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Universität Heidelberg
Master German + English Social Sciences

Japanese Studies

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Universität Heidelberg Heidelberg · Baden-Württemberg

About the Program

The Master's degree programme in Japanese Studies provides comprehensive insights into the manifold topics associated with Japanese Studies and places special emphasis on acquisition of scientific methods and their application. The research focus is on Japanese culture and history in the context of its embeddedness in historical and current development in East Asia. The degree programme takes the East Asian context into consideration as well as the diverse relationships with the West. The focus of this Master's degree programme is therefore the examination of specific Japan-related topics on the basis of knowledge of the entire region. The scientific questions that the students address are derived from cultural and literary studies as well as social sciences and history but are specifically formulated for Japanese Studies. The aim of the degree programme is to turn the graduates into specialists for Japan and to provide them with an understanding of Japanese culture that takes holistic, transcultural comparisons into account and simultaneously help them achieve the status of specialist in useful areas of application. It is mandatory to choose a minor subject in combination with this Master programme.
▶ Show the original English text
The Master's degree programme in Japanese Studies provides comprehensive insights into the manifold topics associated with Japanese Studies and places special emphasis on acquisition of scientific methods and their application. The research focus is on Japanese culture and history in the context of its embeddedness in historical and current development in East Asia. The degree programme takes the East Asian context into consideration as well as the diverse relationships with the West. The focus of this Master's degree programme is therefore the examination of specific Japan-related topics on the basis of knowledge of the entire region. The scientific questions that the students address are derived from cultural and literary studies as well as social sciences and history but are specifically formulated for Japanese Studies. The aim of the degree programme is to turn the graduates into specialists for Japan and to provide them with an understanding of Japanese culture that takes holistic, transcultural comparisons into account and simultaneously help them achieve the status of specialist in useful areas of application. It is mandatory to choose a minor subject in combination with this Master programme.

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 Master 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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