At a glance
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The East Asian Studies program at Princeton University offers an in-depth exploration of the rich cultures, histories, and languages of East Asia, with a focus on China, Japan, and Korea. This interdisciplinary program is designed for students seeking to develop a deep understanding of the region's past and present, covering a wide range of topics from ancient civilizations to contemporary society, art, literature, and media. Through rigorous academic study, you will gain critical perspectives on East Asian societies and their global connections. While the program page details undergraduate-level courses, the admission information provided is for a PhD program, specifically in Molecular Biology, but gives general application guidance for Princeton graduate admissions. Therefore, this overview assumes a strong academic foundation and a desire for advanced research in East Asian Studies, though the program's degree level is inferred to be PhD based on the application page. The curriculum is built around language acquisition and cultural studies, providing a comprehensive foundation in East Asian languages (Chinese, Japanese, Korean) and diverse disciplinary approaches including history, art, literature, and social sciences. Students are encouraged to develop a broad regional understanding while also specializing in particular areas of interest.
Curriculum
The curriculum offers a wide array of courses covering various aspects of East Asian culture, history, and language. Students can choose from introductory to advanced language courses, alongside thematic courses exploring literature, art, and societal developments across China, Japan, and Korea. The program emphasizes both foundational knowledge and specialized inquiry.
- Introductory Language Courses
- Elementary Chinese ICHI 101
- Elementary Japanese IJPN 101
- Elementary Korean IKOR 101
- Elementary Chinese IICHI 102
- Elementary Japanese IIJPN 102
- Elementary Korean IIKOR 102
- Intensive Elementary ChineseCHI 103
- Intensive Korean IKOR 103
- Intermediate Language Courses
- Intermediate Chinese ICHI 105
- Intermediate Japanese IJPN 105
- Intermediate Korean IKOR 105
- Intermediate Chinese IICHI 107
- Intermediate Chinese II in BeijingCHI 107C
- Intermediate Japanese IIJPN 107
- Intermediate Korean IIKOR 107
- Intensive Intermediate ChineseCHI 108
- Intensive Korean IIKOR 108
- Cultural and Historical Courses
- History of East Asia to 1800HIS 207/EAS 207/MED 207
- East Asia since 1800HIS 208/EAS 208
- Manga: Visual Culture in Modern JapanEAS 211/ART 225/COM 213
- Aesthetics and Politics of Chinese PaintingART 216/EAS 213
- Writing and Culture of Premodern KoreaEAS 216
- The Arts of JapanART 217/EAS 217
- The Origins of Japanese Culture and Civilization: A History of Japan until 1600EAS 218/HIS 209/MED 209
- Japanese Literature to 1800: The Major TextsEAS 219
- Introduction to Modern Japanese LiteratureEAS 221
- The Three Kingdoms Across Media: Characters in History, Fiction, and Video GamesEAS 223
- Japanese Society and CultureEAS 225/ANT 323
- The Religions of ChinaREL 226/EAS 226
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees for the East Asian Studies PhD program?
- All admitted PhD students receive full tuition coverage. A generous stipend is also provided for living expenses, amounting to $54,216 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- What is the duration of the East Asian Studies PhD program?
- The program description does not specify the exact duration of the PhD program.
- What are the application deadlines for the East Asian Studies PhD program?
- Applications are only accepted for Fall admission, with a strict deadline of December 1, 2025.
- Do I need to submit English language proficiency scores?
- Official scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test are required if mandated by Princeton's English Language Proficiency policy. The TOEFL institution code is 2672.
- What financial support is available for PhD students?
- All admitted PhD students receive a full financial support package, including tuition, health insurance, and a stipend. Students are also encouraged to apply for external fellowships.
- What academic background is required for the East Asian Studies PhD?
- While there are no rigid prerequisites, a strong academic performance is essential. The program welcomes applicants with diverse academic backgrounds.
Entry requirements
Diverse academic backgroundsEncouraged to apply. No rigid prerequisites, but strong academic performance is essential.
TOEFLOfficial scores required from ETS (Institution Code 2672) if required by Princeton's English Language Proficiency policy.
IELTSOfficial scores required if required by Princeton's English Language Proficiency policy.
DET (Duolingo English Test)Official scores required if required by Princeton's English Language Proficiency policy.
The Admission Committee evaluates each application thoroughly, considering research experience, coursework performance, and letters of recommendation. There is no single deciding factor for admission.
Fees
Tuition (international)All admitted PhD students receive full tuition coverage.
Tuition (home)All admitted PhD students receive full tuition coverage.
LivingA generous stipend is provided for living expenses. The stipend for the 2025-2026 academic year is $54,216.
Full financial support package includes tuition, health insurance, and a stipend.
How to apply
1. Complete the Online ApplicationSubmit your application through the Princeton University Graduate Admission portal. Ensure all required sections are filled out accurately.
2. Submit TranscriptsProvide scanned versions of your official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.
3. Obtain Letters of RecommendationArrange for three letters of recommendation to be submitted on your behalf. These should ideally come from professors or supervisors who can speak to your academic and research capabilities.
4. Submit English Language Proficiency ScoresIf required by Princeton's English Language Proficiency policy, send official scores from TOEFL (Institution Code 2672), IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) directly from the testing service.
5. Interview Invitation (if applicable)Promising applicants will be invited for an interview, typically held in January or February. This is a crucial step in the admission process.
Scholarships
Princeton University FellowshipsCovers tuition, health insurance, and a stipend of $54,216 for 2025-2026 academic year
External Fellowships (e.g., National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Hertz Foundation)Varies by fellowship
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for the East Asian Studies PhD program?
+
All admitted PhD students receive full tuition coverage. A generous stipend is also provided for living expenses, amounting to $54,216 for the 2025-2026 academic year.
What is the duration of the East Asian Studies PhD program?
+
The program description does not specify the exact duration of the PhD program.
What are the application deadlines for the East Asian Studies PhD program?
+
Applications are only accepted for Fall admission, with a strict deadline of December 1, 2025.
Do I need to submit English language proficiency scores?
+
Official scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test are required if mandated by Princeton's English Language Proficiency policy. The TOEFL institution code is 2672.
What financial support is available for PhD students?
+
All admitted PhD students receive a full financial support package, including tuition, health insurance, and a stipend. Students are also encouraged to apply for external fellowships.
What academic background is required for the East Asian Studies PhD?
+
While there are no rigid prerequisites, a strong academic performance is essential. The program welcomes applicants with diverse academic backgrounds.