Overview

The East Asian Languages and Cultures programme at Columbia University provides students with a multidisciplinary foundation in the languages, history, and societies of East Asia. This curriculum is designed for undergraduates seeking a deep understanding of the region through various lenses, including anthropology, economics, and literature. Students benefit from a robust academic environment that balances intensive linguistic training with broad cultural exploration.

Why East Asian Languages and Cultures at Columbia University?

Columbia University offers an exceptional environment for Asian Studies, featuring world-renowned faculty and extensive resources such as the C.V. Starr East Asian Library. The department provides unique opportunities for global engagement through established study abroad partnerships, including the Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies and intensive summer programmes in Beijing and Shanghai. Students can also pursue departmental honours by completing a distinguished senior thesis, reflecting the high academic standards of the institution.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 70170 per year
National fee: USD 70170 per year
Local fee: USD 70170 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum includes foundational colloquia, civilisation surveys, and advanced language sequences. Modules may include:

Colloquium on Major Texts
East Asian Civilisations: China
East Asian Civilisations: Japan
East Asian Civilisations: Korea
East Asian Civilisations: Tibet
Approaches to East Asian Studies
Mythology of East Asia
Korean Literature & Film
Chinese Theater and Drama Traditions

Careers with East Asian Languages and Cultures

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse professional paths that require high-level linguistic proficiency and cross-cultural expertise. The rigorous training in analytical thinking and regional knowledge supports careers in international relations, global business, law, and academia. Many students leverage their specialised understanding of East Asian societies to work in multinational organisations, government agencies, and cultural institutions where expertise in Asian Studies is highly valued.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Colloquium on Major Texts: East Asia

Mythology of East Asia

Korean Popular Cinema

Social Problems in Contemporary China

East Asian Cinema

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-08 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Manhattan, United States

Disciplines

Asian studies View 504 other Bachelors in Asian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

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

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

135

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

105

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Autobiographical information

Lists and descriptions of a student’s achievements, activities, employment and summer activities

Personal essay

An official high school transcript from all high schools attended

One high school counselor’s recommendation and school profile

The completed Mid-Year Report

SAT or ACT

Applicants may self-report their scores

English proficiency examination score (if necessary)

These recommendations must come from teachers who taught you in academic disciplines

For engineering applicants, one must come from a math or science teacher

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Out-of-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

70170 USD / year

≈ 70170 USD / year

Living costs

Manhattan

United States

2638 - 5751 USD / month

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 Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for East Asian Languages and Cultures.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Manhattan

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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