Universität Leipzig: Institute for South and Central Asian Studies

Institute

Our institute offers the opportunity to study and research the languages and cultures of South and Central Asia. Sanskrit, Hindi, Tibetan, and Mongolian, the connection of classical and today's spoken languages, can only be found at our institute.

Auf dem Farbfoto ist eine vergoldete Statue der Tara zu sehen, © Adobe Stock, Foto: Gary

Profile and Consultation

At our institute you can choose between three degree programs and three electives.

Team

Who teaches and does research at our institute?

Historisches Foto von Hermann Brockhaus, Quelle: Universiätsarchiv

Institute History

Our institute looks back on a long history.

More about the institute

Studies

Auf dem Bild sind Studierendenblumen zu sehen, Foto: Antonia Mauder

Studies

Are you interested in studying at our institute? Here you will find information on advising and orientation before starting your studies, on the enrollment process and starting your studies, as well as on the questions that arise during your studies.

Frontal view of the Buddhist temple complex Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Photo: Prof. Jowita Kramer

B. A. Cultures of South Asia and Tibet

You will gain knowledge of the language, literature, culture and history of the respective region of specialization.

Photo of a Buddhist temple, Photo: Dr. Katrin Querl

M.A. Buddhist Studies and Contemplative Traditions

Explore Buddhism and contemplative traditions as they spread globally throughout Asia and the Western world.

In the center of the picture, you can see the city of Varanasi. In the right foreground, there is a man sitting in a boat. The photo is taken from © Adobe Stock and was shot by Roop Dey.

M.A. Modern South Asia

Engage deeply with contemporary South Asian literature, culture, history, and society.

Color photo of an interior of a pagoda in Wutai Shan, Photo: Dr. Katrin Querl

Vorlesungsverzeichnis

Click here for our current course catalog as an overview.

Research

The picture shows Prof. Kramer with a group of PhD students

Doctorate

Do you enjoy research work? Can you imagine an exciting research topic on one of our focal points or would you like to further explore a topic from your master's thesis? Then find out more about the paths to a doctorate.

Khyentse Center for Contemplative Traditions

The center delves into Buddhist contemplative traditions, bridging the gap between academia and practical application.

Painting depicting two monks from cave 92 of Buddhist Kizil Caves, China, 2001, Photo: © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin, Museum für Asiatische Kunst / Jürgen Liepe

Current Research Projects

Wooden stamp for the printing of Tibetan texts, © Adobe Stock, Photo: simanlaci

Publications

More about research

News and Events

Find out here about subject-related events and news from our own institute, as well as from other institutions.

Events

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News

Institut für Indologie und Zentralasienwissenschaft 17/04/2026

Marathi Language Course Summer Semester 2026

The Language Institute of Leipzig University is offering an introductory Marathi language course in the summer semester 2026.

Institut für Indologie und Zentralasienwissenschaft 25/03/2026

Theses registered on or after April 1, 2026, must be submitted digitally

All BA and MA theses registered on or after April 1 must be submitted electronically via AlmaWeb and will be made available to the relevant advisors. Students are therefore no longer required to prepare and submit printed copies.

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Contact & Directions

Visiting address

Institute for South and Central Asian Studies

work Institutsgebäude
Schillerstraße 6
04109 Leipzig
Head: Prof. Dr. Dagmar Schwerk

Phone: work +49 341 97 - 37120

Send email

Office hours
Tuesday and Thursday from 1-3 pm
Wednesday from 9 am - 12 pm and 1-3 pm
Friday from 12-2 pm

Please use our mailing address for all kinds of mail:

Universität Leipzig
Institut für Indologie und Zentralasienwissenschaften
Internes PF: 132501
04081 Leipzig
Germany