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Studies & Degrees in Telugu

Telugu is a language of the Dravidian family, spoken mainly in the southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. It is one of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, and the Central Institute of Indian Languages runs a classical language centre for it. As a university subject, Telugu means the advanced study of the language and of the literature written in it, from the classical poets to modern prose.

Students work on grammar and the history of the language, read classical and modern literature, and learn literary criticism. The Department of Telugu of the University of Madras describes its approach in these terms: Telugu studies in relation to the other major Dravidian languages, the comparative study of Dravidian literature and heritage, modern applications of language study, and special training in translation. It also aims to introduce students to contemporary literary and social trends.

Qualifications and levels

The University of Madras, the one school SpainExchange lists for this subject, shows the range of qualifications.

  • Certificate and diploma courses. The department lists a certificate course and a diploma in Telugu. The diploma is open only to candidates who have passed the certificate course of the university or an equivalent one.
  • Master's degree. The M.A. in Telugu requires a bachelor's degree with Telugu as one of its subjects (under Part I or Part III of the degree, in the university's terms).
  • Research degrees. The department offers the M.Phil, full time and part time, and the Ph.D. Its page counts six Ph.D and three M.Phil scholars awarded.

These are degrees for students who already read and write Telugu. A learner starting from zero should look first for a language course, such as a certificate course, and ask the university whether it admits beginners. Length, credits and fees are not given on the department page. Ask the school for the current figures and for the recognition its qualification has in the country where you plan to use it.

Where to study

SpainExchange lists one active school for Telugu: the University of Madras, in Chennai, India. Its Department of Telugu was started in 1927 and, according to the university, was the first Telugu department in British India. The department states that it wants to produce scholars, teachers, media professionals and writers in Telugu language and literature, and to encourage research on the language and on classical and modern literature.

Telugu is taught more widely in the two Telugu-speaking states. The Telugu University in Hyderabad, Telangana, has a Department of Telugu Literary Studies and a Department of History & Culture of Telugu Speaking People. Dravidian University in Kuppam was established in 1997 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, with the support of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, for the integrated development of Dravidian languages, literature and culture, and it has a Department of Telugu.

In India the University Grants Commission (UGC) is the statutory body that coordinates and maintains standards in university education. International applicants can use the government's Study in India portal: they register for an SII ID, apply to institutes, accept an offer and apply for a student visa. After arrival they must register with the foreigners' registration office (FRRO) within 14 days.

Careers

The Madras department names the usual paths itself: scholarship, teaching, the media and writing. Translation is another, and the department gives special training in it. Graduates also work in publishing and in the public services of the Telugu-speaking states.

University teaching requires further study. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that teachers at four-year colleges and universities typically need a Ph.D. or other doctorate, and it projects employment of postsecondary teachers as a whole to grow 7 percent from 2025 to 2035 in the United States. Comparable official figures for Telugu graduates in India were not found for this page.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know Telugu to enter the M.A.?

Yes, at the University of Madras. The M.A. requires a bachelor's degree with Telugu as one of its subjects.

Can a beginner study Telugu at university?

The University of Madras lists a certificate course in Telugu, and its diploma follows the certificate. Ask the department whether the certificate course admits students with no previous Telugu.

Is Telugu a classical language?

The Central Institute of Indian Languages, a Government of India institute, runs classical language centres for Kannada, Malayalam, Telugu and Odia. Telugu is also one of the languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

How do international students apply to study in India?

Through the Study in India portal: register for an SII ID, send applications to the chosen institutes, accept an offer letter and apply for the student visa. Registration with the FRRO is required within 14 days of landing in India.