PhD East Asian Languages and Literatures at University of Hawaii at Manoa

Programme overview

The PhD offers Language/Linguistics and Literature tracks, leading to an original dissertation and final oral defense.

Faculty: College of Arts, Languages and Letters | Department: East Asian Languages and Literatures | Study mode: full-time | Location: Honolulu, HI, United States

What you will study

At least 24 credits beyond the MA; qualifying exam by the third semester; knowledge of a second East Asian language equivalent to two years of study. Language/Linguistics students write two scholarly papers in lieu of comprehensive exams; Literature students take written comprehensive exams in three areas followed by an oral exam.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Command of English and the language of concentration; second East Asian language equivalent to two years of study or exempted by placement test.

Domestic applicants: USD 10,400 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Hawaii resident rate. Source

International applicants: USD 22,432 a year (2026-27). Graduate tuition for 2026-27 based on a typical full-time load of 8 credits per semester (indicative budget figure from the cost of attendance page); excludes fees ($934), housing, food, books and other costs. Non-resident rate. Source

Graduate applications are accepted for Summer, Fall and Spring terms; Graduate Division begins processing applications from August 1 for the following Fall and Summer semester and from April 1 for the following Spring semester.

All graduate application deadlines are set by the graduate programmes and vary by programme; some programmes set priority deadlines. Most Fall applicants hear a decision by late March/early April and Spring applicants by November/December. Application fees are non-refundable.

Apply through the official page: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/graduate/

Explore more study programmes

Arts & Humanities