Bachelor's Programme in Asian and African Studies

Asian and African Studies

The Asian and African Studies programme, established in 2014, is an intellectually rigorous 5-year programme designed to provide students with advanced knowledge and understanding of specific regions of Asia and Africa. It combines intensive language training, multidisciplinary area studies and disciplinary concentrations. Students learn the methodology of the humanities and social sciences and gain experience in conducting independent research. They develop proficiency in two or more regional languages and take a state exam before graduation. Overall, the programme is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor studies to their particular interests and career goals with an opportunity to choose a block of elective disciplines (disciplinary concentration) and a minor during the third year of studies.

5 years

Full-time programme

510 000 RUB/year

Tuition Fee in 2026

Russian government and HSE scholarships and tuition fee waivers available

RUS+ENG

Instruction in Russian with some courses in English

State Accreditation

News

'Unique Culture, Arab Hospitality and Six Exam Periods per Year': HSE University-St Petersburg Student on her Studies in Oman

Daria Semenova, 4th-year student of the Bachelor's programme 'Asian and African Studies', spent a semester at the University of Nizwa in Oman. There, she immersed herself in the language environment and came to know the culture of the modern Arab world. Read on to find out about the choice of country, the peculiarities of studies, and the value of international experience.

June 30

Students of Korean Studies Present Research at Conferences, Publish Articles and Take Part in Professional Events

In the 2025–2026 academic year, students of the Department of Korean Studies at HSE University – St. Petersburg presented at conferences in Moscow, published an article on the platform of the Russian International Affairs Council (RIAC), and took part in international models and cultural festivals. Behind most of these events lies the same logic: moving from an interest sparked in class toward an independent research outcome.

Department of Korean Studies

April 30

70 Researchers from Seven Countries: HSE University-St Petersburg Hosts Conference on the Middle Eastern and North African Studies

HSE University-St Petersburg held the 3rd International Academic Conference ‘Army, Elites, and Society in the Middle East and North Africa’. The event brought together researchers from Russia, Oman, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and several other countries.

Research & Expertise professors ideas & experience students research projects Reporting an event international cooperation Institute of Asian and African Studies

November 18, 2025

Translating Emotions: Bringing “ About Cats and the Sea” to Russian Readers

Recently, Popcorn Books released the Russian edition of the Taiwanese manhua “ About Cats and the Sea” , translated by Ekaterina Naumova , a graduate of HSE University – St. Petersburg. We asked Ekaterina to share her experience working on this translation — the choices she made, the challenges she faced, and the emotions she carried with her throughout the process.

Department for Chinese, South and Southeast Asian Studies

October 16, 2025

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