What is the IN-EAST?

The Institute of East Asian Studies (IN-EAST) is one of the largest centres of social science research on contemporary East Asia in Germany. We focus on the economies, politics and societies of China, Japan and Korea. The chairs are based at the Faculty of Social Sciences or the Mercator School of Management.

IN-EAST engages in discipline-based area studies, applying sociological, political and economic theories and research perspectives to East Asia and its constituent countries and combining these approaches in cross-cutting interdisciplinary projects. The Institute aims to contribute to the understanding of developments in the contemporary societies of East Asia, their international relations and their growing impact in the world. Find out more about our collaborative and individual research projects.

We also offer a wide range of different events, conferences and guest lectures by eminent scholars on East Asia on a regular basis. Check out our latest events! 

What is the difference between the CEAS and MEAS programs, and which one do I qualify for?

The CEAS program is a two-year program open to students from a variety of backgrounds, including social sciences, economics, and business administration, who may or may not have previous experience studying the East Asian region. Proficiency in an East Asian language is not required. A range of Chinese, Japanese and Korean language courses are designed to accommodate students from absolute beginners with no prior knowledge to students with some prior knowledge or fluency. Native speakers of Chinese, Japanese or Korean are not permitted to select their native language. The CEAS program itself is conducted in English. Students applying for this program should have a BA degree (at least a minor) in the social sciences (sociology, political science, IR, and related fields) or in economic science, strong English language skills, and a keen interest in the East Asian region.

The MEAS program is a one-year MA complement to the four-year BA East Asian Studies program of the IN-EAST. Students applying for this program must have a background equivalent to the students entering from our own institution: advanced language skills in Chinese, Japanese or Korean (equivalent to at least 60 ECTS credits or equivalent certification, e.g., HSK 4/5, JLPT N 2 or TOPIK 4), a strong social science or economics background in a field relevant to the region, a background in East Asian regional studies, and (normally) a minimum of 240 ECTS credits.

Both programs: For students who meet some but not all of the above criteria for the chosen program (e.g., language skills and a degree in a relevant discipline but insufficient credits; or advanced language skills and regional studies background, but insufficient social science training), there is the possibility of conditional admission, which requires the student to take additional courses of up to 30 ECTS credits. With this option, students can also be admitted for the following summer term/April (the regular program start is in winter term/October). The missing knowledge can be acquired in appropriate courses at the University of Duisburg-Essen which will be determined individually by the Admissions Committee / Examination Committee of IN-EAST.

What degrees are accepted? (Application for MA CEAS)

The program is designed for students with a strong background (BA degree or equivalent) in social sciences or economic science (e.g., sociology, political science, international relations, economics, business administration, anthropology, human geography). Students with degrees in other fields are welcome to apply, but must demonstrate in their application that they have a sound knowledge of theories and methods in one of the above disciplines.

Applicants who do not fully meet the above degree requirements may be conditionally admitted, but must make up the shortfall by taking additional courses of up to a maximum of 30 ECTS credits. The admission and conditions will be determined individually by the Admissions Committee of IN-EAST.

What degrees are accepted? (Application for MA MEAS)

The program is designed for students with a strong BA degree or equivalent in East Asian regional studies. Students should have advanced language skills in Chinese, Japanese or Korean (e.g., HSK 4/5, JLPT N 2 or TOPIK 4) and knowledge of at least one East Asian country. a strong background in at least one of the social sciences or economics (e.g., sociology, political science, international relations, economics, business administration, anthropology, human geography) is required.

The BA degree should comprise 240 ECTS credits - equivalent to 4 years of (full-time) study in the EU system. Graduates of shorter degree programs (less than 240 ECTS credits) or graduates of programs that do not fully meet the above requirements may be conditionally admitted, but must make up the shortfall by taking additional courses for up to 30 ECTS credits. The admission and conditions will be determined individually by the Admissions Committee of IN-EAST.

Can I apply now, even if I have not yet finished my BA?

German and EU-educated applicants who are in their final year at a German or EU university can apply without a BA certificate. They should include a list of their grades with their application, along with a statement explaining what courses, etc., they still need to complete before graduating and when the final grade can be expected.

The BA certificate will be required at the time of enrollment at our university (after being admitted by IN-EAST) or must be submitted by the last day of the lecture period of your first winter term here – meaning that you would only receive provisional enrollment for the winter term, which will then become regular once the BA certificate is submitted. If in doubt, please contact the Admissions and Enrollment Office (Einschreibewesen) to confirm the rules and deadlines.

Applicants with a BA degree from a university outside the EU/EEA, must at least provide formal proof of their final CGPA (Cummulative Grade Point Average) at the time of application, in the form of a formal document issued by their university. This means that you must have completed all of your BA requirements (coursework, exams, thesis) and that the only thing missing is the official BA diploma certificate. The BA certificate will be required at the time of enrollment in our university (after admission).

Can I apply without a complete set of documents?

The Admissions Committee bases its decisions solely on applications with a complete set of documents, the only exception being the BA certificate (see above: “Can I apply now even if I have not yet completed my BA?”). If any documents are missing, you will be asked to submit them. Please note that incomplete applications will not be processed until we have received the missing documents!

Is there a specific grade point average required for admission?

No.

Who can write a letter of recommendation?

The letter of recommendation (template available as download on our program website) should be written by one of your professors. If a junior academic writes the recommendation, please include a note in your application explaining why. Your recommender should send the letter of recommendation directly to us via email: maceas@in-east.de / mameas@in-east.de

What is the minimum English level required and what tests do you accept?

