Regional Studies

Undergraduate in Regional Studies in Malaysia

A Bachelor in South Asian Studies is an in-depth humanities programme that explores the diverse histories, religions, societies, languages, cultures, media, literary traditions, and political developments of the South Asian subcontinent. The programme covers the seven major cultural regions: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives. It is not designed for religious leadership or political training, but for academic and analytical study of how the region influences global civilization, migration, art, heritage, literature, diplomacy, and identity.

Students examine South Asia’s ancient civilizations (Indus Valley, Vedic, Mauryan, Mughal), colonial legacies, independence movements, nationalism, diaspora cultures, caste systems, ethnic pluralism, gender roles, global Islamic and Hindu cultures, Buddhist heritage, film and media industries (Bollywood, Bengali cinema, Pakistani drama, South Indian films), cross-cultural trade, and multilingual societies. Core subjects include cultural anthropology, philosophy, religious studies, historical analysis, literature in translation, linguistics, ethnic studies, postcolonial theory, globalization, and regional geopolitics.

Students typically choose a focus language such as Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, or Sinhala, alongside cultural electives in literature, religion, or media. Internships may take place in embassies, cultural organisations, NGOs, media companies, museums, publishing houses, education sectors, tourist heritage projects, or community diplomacy initiatives. Graduates will possess strong cultural literacy, research ability, multilingual foundations, and analytical skills that are valuable in multicultural societies and global engagement.

Duration of Undergraduate in Regional Studies in Malaysia

Entry Requirements of Undergraduate in Regional Studies in Malaysia

• STPM / A-Level / Foundation in Arts / Diploma in Humanities
• Minimum CGPA 2.00 – 2.50 (varies by institution)
• Basic English/Bahasa Malaysia proficiency
• No requirement to come from South Asian background
• Language placement test for language track (beginner allowed)

Tuition Fee of Undergraduate in Regional Studies in Malaysia

Top Universities for Undergraduate in Regional Studies in Malaysia

Programmes may be called South Asian Studies, Indian Studies, Tamil Studies, Urdu Studies, Asian Civilization, Asian Languages & Cultures.

Public Universities

• Universiti Malaya (UM) – Indian Studies, Tamil Studies, South Asian Civilization
• Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) – Tamil Literature, South Asian Languages & Civilizations
• Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI) – Tamil Language & Education
• Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) – Humanities with South Asian cultural focus
• Universiti Malaya Centre for Civilizational Dialogue (electives)

Private Options (Related Pathways)

• UCSI University – Cultural Studies & Asian Languages
• New Era University College – Language & Cultural programmes
• HELP University – Asian history & global studies electives

Career Opportunities of Undergraduate in Regional Studies in Malaysia

Cultural, Academic & Public Sector

• Cultural Analyst
• Research Officer (Culture/Heritage)
• Museum/Heritage Curator Assistant
• Humanities Teacher (with teaching qualification)
• Intercultural Consultant

Media, Tourism & Diplomacy

• Journalist (Culture/International Desk)
• Scriptwriter/Researcher for Media/Film
• Cultural Affairs Officer
• Tourism/Cultural Development Executive
• South Asian Market Analyst (for business/media)

NGO, Community & Policy Sectors

• Migration/Refugee Support Officer
• Intercultural Dialogue Coordinator
• Human Rights/Civil Society Researcher
• Social Project Manager (Asia-focused)

Further Study Options

• Master in South Asian Studies
• Master in International Relations (Asia focus)
• Master in Anthropology / History / Sociology
• Master in Cultural & Postcolonial Studies