Do You Need to Learn the Local Language to Study in Asia?

The short answer: it depends on your program's language

You do not always need the local language to study in East and Southeast Asia — but whether you need it depends on the program you choose and what you want to do outside class. Many degrees are taught entirely in English; many others are taught in the local language and require proof of proficiency in it.

So the honest answer is: for the degree itself, you need the language your program is actually taught in. For daily life and part-time work, some local language helps almost everywhere, in proportion to how long you stay and where.

Below, we separate the two questions — the language you study in, and the language you live in — and explain the separate proficiency tests you may encounter.

English-taught degrees are widely available

Across the region, the number of English-taught programs has grown, especially at postgraduate level and in international tracks. Singapore and Hong Kong teach many degrees in English; Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and mainland China run English-taught tracks (for example dedicated international or global programs); and Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines offer international programs in English.

For an English-medium program you will usually need to prove English proficiency with a test such as IELTS or TOEFL, unless you qualify for a waiver (for instance, prior study in English). This is separate from any local-language test.

Confirm two things on the official program page: that the medium of instruction is English, and exactly which English tests and scores are accepted for the current intake.

Local-medium programs and where the language is required

Many undergraduate programs — and some postgraduate ones — are taught in the local language. For these, universities typically require proof of local-language proficiency, and the course, exams and assignments are in that language.

If a program you want is taught locally, you have two realistic paths: reach the required proficiency before you apply (often shown through a standardized language test), or take a preparatory or foundation language year where one is offered. Either way, plan the time and cost into your decision.

Verify the medium of instruction and the exact language requirement on the official website — do not assume a program is in English just because the university offers some English-taught degrees.

Language for daily life and part-time work

Even in an English-taught degree, the language of the street, the market and many part-time jobs is the local one. In very international cities you can manage day-to-day with English, but some local language makes life easier and widens your options.

For part-time work in particular, roles that involve serving local customers often expect functional local-language ability, and both work rights and any language expectations vary by country and employer. Where you intend to work part-time, check the destination's official student work rules — this is general information, not immigration advice, and rules change, so verify the current position officially.

How much to learn is a personal call: a longer stay, a smaller city, or plans to work locally all push toward learning more; a short, English-taught program in a very international city needs less.

Proficiency tests are separate from your admission English test

Each major language has its own standardized proficiency test, and these are distinct from the IELTS or TOEFL you might submit for an English-taught program.

Some local-medium programs and some scholarships ask for a specific level in these tests; some universities offer their own placement tests instead. They can also simply be useful evidence of the language skills you build. Do not assume a required level — where a program or scholarship needs JLPT, TOPIK or HSK, the exact level and whether it is required are set officially. Check the test's official site for format and levels, and the program's page for what it accepts.

• JLPT (Japanese-Language Proficiency Test) — measures Japanese ability across levels.
• TOPIK (Test of Proficiency in Korean) — measures Korean ability across levels.
• HSK (Chinese Proficiency Test) — measures Mandarin Chinese ability across levels.

How much to learn, and when

A practical approach: pick your program first, then let its medium of instruction decide your minimum. If it is English-taught, prioritize your English test and treat local language as a life-and-work bonus you build over time. If it is local-medium, make reaching the required proficiency part of your application timeline.

Starting some basics before you arrive — greetings, numbers, directions, campus vocabulary — pays off quickly regardless of program, and many universities offer language classes once you enroll.

Whatever you decide, base it on the official medium-of-instruction and language requirements for your specific program and intake, not on general impressions.