IN-EAST accepts IELTS, TOEFL and, for Chinese students, CET 6 as proof of English proficiency. Students who are native speakers or who have previously graduated from an English-taught program should indicate this on their application, as they do not need to provide separate proof of proficiency. Other forms of certification are subject to review by the Admissions Committee and may be rejected.

Approximate test scores should be in the range of: TOEFL – internet-based 90 points, with a ‘good’/24–30 points on the writing section, IELTS – no lower than 6.5 on any section, and CET – CET6.

IN-EAST programs are conducted entirely in English, including all lectures, readings (typically well over 100 pages per week), discussions, exams, assignments, and the final thesis. Students should therefore be able to demonstrate a high level of proficiency in speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Applicants may be required to demonstrate in an interview that they are able to conduct an academic discussion in English using theories and methods from their specific discipline.

Do I need an APS (Akademische Prüfstelle / Academic Evaluation Centre) certificate?

Only students who have graduated from universities in the People's Republic of China, Vietnam or India need an APS certificate. This document is issued by the Akademische Prüfstelle, which provides services on behalf of the Cultural Section of the German Embassies in these countries.

“After the successful verification of the applicant's documents (this may include a validation interview or a test for academic studies), the APS issues a certificate that is required by German universities as an entry requirement. This certificate certifies the authenticity of the documents submitted by the applicant and confirms that the person has achieved sufficient qualifications... to apply for a place at a German university"). Please visit the APS website of the German Embassy in your country:

PR China, Beijing
Vietnam, Hanoi
India, New Delhi

How does the application process work?

Once we have received your complete application and verified that you meet the formal requirements (e.g., grades), academic members of our Institute will review your materials, taking into account your motivation, qualifications, and knowledge of theories and methods in your chosen area of specialization. If your application is judged to be weak, it will be rejected.

If it is considered strong, we will either admit you directly or, in a second step, organize an interview for you with at least two members of our institute, either via Zoom (or other suitable software) or, for applicants from/in Germany, in person here in Duisburg. A proposal will then be made to the Admissions Committee and you will be informed of the positive or negative outcome either by e-mail or (for non-EU applicants) via the online application platform.

The duration of this selection process varies, but should not exceed one month after submission of the complete application. Successful candidates who accept the offer of admission may then enroll in the program.

What will be discussed in the second stage interview?

In the interview, we discuss your motivation and qualifications, as well as your knowledge of the theories and methods of your BA discipline and other previous academic training. The interview is conducted in English to assess your ability to discuss specialized academic topics in English.

When should I apply?

It is strongly recommended that you apply as early as possible and well before the deadlines (July 15th for non-EU citizens, September 15th for EU citizens). These deadlines ensure that you have enough time to obtain a visa if needed, make all necessary arrangements, and arrive in time for the October program start date.

Details on deadlines and procedures based on nationality/education:

CEAS: https://www.uni-due.de/in-east/study_programs/ma_ceas.php
MEAS: https://www.uni-due.de/in-east/study_programs/ma_meas.php

Do I need to have German language skills, e.g. a DSH (Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang)?

No, all classes in the MA CEAS and MA MEAS are taught entirely in English. Knowledge of German is not required. However, students with no knowledge of German are advised to learn at least some German (and will be informed of opportunities to do so at our university) to help with everyday life. You can get by with English, but to get the most out of life here, some knowledge of German is very helpful.

Should I include any documents or certificates with my application other than the required materials?

No, please do not send any additional documents. If additional documents (such as more detailed information or writing samples) are required, we will let you know. In most cases, however, additional documents will be discarded and will not be considered as part of your application.

Do I need a visa?

Students from non-EU countries may need a visa to study in Germany. To apply for a visa, you will need (among other things) the Letter of Admission from UDE/IN-EAST, proof of health insurance, and proof that you can financially support yourself for one year with at least € 992 per month (as of September 2024), while also paying the social contributions for each semester (see below). Please note that it takes approximately 3 months, sometimes longer, to obtain a visa. Please see here for more information.

What are the costs of studying?

Each student is required to pay a social contribution of approximately € 310 per semester. They must be paid for the first time immediately after enrollment and then again in a fixed period before each new semester (e.g. for the summer semester, the social contribution must be paid between the beginning of January and the beginning of March). Students will be informed of the payment terms at the time of enrollment. The social contribution includes a mobility fee for the use of public transportation (see below: “What is the Deutschlandsemesterticket?”).

There are no (additional) tuition fees.

Some information on living in Germany, accommodation in Duisburg/Essen and the general cost of living

What is the Deutschlandsemesterticket (public transport student ticket)?

The semester contribution that every student has to pay every semester includes the fee for the so-called Deutschlandsemesterticket. This ticket allows you to use public transportation in Germany for free with certain restrictions (only local connections, etc.). Click here for details! 

Are there scholarship opportunities for IN-EAST students?

Yes, there are. We encourage you to apply for the UDE Scholarship, which is awarded anually, usually to students in their second year of study. For additional scholarship opportunities, please check the DAAD website or consider other private sources of funding in Germany or your home country. If available, we will also email enrolled students with additional information about new scholarships.

The University of Duisburg-Essen and its institutes support outstanding students either with scholarships or with a variety of jobs as student (research) assistants. Student assistant positions are usually advertised at the institute and are open to students who have successfully completed their first or second semester. Information about available positions is posted on our website and on the relevant university websites.

What about data protection/privacy?

Your information is covered by the full range of data protection laws in force at the time of writing. https://www.uni-due.de/en/privacy-policy.php