Department of South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies

Studying at the Department of South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies - Overview

Studying at the Department of South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies at the University of Vienna means learning and working in an internationally recognised research environment with close personal support. As one of the University of Vienna’s smaller departments, we offer reliable study conditions without admission restrictions or waiting lists, as well as dedicated academic guidance throughout your studies, particularly for thesis projects.

Our programmes are academically rigorous, both linguistically and intellectually, and are designed for students with a strong interest in the field. Thanks to the department’s extensive international network and strong record of externally funded research, graduates are exceptionally well placed to pursue academic careers in research and higher education.

Not yet admitted?

Initial admission and general admission procedures are handled centrally by the University of Vienna’s Admission Office. Information on first-time admission and the admission process is available here:

Admission to degree programmes at the University of Vienna

Study Programmes and Degrees

  • Bachelor's Programme (BA): Languages and Cultures of South Asia and Tibet

    The Bachelor's Programme in Languages and Cultures of South Asia and Tibet provides students with proficiency in two languages of the region, alongside the philological methods required for their study. Building on this foundation, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the languages, literatures, religions, philosophies, histories, arts, cultures, and societies of South Asia and Tibet.

    The programme also serves as the academic foundation for the three Master's programmes offered by the Department of South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies.

    Collage of images of manuscript pages, persons, and places in South Asia and Tibet
    Borayin Larios

  • Master's Programme (MA): Languages and Cultures of South Asia

    The Master's Programme Languages and Cultures of South Asia combines philological expertise with broader approaches from the humanities. Students explore the languages, literatures, philosophies, and religions of South Asia in relation to history, politics, society, and the arts, spanning periods from classical traditions to the contemporary world.

    Collage of images in the South Asian region - manuscript pages, artwork, landscapes.
    Borayin Larios

  • Master's Programme (MA): Culture and Society in Modern South Asia

    The interdisciplinary Master's Programme Culture and Society of Modern South Asia enables students to further develop their language skills in Hindi and Nepali. Drawing on both written sources and oral testimonies, students gain deeper insight into the cultural, linguistic, and social diversity of the South Asian subcontinent from the early modern period to the present day.

    Collage of images of art work, persons and landscapes in South Asia
    Borayin Larios

  • Master's Programme (MA): Tibetology and Buddhist Studies

    The Master's Programme Tibetology and Buddhist Studies enables students to develop advanced proficiency in Classical Tibetan and Sanskrit for the study of primary sources. Students acquire specialised knowledge of the cultural and social developments of Tibet and their premodern foundations, while exploring the rich diversity of Buddhist traditions in both historical and contemporary contexts.

    Collage of images of manuscript pages, persons and places in South Asia and Tibet
    Borayin Larios

  • Doctoral/PhD Programme (Dr. phil.)

    The doctoral programme in Philosophy at the University of Vienna serves to further develop doctoral candidates’ abilities to undertake independent academic work as well as to educate and promote early stage researchers. The doctoral programme entails independent research of international standard in the doctoral candidate’s respective field of doctoral research and enables graduates to conduct independent research of international standard in their respective field of doctoral research.

    Collage of images of manuscript pages, persons and places in South Asia and Tibet.
    Borayin Larios

  • Extension Curricula (EC)

    The Department of South Asian, Tibetan and Buddhist Studies offers a wide range of extension curricula for students enrolled in other degree programmes. 

    Browse the ISTB Extension Curricula

Support & Services

Question about your studies?
Individual advice on Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral programmes. 
 

International Mobility
Exchange programmes and study opportunities abroad.
 

Accessible studying
Information on support services.
 

Student Representatives
Your point of contact for student concerns, representation, and participation.