Facts & figures
Chinese, Simplified
Program
The goal of this program is to provide reliable, authentic knowledge on Chinese culture, both ancient and modern. Students will acquire the necessary knowldge and tools in order to conduct valuable research work on several areas of Sinology, including linguistics, literature, history, etc., according to one’s own interests.
This program is recommended to applicants who have completed a BA program, preferably in a Chinese studies related field, possess the necessary language skills and cultural background, which can form a basis for advanced research work. International students will be offered the opportunity to learn and acquire western methods of scientific research work, based on the long tradition of western Sinology, and complemented with the tools of modern digital technology.
This program enables students to process relevant data on specific research topics, related to certain areas of Sinology, internalize a western scientific approach, and methods of argumentation.
Professors participating in the program are internationally acknowledged researchers, with vast connections worldwide, able to provide authentic knowledge and research tools for an international audience as well.
Structure
Career
They can work for research institutes, or global companies, worldwide. They can become teachers of Chinese language and culture, or continue their studies at PhD level, either at our university, or anywhere else in the world.
Research fellow, director of international affairs (with focus on China), teacher of Chinese language and culture, translator specialized in Chinese language, etc.
Admissions
| EU/EEA students | Non-EU/EEA students | |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition fee/semester | 8,000 EUR | 8,000 EUR |
| Application fee |
The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025 - 30/11/2025 and between 01/02/2026 - 31/03/2026; The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2026-31/05/2026
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The application fee is discounted for Early Bird applicants: EUR 100 (non-refundable) between 01/10/2025 - 30/11/2025 and between 01/02/2026 - 31/03/2026; The regular application fee is: EUR 150 (non-refundable) between 01/04/2026-31/05/2026
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| Entrance exam fee | ||
| Other cost | 100 EUR (Entrance exam fee) | 100 EUR (Entrance exam fee) |
Entry requirements:
Bachelor diploma (or higher)
Applicants must hold a university bachelor’s degree (or an equivalent college degree) in Oriental Languages and Cultures Specialized in Chinese Studies, or in any other subject provided they fulfill the language requirements (below).
Additional information: The Chinese Studies (in Chinese) master’s degree programme can be completed in two semesters if the language of tuition of the previous bachelor’s degree (or higher level) studies was Chinese.
The educational and outcome requirements are defined by the Ministry of Human Capacities, Regulation No. 18/2016. (VIII. 5.). Details of the application and admission process are defined by the Organisational and Operational Regulations of ELTE.
The entry qualification documents are accepted in the following languages: English.
Often you can get a suitable transcript from your school. If this is not the case, you will need official translations along with verified copies of the original.
You must take the original entry qualification documents along with you when you finally go to the university.
Other requirements
At least 1 reference(s) should be provided.
— Transcript of records
— CV: Curriculum Vitae in English, in MS Word format with one low resolution photo
— Motivation letter: a maximum of 500 words
— Research work plan (A preliminary research proposal for a proposed thesis project with a study and research plan (detailed outline of your field of interest), a preliminary bibliography (indicating what the applicant has read already) IMPORTANT INFORMATION: You have to upload your research plan by the last day of the application period.
— Copy of the main pages of the passport. Scanned, in colour, all personal details and expiry date must be shown. Passport must be valid
— Language certificate. Official test result or certificate must be provided (see program specific proficiency requirements)
Other: An official English translation of the certificates and the records if the language of the original is not English
Optional documents for admissions
— Letter of Reference: Also called “Letter of recommendation.” From a former instructor and/or employe
Language requirements
Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi, HSK – Level 4 or
Minimum level of language proficiency (oral) (CEFR): B2 (Chinese)
Minimum level of language proficiency (written) (CEFR): B2 (Chinese)
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Document |
Comment |
|---|---|
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Online application form |
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Bachelor-level degree |
An official copy of your completed Bachelor degree |
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Transcript of records |
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CV |
In English, in MS Word format with one low resolution photo |
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Motivation letter |
Mandatory |
| Research work plan | A preliminary research proposal (need not be final) for a proposed thesis project with a study and research plan (detailed outline of your field of interest), a preliminary bibliography (indicating what the applicant has read already). |
|
Letter of recommendation |
From a former instructor and/or employer, recommended |
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Copy of the main pages of the passport |
Scanned, in colour all personal details and expiry date must be shown. Passport must be valid. |
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Certificate of clean criminal records |
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Copy of application fee payment receipt |
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Copy of the Entrance exam fee payment receipt |
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Language certificate |
Official test result or certificate must be provided; |
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Other: An official English translation of the certificates and the records if the language of the original is not English |
The application starts in the online application system. Students need to register in the system, fill in the online application form, upload the required documents and follow the instructions during the application process.
Period 1 (with Early Bird discount): 01/10-30/11/2025 23:59 (CET)
Period 2 (with Early Bird discount): 01/02-31/03/2026 23:59 (CET)
Period 3: 01/04-31/05/2026 23:59 (CET)
Applications will only be processed if the application fee (non-refundable) has been paid on the University’s online payment platform.
Before making the payment please visit the Faculty’s website (go to section Application and Entrance Exam fees) for detailed guidance on how to use the payment platform.
Payment platform: https://epay.elte.hu/
Entrance examination and selection process
After the university receives the full application package and it is checked by the Department of International Affairs, applicants will be invited to an oral entrance exam. An entrance exam date option will be sent no later than the application deadline for the relevant period. Please, check your messages in the application system, and the e-mail address that is linked to the account regularly.
For more information about the application procedures, please visit the Faculty’s website.
Type of entrance examination: oral
Place of entrance examination: online
Procedure of the entrance examination
The entrance exam contains a discussion about the motivation of the applicant. The format of the entrance exam is an online interview.
Ranking is based on the overall evaluation of academic excellence (based on the submitted documents) and the results of the entrance exam.
Results and the official decision will be announced in the application system. Admission letters are sent out also in the online application system within a few days.
Contacts
Dr. Melinda PAP
Assistant Professor
E-Mail: admission@btk.elte.hu
Address: 1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 4.
head of the Chinese Department, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies, vice rector of international affairs
