Overview

About the program

The South Asian Studies PhD curriculum at the University of Pennsylvania provides a rigorous training in South Asian languages, literature, culture, and history that serves as a foundation for research and teaching in higher education.

The Department emphasizes both linguistic expertise as well as in depth disciplinary knowledge. Students will gain exposure to a wide variety of approaches and methods in the study of South Asia, and will also learn how to deal with a diversity of research materials (including texual, documentary, enthographic and material).

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Modern India
The City in South Asia
India's Literature: Love, War, Wisdom and Humor
Performing Arts of Modern South India
India: Culture and Society
Climate Change and Community in Indonesia
Indian Philosophy
South Asians in the United States
Narrative Across Cultures
Merchants, Saints, Slaves and Sojourners: the Worlds of the Indian Ocean
Islam in Modern World
Buddhism
Muslim Sainthood Practices
Literary History and Aesthetics in South Asia
Sanskrit

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2025-08-26 00:00:00
- Apply before 2024-12-15 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Delivered

On Campus

Disciplines

Asian studies View 18 other PhDs in Asian studies in United States

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Student insurance

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items, so make sure your student insurance ticks all the following:

Additional medical costs (i.e. dental)
Repatriation, if something happens to you or your family
Liability
Home contents and baggage
Accidents
Legal aid

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Other requirements

General requirements

The Graduate Group in South Asia Studies requires the following materials as part of the applications:

Academic transcripts of undergraduate courses and grades, and any previous graduate work
TOEFL or IELTS score for non-native speakers of English only, the Test of English as a Foreign Language
Personal statement of your academic goals
Recommendations from at least three professors or others familiar with your academic abilities
Writing Sample 35 pages or less of your original work (this can be a portion of a larger work)

Tuition Fee

To always see correct tuition fees

International

41544 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 41544 USD per year during 60 months.
National

41544 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 41544 USD per year during 60 months.
In-State

41544 USD/year

Tuition Fee

Based on the tuition of 41544 USD per year during 60 months.

Some programs offer full funding, covering tuition for 4-5 years and providing a $38,000 stipend.

Living costs for Philadelphia

1313 - 2284 USD /month

Living costs

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for South Asian Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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