Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin - Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences - Institute of Asian and African Studies

What do we mean by the Central Asia region?

The centre of the continent, consisting of Tibet, Mongolia, Xinjiang, Afghanistan and the Central Asian CIS states (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan).

What are we researching at the Central Asia Seminar?

• On cultural-historical and socio-political topics
• Languages and literatures
• On topics from ethnology and religious studies
• On the modern history of Central Asia in the context of its neighbouring regions
• On trans-regionality, -locality and -nationality
• About material culture

What can I study at the Central Asia Seminar?

• Bachelor's programme "Regional Studies Asia/Africa" (focus on Central Asia)
• Master's programme "Asian/African Studies"
• Doctorate in "Central Asian Studies"

What language skills are required for the programme?

German and English. 

Which languages can I learn at the Central Asia Seminar?

Dari/Persian, Mongolian, Pashto, Tajik, Tibetan, Uzbek.

Further information can be found here.

How is the B.A. programme structured?

Here you will find an overview of the course of study, modules and the time frame of the B.A. programme.

How is the M.A. programme structured?

Here you will find an overview of the course of studies, modules and the time frame of the M.A. programme.

Is there a library or specific resources for Central Asian Studies?

The IAAW has its own library on the ground floor. Further access to literature is available via the PRIMUS search portal of the HU University Library.

Further questions about studying at the IAAW?

Answers to further general questions about studying at the IAAW can be found (in German) here.

What requirements do I have to fulfil for the degree programme?

Admission to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes is regulated centrally by the University. Information on the admission requirements can be found at the HU Student Services.

How do I apply for a B.A./M.A. programme?

Application and admission is regulated centrally. You can find an overview here.

When are the application deadlines?

Information on the academic calendar, application deadlines and the application process can be found here.

Do I need previous knowledge of Central Asian languages?

No, you do not need any previous knowledge of a Central Asian language. Students who already have knowledge of African or Asian languages can find out about the recognition procedures from the student advisory service of the relevant departments and take a placement test with the language lecturers.

Are there opportunities to study abroad in Central Asia?

You can find an overview of partner universities in Central Asia here. The DAAD funding programmes offer further opportunities for study, research or language acquisition abroad.

Are excursions to Central Asia offered?

You can find out about planned excursions on the homepage under News or contact the academic advisor Dr. Jesko Schmoller directly.

Who can I contact if I have questions about my degree programme?

You can contact the General Student Advisory Service for the B.A. or M.A. with general questions about your degree programme. There is also a student advisory service for the Central Asia department run by Dr. Jesko Schmoller. Other important contacts, such as the Commission for Diversity & Equality and the Student Union can be found under IAAW in Contact.

Are there special counselling services for first-year students?

There are introductory days for BA and MA students at the beginning of the semester. Please refer to the general information published on the IAAW website before the start of the semester. For further advice, please make use of the counselling options listed above.

How can I network with other students?

In addition to networking with other students at the beginning of the semester during the introductory events, the IAAW student council initiative offers the opportunity to get to know fellow students and get involved in the institute.