Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the curriculum structure of the MAEAS and what courses are offered?
For detailed information regarding the programme's regulations and syllabus for 2026-27, please refer to:
Q2: What is the medium of instruction?
The medium of instruction for the MAEAS programme is English (and other target languages approved, i.e. Japanese, Korean and Russian).
Q1: When will the application information be available?
The application details for the next intake are usually released in October/ November each year.
Q2: What is the deadline for application?
Applications are usually processed in two rounds each year. The deadlines for the 2026-27 intake are March 30, 2026 (first round) and May 4, 2026 (second round). Applicants are encouraged to apply early as offers are made on a rolling basis.
Q3: Can I amend information in the application form after the submission?
No, you CANNOT make any changes in the application form after submission. Please make sure that all information you provided is accurate before your submission.
If you need to update any necessary information, please contact the Programme Office at areastudiesma@hku.hk as soon as possible. Please be reminded to quote your application number in all your correspondence. Late provision of your updated information may cause delays in the processing of your application.
Q4: My BA degree is not directly relevant to area studies, will my application to the MAEAS still be considered?
While a background in language or area studies is ideal, our programme values disciplinary diversity. We welcome applications from candidates with non-related backgrounds, provided they demonstrate the necessary language proficiency and a strong interest in the field. Each application is reviewed holistically, considering the candidate’s overall potential and academic motivation.
Q5. How do I know if my language proficiency can fulfil the requirements?
Applicants may refer to the entrance requirements at https://portal.hku.hk/tpg-admissions/programme-details?programme=master-of-arts-in-the-field-of-east-asian-studies-arts&mode=0.
The language proficiency required for admissions is as follows:
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MAEAS (Japanese): Level N2 or above in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
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MAEAS (Korean): Level 4 or above in the Test of Proficiency in Korean (TOPIK)
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MAEAS, MAEUS (Russian): Level II or above in the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TORFL)
If you have completed other international language tests or achieved the required proficiency through other means, please contact areastudiesma@hku.hk to confirm their equivalence for admission purpose.
Q6. What kind of certifications I should provide to prove my language proficiency?
Applicants should upload an electronic copy of their JLPT, TOPIK or TORFL score report meeting the required level to the application system for the Programme’s review. If you have comparable proficiency but cannot provide supporting documents at the time of application, you may still be invited for an interview. However, you must submit a valid language score report by the deadline stated in the conditional offer letter in order to receive formal admission to the programme.
Q7. When will I know about the application result?
For the 2026-27 intake, the Faculty of Arts will begin emailing admission offers to successful candidates on a rolling basis starting in May 2026. Upon receiving an offer, you must submit all required supporting documents as specified in the offer letter to receive an official acceptance letter confirming your admission.
Applicants who have not received any notifications from the Faculty of Arts concerning their offer by August 31, 2026 may deem their applications unsuccessful.
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Q1: Is housing available for Taught Postgraduate students?
As this taught postgraduate programme is self-funded, students are not eligible for university-managed dormitory which is reserved for those enrolled in government-funded programmes. Consequently, our MA students are responsible for securing their own accommodation outside the University. For assistance in finding private rentals near the University, we encourage you to contact CEDARS, which provides comprehensive resources and support for non-local students seeking off-campus housing.Q2: How can I obtain a student visa?
Applicants who do not hold a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, or a valid dependent visa, employment visa or Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) visa, must obtain a student visa before commencing their studies.Please refer to student visa website of HKU Admissions Office for detailed application instructions. As processing time typically takes 10-12 weeks, successful candidates are strongly advised to apply immediately upon receipt of their offer letters. Please note that failure to obtain a valid student visa before the start of the semester may result in the withdrawal of your admission offer.
Q1. What can I do after graduating from the MAEAS?
This programme offers students substantial flexibility in applying their academic insights to diverse professional pathways. Some might pursue this degree to develop the skills they need for employment in language education, professional translation, or roles within public and private sectors in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and international markets where advanced foreign language skills and cultural expertise are essential. In these cases, our MAEAS programme will serve as the credential that they have attained comprehensive professional proficiency in a particular language and associated cultures. Furthermore, the degree may act as an important stepping-stone for those aim for pursuing doctoral studies in a variety of humanities and social science subjects. It also provides competitive edge for professionals in education, leisure, culture and tourism, museums, and other industries.