional lens.

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 highly adaptable, allowing students to select courses that align with their specific research goals. Modules may include:

Japanese Translation
East Asian Politics
Chinese Archaeology
Global Energy Diplomacy
Modern History
Asian Studies
Regional Research Methods

Careers with Regional Studies - East Asia

Graduates of the programme have successfully transitioned into a wide variety of prestigious roles across multiple sectors. Many continue their academic journeys at leading global universities, including Peking University and Yonsei University. The diverse skill set acquired during the course is highly valued in both the public and private sectors.

In the professional sphere, alumni serve as ambassadors and diplomats for nations such as the United States, Japan, and Italy. Others have established successful careers in the military, international business, media, and the financial industry. The programme's broad scope also allows for unique career paths, with former students finding roles in cultural organisations and international symphonies.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

China Humanities
China Social Sciences
Japan Humanities
Japan Social Sciences
Korea Humanities
Korea Social Sciences
Multi-country Humanities
Multi-country Social Sciences

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

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Cambridge, United States

Disciplines

Modern History Asian studies View 95 other Masters in Asian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

GRE^®

Required

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

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

GRE General

Writing Sample

iBT TOEFL minimum score: 100

IELTS minimum score: 7.5

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 Regional Studies - East Asia.

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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