Back to search
PhDRecommended
PhD of South Asian Studies
- Cambridge, United States
- English
- On campus
- PhD
About the program
Three-year full-time Doctor of Philosophy programme in South Asian Studies offered by the School of Social and Political Science.
Program highlights
- Internship available: no
- Placement support: yes
- Work during study: yes
- Post-study work rights (1 year): yes
- PR pathway friendly: no
What you will learn
- Design and undertake an original research project in South Asian Studies. Critically evaluate specialist literature and research evidence. Apply appropriate research methods and ethics
- and communicate findings through scholarly writing and presentations.
Career outcomes
- Program Coordinator
- Administrative Officer
- Research Assistant
- Operations Assistant
- Project Assistant
Curriculum
- Three-year full-time research programme. Assessment is by a written thesis examined in an oral viva. Delivered by the School of Social and Political Science (Central Area).
Entry requirements
Academic
- Bachelor degree or equivalent (three- or four-year degree for international applicants)
- Transcripts
- Three letters of recommendation and statement of purpose
- GRE
- Writing sample and personal statement depend on the programme
- TOEFL iBT 5 (Speaking 4.5) or IELTS 7 (Speaking 6.5) unless the undergraduate degree was taught in English.
Accepted academic background
Bachelor degree or equivalent (for international applicants a three- or four-year degree from an institution of recognised standing).
Language tests
- TOEFL iBT 5 (new 1-6 scale
- IELTS 95 on the old 120 scale for tests before 2026-01-21) with Speaking 4.5 (23 old scale)
Documents you’ll need
- Academic Transcripts
- English Language Test Results
- Personal Statement
- Recommendation Letters.
How to apply
- Check the programme page for requirements and the deadline
- Which varies by programme. Apply online in the GSAS Applicant Portal opens in September
- Fall admission only and pay the 105 USD fee by credit card
- Waivers are available. Upload transcripts
- Three recommendation letters
- Statement of purpose
- Proof of English proficiency
- a writing sample or GRE where the programme asks. Visa documents are not needed at application
- Admitted international students receive visa information later.
Other costs
| Tuition per year | $37,200 USD |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $105 USD |
| Deposit | $500 USD |
Program details
| Campus | Cambridge |
|---|---|
| Faculty or school | Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences |
| Department | Department of South Asian Studies |
| Teaching language | English |
| Credit value | _ |
| Study pace | Fixed |
| Post-study stay | 1 year |
| Scholarship note | Applicants may be considered for institutional awards subject to program-specific and international-student eligibility. |
Intakes and deadlines
Program starts
September 2027
Apply by
15 Dec 2026
32 days left
Frequently asked questions
The next deadline is 15 Dec 2026. Apply early, because some programs close when places fill up.
Tuition is $37,200 USD per year. The application fee is $105 USD. The deposit is $500 USD. The estimated living cost is $35,966 USD.
Accepted language tests: TOEFL iBT 5 (new 1-6 scale, IELTS 95 on the old 120 scale for tests before 2026-01-21) with Speaking 4.5 (23 old scale).