Universities offering MA in Foreign Languages

The Masters in foreign languages program is undoubtedly one of the most sought-after post-graduate specializations in India.

Several reputed Indian universities (both government and private) now offer full-time degree courses.

Let’s find out Why, How, When, and Which College and University to consider for MA in Foreign Language for the academic term 2024-2025!

About the Master’s Degree Program

A Master of Arts (MA) in foreign languages is a two-year full-time post-graduate degree program offered by several Indian Universities.

The program focuses on the intensive study of different foreign tongues. It also centers on the culture, tradition, literature, and history of the country in which they originate.

The minimum eligibility for admission is the successful completion of a bachelor’s program and the prior knowledge of the corresponding language.

The educational calendar usually starts in July or August. In contrast, the admission procedure begins well in advance (about 2-6 months) of the commencement of the academic session.

Career Options and Job Prospects

The myriad advantages of language learning are undeniable.

The globalization of the world economy and business, frequent cultural activities, cross-border communication, and easy access to entertainment sources have led to an unprecedented demand for language specialists in India.

The governments of many nations are also proactively involved in springing up, improving, and expanding relationships and cultural ties with India to maximize the untapped potential.

The net result of all these stimulated interest in various foreign tongues.

Many Indians, hopeful for a more desirable career, immigrating abroad for employment or higher education and brighter futures, are acquiring a new foreign language.

It is imperative to say that you can’t afford to miss the fulfilling Journey of language acquisition. Do you?

Why do a Masters Degree at University?

Why pursue a Master’s Degree program at any College or University of all educational institutions and types of language courses?

Let’s browse for four significant reasons.

1. Only University can offer Master Degrees

If you wish to learn a foreign language, you can choose one of the many educational institutions. Once you complete a course, you will get a certificate or diploma.

In most cases, it is tangible documentation of your efforts and knowledge.

You won’t get a master’s degree even if you’ve achieved a superior competency level. This is because only UGC or/and AICTE-approved universities can award an MA degree in India.

Not only will you become a master in your field, but it will also open the path of doctorate research (M.Phil. and Ph.D.). It is also beneficial for many jobs where the preference is available to those with a post-graduate qualification.

2. The Pocket-friendly University fee

Believe it or not, it is possible to pursue a master’s in foreign languages on a budget!

We all know the expensive cost of studying at private learning centers and the embassy’s language schools.

The public University, on the contrary, provides quality foreign language teaching at an affordable fee.

It is only possible since the Central or State Government partly or fully funds them.

There is seldom any other cost that would worry you.

3. The Multi-disciplinary context

After engaging with multiple languages for 14 years, I can boldly say that without understanding the cultural aspect, history, and etymologies of the language, it is tough to master a new language.

The culture-free language learning approach would never enable you to dive deep and become an acknowledged linguist or expert.

The good thing is all Master in foreign languages programs offer a foreign tongue through a multi-disciplinary context.

It enables us to develop a strong foundation of the language, and knowledge of the history, culture, and literature of the chosen language of study.

4. Events, Exchange Program, and Scholarship

Each University organizes a host of extracurricular activities throughout the year.

It includes cultural events, workshops, discussions, music, and movie shows.

Besides, you can attend seminars and conferences where eminent researchers, faculties, foreign delegates, and intellectuals help students enrich the on-campus learning experience.

Understanding the significance of international experience, many Indian Universities have collaborations and the Memorandum of Understanding with leading foreign universities across the globe for exchange programs.

Many universities also offer scholarships to deserving students and the opportunity to study abroad.

Which Foreign Language to Choose?

Can’t decide which foreign language to take up?

Luckily, suppose you thoughtfully weigh the value available with different tongues you’re fascinated in. In that case, it will usually become evident which is the most suitable.

Arabic, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and Persian are the eight in-demand language choices among graduates looking for master’s programs at Indian University.

On the other hand, Korean, Portuguese, Italian, and Pashto are the least taught languages at the post-graduate level.

Top Universities with Masters in Foreign Languages

From translators and interpreters to teaching and embassy jobs, a career involving traveling, jobs in MNC, people with Masters in Foreign Languages can use their expertise in various areas.

These are reflected in the growing number of students seeking access to various language courses in Indian Colleges and Universities.

Anticipating the rising career opportunities in languages, many universities striving to make their studies useful to the professional world began offering masters in foreign languages.

There are plenty of languages to choose from for Master in Foreign Languages.

The MA in Italian, Portuguese, Pashto, and Korean are available only in 2, 1, 1, and 2 universities, respectively. There is no Univerity with an MA course in Turkish, Dutch, Bahasa Indonesian, etc.

Some universities have been covered in detail → (i) JNU (ii) BHU (iii) DU (iv) Jamia (v) VBU (vi) IGNOU (vii) EFLU (viii) MU (ix) PU (x) Panjab (xi) Kolkata (xii) BCU (xiii) Doon.

How to Get Admission for MA in Foreign Languages?

Have you been pondering taking admission to top Universities with an MA in foreign languages?

But you don’t know how to get admission?

Let’s explore in detail.

1. Eligibility Criteria

The minimum requirement is that candidates should have finished their graduation with three-year undergraduate degree (10+2+3) from a recognized educational institution.

As per the university criterion for master’s in foreign languages, the applicant requires having at least 50% to 60% aggregate at the graduation level.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree, applicants also need to have a requisite background in the respective foreign language to pass the entrance test.

For example, a BA or Advanced Diploma in the same language or B2/C1 of the language proficiency exams will enable you to crack the examination.

2. Entrance Exam / Admission Procedure

Few Universities like JNU, CUJ, CUG, and Doon offer full-time five-year integrated courses in various languages.

The students also can exit after three years of graduation and gain a bachelor’s degree.

Besides, those having requisite knowledge in the corresponding language may still opt for lateral entry at the two-year Master’s level through an entrance exam.

The entrance test is a vital part of the admission process. Most Universities take students according to scores obtained in the entrance examination.

Moreover, few also conduct viva-voce or personal interviews.

Some even offer direct entry based on marks secured in the bachelor in foreign languages or equivalent proficiency in the same language.

3. Dates

Although the academic term for these programs starts in July or August, the admission process starts 2-6 months well in advance.

First, apply online on the official website by submitting the form and fee.

After a month or two, the University declares the joint or common entrance test dates.

You finally get admission based on the cut-off or merit list of the result and available seats.

4. Syllabus for the entrance test

The written test will be conducted in the same language.

The syllabus of the University’s entrance exam for the Master in Foreign Languages is typically the curriculum of BA.

The questions comprise grammar, translation, literature, society, current affairs, economic, political spheres, history, and the culture of the country of the language origin country.

Those who qualify will also have to take the viva-voce.

Depending on the University, the test paper can be objective or subjective.

In recent years, few universities have started computer-based tests by replacing traditional paper-pen.

5. Fees

While the fees vary from University to University, it usually is affordable.

Indian government establishments of higher studies have lower tuition fees and provide hostel, food, access to the library, and other miscellaneous things at nominal prices.

After getting admission, you never have to bother about the cost.

Final Words

The ability to speak a new language opens up a new world of possibilities.

Picking an MA course is a significant commitment. But if you do that, there are no limits to your opportunities.

I hope this article helped you in finding the relevant information.

This may not be an exhaustive list. I will update this post from time to time.

If I missed one of the Colleges or Universities with Masters in Foreign languages or have any questions, let me know in the comment section below.