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Universität Heidelberg
Bachelor German + English Social Sciences

Japanese Studies

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Universität Heidelberg Heidelberg · Baden-Württemberg

About the Program

The Bachelor's degree programme in Japanese Studies is a specialisation in the degree programme in East Asian Studies. The BA in Japanese Studies enables students to learn about Japan and its historical, cultural, political and economic interrelationships with other East Asian nations at a very early stage of their academic programme. Courses in the department are designed in such a way so as to develop a specific understanding of Japan that is ultimately required to formulate and answer general related questions. The aim of this rather practical orientation is to scientifically deconstruct individual phenomena associated with Japanese culture and society and to integrate insights into generalised scientific discourse. In the first four semesters, students complete an intensive language course (on average 15 contact hours per week) in which they acquire the linguistic foundations required for the programme. At the same time, they acquire fundamental geographical, historical and cultural knowledge of East Asia and, in particular, of Japan in various preparatory seminars. In the advanced, or specialised, studies component of the programme, and depending on their personal interests, they are given the opportunity to specialise in areas related to cultural studies, social sciences or history. Please note: The Bachelor of Arts 25% programme in Japanese Studies may only be pursued as a minor subject in conjunction with a major in the Bachelor's 75% degree programme in East Asian Studies.
▶ Show the original English text
The Bachelor's degree programme in Japanese Studies is a specialisation in the degree programme in East Asian Studies. The BA in Japanese Studies enables students to learn about Japan and its historical, cultural, political and economic interrelationships with other East Asian nations at a very early stage of their academic programme. Courses in the department are designed in such a way so as to develop a specific understanding of Japan that is ultimately required to formulate and answer general related questions. The aim of this rather practical orientation is to scientifically deconstruct individual phenomena associated with Japanese culture and society and to integrate insights into generalised scientific discourse. In the first four semesters, students complete an intensive language course (on average 15 contact hours per week) in which they acquire the linguistic foundations required for the programme. At the same time, they acquire fundamental geographical, historical and cultural knowledge of East Asia and, in particular, of Japan in various preparatory seminars. In the advanced, or specialised, studies component of the programme, and depending on their personal interests, they are given the opportunity to specialise in areas related to cultural studies, social sciences or history. Please note: The Bachelor of Arts 25% programme in Japanese Studies may only be pursued as a minor subject in conjunction with a major in the Bachelor's 75% degree programme in East Asian Studies.

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Japanese Studies

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How do I apply to Japanese Studies 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.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Japanese Studies at Universität Heidelberg

Is Japanese Studies at Universität Heidelberg taught in German or English? ▼

This Bachelor programme is taught in German + English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Japanese Studies programme cost? ▼

161 EUR / semester. International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Japanese Studies at Universität Heidelberg? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German + 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 Japanese Studies? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. 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.

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