- This programme aims to provide a comprehensive and high quality programme for students interested in Chinese literature, history, philosophy, language, and issues related to overseas Chinese communities. Students from various backgrounds are welcome to apply. This programme will also provide graduate training for Chinese Language teachers, editors, journalists, and other relevant professionals that use Chinese as a major language medium.
- The M.A. by Coursework programme is structured around course requirements with no dissertation requirement. All courses are taught in Chinese only.
Arts and Social Sciences
Chinese Studies
chsma@nus.edu.sg
Department of Chinese Studies Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences National University of Singapore AS8, Level 5, 10 Kent Ridge Crescent Singapore 119260Welcome to the Department of Chinese Studies, NUS.
- We are one of the leading institutions in the world in the fields of Chinese Studies and Chinese Language and a major centre in the Southeast Asian region. Taking the perspectives of both globalization and regionalization, we strive to combine the strengths of Classical and Modern Chinese Studies in promoting research and study in such key areas as Chinese linguistics, Chinese literature, Chinese history, Chinese philosophy, and Chinese-English translation. We have a strong, active interest in Southeast Asian Chinese in particular, exploring its various sociological, historical and cultural dimensions. We have established close ties of exchange and collaboration with academic institutions worldwide, not only in terms of individual interaction but also through academic publication and conference organization.
- Staffed with scholars from prestigious universities in different parts of the world, our department aims to provide students with education of a high standard. We have B.A. Honours programmes in Chinese Language and Chinese Studies, M.A. (both coursework and research) and Ph.D. programmes at the graduate level. Every year, we offer more than sixty different courses, with emphases on breadth and depth, knowledge and skills, theory and practice, as well as the bilingual competence of students. The department also encourages and organizes numerous extra-curricular activities so as to expose students to the cultural aspects of Chinese Studies outside the confines of traditional scholarship.
| Total Tuition Fees (9% GST Inclusive) | Total Tuition Fees, Early Acceptance Rate (9% GST Inclusive) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Students (Non-NUS Alumni) | SGD 41,700.00 | not applicable | |||
| NUS Alumni | International Students 1 | SGD 33,360.00 | not applicable | ||
| NUS Department of Chinese Studies Alumni 2 | SGD 25,020.00 | not applicable | |||
| Full-time Chinese teachers under MOE / independent schools 3 | SGD 25,020.00 | not applicable | |||
| Singapore Citizens & Singapore Permanent Residents 4 | SGD 25,020.00 | not applicable | |||
-
All other majors.
-
Including international students.
Including alumni of Department of Chinese Studies of University of Singapore, University of Malaya (Singapore) and Nanyang University.
This rebate will only be valid for students admitted in AY2024/2025, AY2025/2026 and AY2026/2027 intakes.
-
Including international students.
This rebate will only be valid for students admitted in AY2024/2025, AY2025/2026 and AY2026/2027 intakes.
-
This rebate will only be valid for students admitted in AY2024/2025, AY2025/2026 and AY2026/2027 intakes.
1) The above tuition fee is for the entire programme for the AY2025/2026 intake.
2) Singaporeans and Permanent Residents will receive a 40% tuition fee rebate (only be valid for students admitted in AY2024/2025, AY2025/2026 and AY2026/2027 intakes). NUS Department of Chinese Studies Alumni (international students) and Full-time Chinese teachers under MOE/ independent schools (international students) will receive a 40% tuition fee rebate (only be valid for students admitted in AY2024/2025, AY2025/2026 and AY2026/2027 intakes).
NUS alumni (international students) will receive a 20% tuition fee rebate.
The rebate will be automatically applied to the tuition fees, and eligible students need not apply for it.
3) Students are also required to pay other miscellaneous student fees as decided by the University.
4) Candidates are required to pay a non-refundable acceptance fee of S$5,450 upon acceptance of the offer of admission which will be used to offset the tuition fees. Shortlisted candidates will be provided with more information.
5) Students who have to repeat courses will need to pay S$4,170 (inclusive of GST) per course.
6) Students in this programme are not eligible for MOE’s Service Obligation Scheme.
No scholarships provided for the programme
| Commitment | Average Candidature | Maximum Candidature |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 1 Year | 3 Years |
| Part Time | 2.5 Years | 4 Years |
Bachelor’s degree students with proficiency in Chinese and English who are interested in Chinese literature, history, philosophy, language, and issues related to overseas Chinese communities.
| Criteria | Minimum Score | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| GPA | An NUS Honours degree (Merit/Second Class and above) or equivalent (e.g., a four-year Bachelor’s degree with at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in the subject or related field; OR A good Bachelor’s degree (at least an average grade of B or equivalent) in the subject or related field and successful completion of a placement test; OR Other qualifications and experience subject to approval by Graduate Studies Division, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. | ||
| English Proficiency Tests | TOEFL Computer-based | 237 / 300 | |
| TOEFL Internet-based | 85 / 120 | ||
| IELTS | 6 / 9 | ||
Please refer to the Faculty’s website here for the complete admission requirements and here for a list of supporting documents required.
| Category | Application Window | Application Result Released | |
|---|---|---|---|
Semester 1 Intake (August) | All students of any nationalities | Application Opens: November 1 2025 Application Closes: January 15 2025 | May 31 2025 |