Master
English
Social Sciences
Development, Environment, Societies, and History of South Asia
Master
About the Program
This two-year degree programme is one of three Master's programmes offered by the South Asia Institute of Heidelberg University, Germany. The classes are taught in English, fostering a dynamic learning environment in small groups comprising students from all over the world, who bring a range of perspectives to the interdisciplinary discussions. Offering a research-oriented approach, the curriculum features a broad range of classes that engage with historical, social, and current political and economic developments and events as well as the geography and environment across South Asia: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The objective of the programme is to acquaint students with interdisciplinary paradigms prevalent in the humanities and social sciences, thereby cultivating their capacity for independent work and self-reflexivity. Students tailor their studies by selecting a study focus, and they can further customise their learning path with additional courses, including language acquisition. Students can choose from the following study focuses: Political Science History Anthropology Art History and Visual Culture Development Economics Geography The governments of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka also sponsor guest professorships, which complement and enrich the curriculum by bringing diverse perspectives and current insights from the region. Additionally, open talks by professors, writers, and social and cultural activists are organised throughout the year, offering students valuable opportunities for direct engagement with diverse viewpoints and current debates. For students wishing to learn a South Asian language or further their existing knowledge, the programme offers regular instruction in ten languages: Bengali, Dari, Hindi, Classical Tibetan, Nepali, Pali, Sanskrit, Sinhala, Tamil, and Urdu. The languages are part of in-house minor programmes, which can be flexibly combined with the major.
General Requirements
Specific requirements for this program are not in our database yet. The following are typical for this degree and language in Germany — always verify the exact requirements on the program's official page.
Academic qualification
A recognised Bachelor's degree in a related field; some programs require a minimum grade or specific prerequisites.
Language
English proficiency (typically IELTS ~6.5 or TOEFL iBT ~90). Basic German is helpful for daily life.
Typical documents
- Recognised diploma and transcript (certified translations)
- Language certificate
- Passport and passport photo
- Tabular CV (Lebenslauf)
- Letter of motivation (for many programs)
- Application via uni-assist / VPD (for most international applicants)
Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?
Related profession searches from Bundesagentur für Arbeit (BERUFENET) data:
Explore all professions →Subjects / Topic Areas
Political Science
Similar Programs
Interreligious Studies
Universität Heidelberg
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Public History
Freie Universität Berlin
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Empirical Political and Social Research
Universität Stuttgart
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Jewish Theology
Universität Potsdam
Master of Arts (M.A.)
Mind, Brain and Behavior
Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Vocational Education Nutritional Science and Home Economics
Hochschule Osnabrück
Master of Education (M.Ed.)
How do I apply to Development, Environment, Societies, and History of South Asia at Universität Heidelberg?
Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.
- Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
- Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
- Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
- Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Development, Environment, Societies, and History of South Asia at Universität Heidelberg
Is Development, Environment, Societies, and History of South Asia at Universität Heidelberg taught in German or English? ▼
This Master programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.
How much does the Development, Environment, Societies, and History of South Asia programme cost? ▼
No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.
What are the admission requirements for Development, Environment, Societies, and History of South Asia at Universität Heidelberg? ▼
Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).
When is the application deadline? ▼
Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.
Can I work in Germany while studying Development, Environment, Societies, and History of South Asia? ▼
Yes. International students may work up to 140 working days a year without additional permission (a day of up to 4 hours counts as half a day). After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.
How do I apply to Universität Heidelberg — directly or via uni-assist? ▼
Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.