About PhD Program,
The PhD program in Asian Studies encompasses the cultures of South Asia (through the languages of Urdu/Hindi, Persian, Punjabi, and Sanskrit), the Himalayas, and East Asia (Chinese, Japanese, Korean), as well as Islamic Studies. Transregional studies that involve multiple regions or subregions are also welcome. Fields of study include literature, visual and popular culture, linguistics (historical and applied), history, religion, and philosophy.
Applicants must have a Master’s Degree in Asian Studies or the equivalent. Candidates must also have sufficient command of an appropriate Asian language to conduct advanced research. Currently, program faculty can supervise doctoral students working with Arabic (for Islamic Studies topics), Chinese (Cantonese, Classical, and Modern), Hindi/Urdu, Japanese, Korean, Persian (for Indo-Persian topics), Punjabi, Sanskrit, and Tibetan. For Chinese specifically, reading knowledge of both modern and classical forms is expected.
PhD Program Degree Eligibility with GPA,
- Master of Arts in Asian Studies or related field or equivalent from an accredited university-level institution.
- Overall average of B+ (76% at UBC) in master’s degree program.
- Before admittance, candidates for the Ph.D. program must have an appropriate Asian language. In the case of Chinese, this will mean a competent reading knowledge of both modern and classical forms of the language.
- 100- and 200-level courses may not be counted for PhD credit.
PhD Funding Coverage,
All PhD students accepted into the program will be offered a funding package that provides at least $25,000 of support in each of their first four years. This support may include both awards and work (teaching or research assistantships).
All applicants to the PhD program will automatically be considered for this funding and they do not need to apply separately. However, in some cases the program may ask applicants to apply to specific funding opportunities. Applicants may also be able to receive a higher level of financial support from external sources.
Application Requirement,
Online UBC graduate school application
Writing Sample (PhD applicants only)
Application Deadline,
Nov 30, 2024
Application Fee,
- Canadians (and Permanent Residents, Refugees, Diplomats): (CDN) $116.25
- International Applicants: (CDN) $168.25
