Alapadatok
Expert in Chinese Studies
Chinese Department
Egyszerűsített kínai
Program
China’s rapid growth over the past two decades has significantly contributed to the increasing popularity of Chinese studies, and as a result, the demand for specialists working with China is currently rising and is expected to continue growing in the near future.
The Master’s program trains professionals who are able to successfully perform in a wide range of fields-including business, academia, public administration, and diplomacy-by utilizing their knowledge of the Chinese language and China-related studies. Graduates with an MA degree will be qualified to work as instructors or researchers in higher education and scientific institutions, contributing both to the dissemination of knowledge about China and to policy and economic decision-making processes.
The ELTE Master’s Program in Chinese Studies is suitable for you if you have at least an intermediate level of modern Chinese and are interested in the deeper interconnections of Chinese language, literature, history, and culture.
Interesting Facts About the Program
From the second year onward, students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience through internships at external companies. The Department of Chinese Studies at ELTE has approached its 100th anniversary. Its predecessor was founded in 1923, and until the early 2000s it was the only Chinese Studies department in Hungary. Over generations, students here have learned the Chinese language and become researchers of Chinese culture. Many of Hungary’s renowned sinologists received their qualifications at this department, and it has produced distinguished translators of literature as well as successful diplomats.
Program Details
Graduates of the program are capable of performing high-level professional work in a wide range of fields-including business, academia, public administration, and diplomacy-by applying their knowledge of the Chinese language and China-related studies. They also possess the necessary knowledge and academic preparation to continue their studies at the doctoral level.
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.
Felépítés
Karrier
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.
Felvételi
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)
English is the language of administration for all international courses at ELTE Faculty of Humanities. All communication in administrative matters will be conducted in English. It is therefore recommended that all applicants speak a minimum of A2 level of English, even if it is not the language of tuition of their chosen programme.
| Document | Comment |
|---|---|
Online application form | - |
Bachelor-level degree | An official copy of your completed Bachelor degree |
Transcript of records |
|
CV | In English, in MS Word format with one low resolution photo |
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). You have to upload your research plan by the last day of the application period. |
Letter of recommendation | From a former instructor and/or employer, recommended |
Copy of the main pages of the passport | Scanned, in colour all personal details and expiry date must be shown. Passport must be valid. |
| Certificate of clean criminal records | |
Copy of application fee payment receipt |
|
Copy of the Entrance exam fee payment receipt |
|
Language certificate | Official test result or certificate must be provided; |
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.
Application Period: 01/10-31/10/2026 23:59 (CET) for the February 2027 intake
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
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.
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. Applicants must show a photo ID at the start of the interview, and a camera showing the student and his/her surroundings must be on throughout the interview. The applicant is prohibited from using earphones or headphones during the online oral examination. 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.
Written Stage
Applicants are required to submit a 3-5-page research proposal (using 12-point font and 1.5 line spacing) outlining the topic they intend to pursue for their master’s thesis.
The proposal should briefly describe:
• the academic background and previous research related to the topic,
• the scientific problem or research question to be addressed,
• the methodology to be employed, and
• a preliminary bibliography.
Oral Stage
The oral examination consists of historical, linguistic, and literary questions designed to assess the applicant’s familiarity with the relevant scholarly literature and key academic issues of the field. The examination is also intended to be connected to the candidate’s previous academic studies and prior knowledge, allowing them to demonstrate their preparedness for advanced-level work in the discipline.
For more information about the application procedures, please visit the Faculty’s website
Elérhetőségek
Dr. Melinda PAP
Assistant Professor
E-Mail: admission@btk.elte.hu
Address: 1088 Budapest, Múzeum krt. 4.
Prof. Dr. Imre HAMAR
head of the Chinese Department, head of the Institute of East Asian Studies, vice rector of international affairs
Find the structure of the program on the webpage of the Faculty.