Master programme in East Asian Economy and Society

Your steps in the admission procedure depend on whether you have completed your previous degree programme at the University of Vienna or another post-secondary educational institution. 

In the study profile of the master programme in East Asian Economy and Science you can find out which previous degree programmes are eligible. 

 Degree programme with selection procedure

A selection procedure is conducted for admission to this master programme.

  • You can only submit your application for admission to the degree programme once per year, within the application period.  
  • The admission letter is only valid for the winter semester you have applied for and the following summer semester. 
  • 35 study places are available per academic year. The allocation of available study places ensues during the selection procedure. 

Application period academic year 2023/24: from 1 March to 17 April 2023

 Degree programme instructed in English

The language of instruction in this degree programme is English. A proof of German language proficiency is not required.

Additional requirements

English language proficiency at level B2

To be admitted to an English or multilingual master programme at the University of Vienna, you have to provide a proof of English language proficiency. 

To apply for admission to this degree programme, you require a proof of English language proficiency at level B2. 

English curriculum vitae (CV)

Upload your English curriculum vitae in u:space at "Further documents and proofs" as document type "CV".

English letter of motivation

Upload your letter of motivation in u:space at "Further documents and proofs" as document type "Letter of motivation".

The document has to be written in English. There is no page limit. However, a range between five and six pages is recommended. Please answer all questions individually and do not write an essay-style text. List all questions and the respective answers in the prescribed order. 

Answer the following questions:

  • Why are you interested in East Asia?
  • Why have you chosen EcoS rather than another, comparable programme?
  • How do your previous studies and the EcoS programme correspond?
  • Are you primarily interested in one of the countries of East Asia? If so, which one and why?
  • Are you primarily interested in cross-country or regional issues? If so, which one(s)? Are you primarily interested in historical or in contemporary issues?
  • Concerning East Asia, are you primarily interested in cultural studies or in social sciences?
  • How do you think about the relationship between theory, methodology, and empirics?
  • Which part of the EcoS curriculum do you find particularly interesting?
  • What is your schedule for studying EcoS, i.e. which courses (including which language) do you want to take and when?
  • Imagine you are asked to write a 20-page term paper. Please rank the following researchtopics/questions according to your preferences (1 [highest] - 10 [lowest]):
    a) Similarities and differences in bond market developments in East Asia since 1998
    b) The economic development of East Asia
    c) Climate change governance in East Asia
    d) The history of East Asia 1600-1900
    e) Comparing the political systems of Japan and South Korea
    f) The South China Sea dispute - a neorealist analysis
    g) The history of North Korea’s Worker’s Party 1980-1994
    h) The experience of XYZ Company in China and Singapore: Reaching the breakeven point
    i) The economic development of South Korea
    j) ASEAN's centrality in East Asia
  • Do you already have a topic for your MA-thesis in mind?
  • Do you plan to enrol in other programmes in addition to EcoS?
  • What are your plans after graduation from the EcoS programme?
  • What is your estimate of the annual cost of studying in Vienna, and how do you plan to finance your studies?
  • How did you learn about EcoS?

If you have any questions regarding the letter of motivation, please contact ecos@univie.ac.at.

You can find detailed information regarding the structure, the course contents and any potential info events of the master programme on the Chair of East Asian Economy and Society's website.