Chinese Studies Leipzig University

Discover China through one of Europe's oldest and most distinguished centres of Chinese Studies. The English-language Master's programme in Chinese Studies at Leipzig University offers an intellectually stimulating and internationally oriented education for graduates in Chinese Studies as well as students from the humanities and social sciences with a strong command of modern Chinese.

Our programme provides an in-depth study of Chinese culture and history in Asia. What makes Leipzig unique is its commitment to understanding contemporary China in historical depth. By exploring both the enduring traditions that have shaped Chinese civilisation and the profound transformations of the modern era, students gain the knowledge and critical perspective needed to make sense of contemporary China in all its complexity.

Teaching is research-led and encourages students to engage directly with primary sources, current scholarly debates, and interdisciplinary approaches. Small class sizes, close interaction with faculty, and an active academic environment provide excellent opportunities to develop individual academic interests and prepare for independent scholarship.

Whether you aspire to pursue a PhD or to build an international career, the programme equips you with the analytical skills, linguistic expertise, and intercultural competence that are increasingly valued in today's global world. Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in academia, diplomacy, government, international organisations, cultural institutions, publishing, journalism, NGOs, and the private sector.

First Year: Building Expertise

The first year provides a strong foundation for advanced research and prepares you to engage confidently with the research literature and primary sources.

Four foundational modules reflect the research strengths of our department in areas such as religion and popular literature, economic and social history, and contemporary politics and society in a globalised world. Each module combines either two seminars or a seminar with a reading class and introduces you to a wide range of scholarly readings in both English and Chinese. Small classes encourage lively discussion, close interaction with faculty, and the development of your own research interests. In addition, you may deepen your proficiency in modern and literary Chinese or explore the basics of Japanese.

Second Year: Developing Your Own Strength

The second year is dedicated to specialisation, independent research, and your Master's thesis. During the third semester, you may choose optional courses based on your personal interests from a broad catalogue of offerings in our university, for example Global Studies, Japanese history and culture, Religious and Buddhist Studies, Social Anthropology, History, or Political and Social Sciences. Alternatively, you may start refining your research project, conduct source-based research, and, if desired, spend a semester abroad to deepen your language skills or work with additional academic resources.

The fourth semester is devoted to writing your Master's thesis. Throughout this process, there will be regular exchange with fellow students and faculty, and our devoted faculty will closely guide your progress. By the end of the programme, you will have completed an original piece of research that demonstrates your expertise and prepares you for doctoral study or a wide range of professional careers.

Certificate of a first undergraduate (Bachelor’s) degree in Chinese Studies or in the humanities or social sciences accompanied by a proof of appropriate language skills in Modern Chinese (or proof that this degree can be achieved by the beginning of the Master’s programme). 

Chinese HSK V or TOCFL-equivalent

312.30 EUR per semester (currently)

Approx. 900 EUR per month
Housing: The costs for renting a room are between 215 and 500 EUR per month.
Food: About 250 EUR per month, semester contribution includes subsidised cafeteria
Health insurance: Student tariffs approx. 90 EUR per month
Transportation: The semester contribution includes free transportation for students on all German local and regional trains.

Students are allowed to work 20 hours per week during the semester in accord with German legal provisions.

Students have access to the services of the university's Career Service Centre.

Students of Leipzig University can apply for a room in one of the dormitories of the "Studentenwerk Leipzig": https://www.studentenwerk-leipzig.de/en/housing/our-student-halls-residence

Founded in 1409, Leipzig University is one of Europe's oldest universities and today ranks among Germany's leading comprehensive research institutions. Combining more than six centuries of academic tradition with internationally recognised scholarship, the university is committed to excellence in research, teaching, and international collaboration. With students and researchers from over 150 countries and a broad network of international partner universities, Leipzig provides a truly global academic environment in which students can develop intellectually and personally.

The Institute of East Asian Studies is home to one of Europe's oldest institutions of Sinology. The roots of Chinese Studies in Leipzig go back to 1878, when the first professorship in Sinology in the German-speaking world was established here. Since then, the institute has played a pioneering role in the development of the discipline and has continually adapted its research and teaching to new scholarly questions and methodologies. Today, it combines the strengths of a long-established philological tradition with innovative interdisciplinary approaches that place China within broader historical, cultural, and global contexts.

As part of the Faculty of History, Art, and Area Studies, and specifically the East Asian Institute, you benefit from excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary study. The programme allows you to complement your training with courses from disciplines such as Japanese Studies, Global Studies, Social Anthropology, History, Religious Studies, and Buddhist Studies as well as Political and Social Sciences. This flexibility enables you to tailor your studies to your individual academic interests and career aspirations while taking advantage of the expertise available across the university.

International exchange is an integral part of academic life at Leipzig University. Students are encouraged to use existing exchange opportunities with partner universities in East Asia and beyond, and spend part of their studies abroad. At the same time, the institute welcomes students from around the world, creating an international classroom in which different academic traditions and perspectives enrich discussion and learning.

By joining Chinese Studies at Leipzig University, you become part of one of Europe's longest-established centres of Sinology while benefiting from a modern, internationally connected, and rigorous academic environment that prepares you to engage critically with the Chinese-speaking world in academic, professional, and intercultural contexts.

Leipzig is among Germany's most exciting and liveable university cities. Home to more than 40,000 students, the city offers an inspiring environment in which academic excellence, cultural life, and personal well-being go hand in hand.

Among Leipzig's greatest attractions is its exceptional quality of life. Living costs remain comparatively low, allowing you to enjoy affordable accommodation, excellent public transport, and a rich social and cultural life. Unlike many larger metropolitan areas, Leipzig combines the opportunities of a major research and cultural centre with short distances, a relaxed atmosphere, and a student-friendly environment.

Long known as a city of music, publishing, and learning, Leipzig has been home to celebrated figures such as Johann Sebastian Bach, Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy, Richard Wagner, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Lin Yutang, and Xiao Youmei. Today, this rich cultural heritage has inspired a thriving creative scene. Internationally renowned museums, theatres, galleries, concert halls, festivals, independent cinemas, and one of Germany's most famous book fairs offer you an exceptional cultural experience throughout the year. The city's vibrant cultural life is complemented by extensive parks, rivers, forests, and the nearby lake district, which provide excellent opportunities for cycling, rowing, swimming, running, and relaxing in nature. This unique combination of urban life and easy access to outdoor recreation makes Leipzig one of Europe’s most liveable cities.

As one of eastern Germany's leading centres for science, research, and innovation, Leipzig hosts numerous research institutes, technology companies, and internationally active companies. You will benefit from excellent opportunities for internships, networking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and career development throughout your studies.

Situated in the heart of Europe, Leipzig is exceptionally well connected. Fast rail links provide you with easy access to Berlin, Dresden, Prague, Frankfurt, Hamburg, and Munich, while Leipzig/Halle Airport offers convenient international connections. This central location makes Leipzig an ideal base for exploring Germany and Europe.

Studying at Leipzig University means living in a dynamic, welcoming, and internationally connected city that combines academic excellence with cultural richness and an outstanding quality of life. It is a place where you can thrive academically, broaden your horizons, and build lasting personal and professional networks.