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Sanskrit is an ancient classical language of South Asia, renowned for its beauty, subtlety and complexity. It provides direct access to the rich textual traditions of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism, as well as a vast body of literary, scientific and philosophical knowledge.

For centuries, Sanskrit played an important role in the exchange of ideas and culture across South, Southeast and East Asia. Its influence also extends to the development of modern intellectual thought in the West.

Studying Sanskrit at ANU equips students with the language skills and critical knowledge to explore a wide range of historical and contemporary topics, from manuscript traditions to regional politics, while building the skills needed to undertake independent research.

Overview

ANU is the only university in Australia to offer a full Sanskrit major, from introductory study through to advanced reading.

  • Learn Sanskrit as a living tradition in a diverse, collaborative and award-winning learning environment.
  • Explore a wide range of Sanskrit texts and literary traditions.
  • Connect with world-class research through the ANU South Asia Research Institute.
  • Complement studies in Arts, Asian Studies, Classics, International Relations, Languages, Linguistics and more.

Sanskrit has a rich history spanning more than 3,500 years, from ancient Vedic culture to contemporary identity, politics and intellectual thought. As one of the oldest and best-documented Indo-European languages, Sanskrit provides valuable insights into classical and modern languages across Europe and Asia. It also helps us understand how literary, artistic, religious and political ideas have travelled across cultures and regions. Learning Sanskrit can open doors to new areas of international research and support interdisciplinary study across a wide range of interests.

Sanskrit at ANU is student-centred, supportive and responsive to individual interests and experience. Classes are delivered online, attracting students from around the world and creating a strong sense of community and belonging.

The major develops a high level of language proficiency alongside a critical understanding of Sanskrit and its cultural contexts. Students build skills in grammar, translation and textual analysis while exploring a wide variety of Sanskrit and Vedic literary genres. By the end of their studies, they will be able to read Sanskrit texts independently and engage critically with their interpretation, cultural significance and historical reception.

Study options

Sanskrit at ANU was one of the University’s first areas of study, and the first Sanskrit offering worldwide, to provide a fully online option. Students can complete up to four years of Sanskrit, usually taking one course per semester.

First-year study is based on our award-winning Joy of Sanskrit eText, published by ANU Press. Each week, students work through conversational, chanting and written activities before meeting for a two-hour workshop. During class, they review the week’s material and practise speaking, singing and composing together.

Later courses follow the same flipped-classroom approach. Students work independently for up to eight hours before coming together to analyse, sing and, most importantly, enjoy the material.

Students can complete a two-year minor, a three-year major or a four-year graduate diploma in Sanskrit. Courses are open to ANU students, as well as external students and interested members of the public through Open Universities Australia.

Undergraduate courses include Sanskrit 1, Sanskrit 2, Sanskrit 3, Sanskrit 4, Sanskrit 5 and Sanskrit 6.

Visit ANU Programs and Courses for study options, or Open Universities Australia for studying Sanskrit 1-6 as subject.

The School of Culture, History and Language places a unique emphasis on in-country experience. For more information on exchange programs and in-country language opportunities, visit the ANU global programs or enquire cap.student@anu.edu.au.

ANU Students:

Non-ANU Students: