Students who have not previously studied a South Asian Studies Language at Harvard, but who wish to study that language in a course higher than the first semester of an “Elementary” or introductory-level course must first have their level of proficiency assessed by taking a placement exam. This includes heritage speakers; students who have previously studied the language in a non-Harvard setting; and those who have taken non-Harvard summer and/or Study Abroad courses during their time at Harvard in order to advance their language level more quickly. Students who have completed language courses in the Harvard Summer School taught by South Asian Studies faculty are not required to take the placement exam. Students placing into the third-year level or higher on the exam may also use their results to demonstrate that they have satisfied Harvard College’s undergraduate language requirement.
For students seeking language credit from study abroad: To earn credit for non-Harvard language courses, please take the placement exam during your first semester back at Harvard (as soon as possible after you return from study abroad). In order to earn language citation credit, you must place out of courses at the second-year level or higher. First-year language study (including Bx courses) is not citation-eligible.
Note: If you have not taken language courses at Harvard before study abroad, please also take the placement exam before departure to assess your current language level.
Listed below are the languages the Department can currently provide placement exams for.
