PhD East Asian Languages and Civilizations at Harvard University

Programme overview

The most comprehensive collection of East Asian resources outside of China, a host of East Asian specific centers, a wide-ranging curriculum that covers more disciplines than other universities, and one of the largest and most esteemed East Asian studies faculties are just some of the reasons for choosing this program. You will gain access to the resources at the Harvard-Yenching Library, the Fairbanks Center for Chinese Studies, the Korea Institute, the Reischauer Institute of Japanese Studies, and the Asia Center.

Faculty: Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: East Asian Languages and Civilizations | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Cambridge, MA, United States

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Harvard Griffin GSAS admission (programme-specific) - Academic Background: Applicants should have evidence of high achievement in history or related fields and evidence of adequate preparation in one of the East Asian languages. No student can be admitted unless it is felt a faculty member can provide adequate training and supervision. Writing Sample: Writing samples are generally 20–25 pages, with 25 pages being the maximum acceptable length. If your writing sample is an excerpt from a longer piece of work, such as a thesis, you may include a brief abstract to provide context. Statement of Purpose: Required. Personal Statement: Not Accepted. Standardized Tests: GRE General: Required.

USD 59,048 a year (2026-2027). Full tuition rate for the first two years of study (reduced in years 3-4); PhD students typically receive grants covering tuition. Source

Intake: Fall

Apply through the official page: https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply

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