FAQs about the application process
- What level of language proficiency do I need to demonstrate in order to apply to the FSGS, and how can I provide proof of it?
- I am unable to provide the required proof of English and German language proficiency by the application deadline, but I am currently attending language courses and will soon obtain the necessary certificates. Until when can I upload them?
- May I write my dissertation in English? Which parts of the doctoral programme are conducted in German?
- I do not hold a Master’s degree from a European university. How can I find out whether I am eligible for the doctoral programme?
- I am currently completing a Master’s degree in a philological field relevant to the Graduate School, but I have not yet finished it. Am I still eligible to apply? By when do I need to have completed my degree, and which documents must I upload at this stage?
- What type of writing sample should I submit with my application? May I also upload a non-academic text, such as a translation or a short story?
- May the letters of recommendation be submitted separately from my other application documents, directly by the referees? Does the same deadline apply as for the other materials?
- May I submit my application via email?
- What expenses should I expect as a doctoral student at Freie Universität Berlin?
1. What level of language proficiency do I need to demonstrate in order to apply to the FSGS, and how can I provide proof of it?
Very good proficiency in both German and English is required. For one of the two languages, at least level C1 (CEFR) must be demonstrated; for the other, at least level B2 (CEFR). Native speakers are only required to provide proof of proficiency in their non-native language(s) through a recognised certificate.
Recognised proof of German proficiency (B2 CEFR):
TestDaF (TDN 3 in all four components), Goethe-Zertifikat B2, telc B2, DSD I.
Recognised proof of German proficiency (C1 CEFR):
DSH-2, ZOP, telc C1, TestDaF (TDN 4 in all four components), DSD II, a degree from a German-language programme at a German-speaking institution, or a university entrance qualification equivalent to the German Abitur.
Recognised proof of English proficiency (B2 CEFR):
IELTS 5.0, telc B2, TOEFL (paper-based: 500; computer-based: 170; internet-based: 80), Cambridge English qualifications (FCE, CAE, CPE), or at least seven years of English instruction in German schools.
Recognised proof of English proficiency (C1 CEFR):
IELTS 6.5, Cambridge English qualifications (CAE, CPE), TOEFL (paper-based: 585; computer-based: 240; internet-based: 95), or a degree from an English-language programme at an English-speaking institution.
Further information can be foudn here.
2. I am unable to provide the required proof of English and German language proficiency by the application deadline, but I am currently attending language courses and will soon obtain the necessary certificates. Until when can I upload them?
Proof of the required language proficiency may be submitted after the application deadline, provided that applicants can demonstrate that the necessary certificates will be available in due time—either by the time of the selection interviews, but no later than 1 July.
Applicants for a PhD position participating in the programme for securing external funding must provide proof before the start of the fellowship, and no later than 1 May.
Please upload a relevant statement via the application portal before submitting your application.
3. May I write my dissertation in English? Which parts of the doctoral programme are conducted in German?
In general, dissertations may be written in either German or English. The Graduate School’s seminars and colloquia, however, are primarily conducted in German, although individual sessions or events in English are also possible and welcome at any time.
Please note: If you intend to write your dissertation in a foreign language, you should consult the examination office (“Prüfungsbüro”) in advance regarding the required language certificates.
4. I do not hold a Master’s degree from a European university. How can I find out whether I am eligible for the doctoral programme?
A Master’s degree or an equivalent qualification is the basic prerequisite for admission to the doctoral programme at the Graduate School. International applicants may consult UNI ASSIST to determine whether their qualifications meet the admission requirements of German universities. The examination offices at the respective institutes of Freie Universität Berlin determine whether a degree obtained from a foreign university is equivalent to a German Master’s degree and can be recognised for admission. Applicants may consult ANABIN in advance for preliminary information.
5. I am currently completing a Master’s degree in a philological field relevant to the Graduate School, but I have not yet finished it. Am I still eligible to apply? By when do I need to have completed my degree, and which documents must I upload at this stage?
Applicants may apply even if they have not yet completed their Master’s degree (or equivalent) by the application deadline. However, applicants for a PhD position participating in the programme for securing external funding must complete their degree no later than 1 May.
Applicants who require a visa to enter Germany should be able to present their degree at least three months before the start of funding, as this is a prerequisite for enrolment and, consequently, for issuing an official invitation.
In place of the final degree certificate, applicants are encouraged to upload relevant documents demonstrating their academic progress and confirming timely completion (e.g. transcripts or a statement from their supervisor).
6. What type of writing sample should I submit with my application? May I also upload a non-academic text, such as a translation or a short story?
The work sample should generally be an academic article (published or unpublished) or a chapter from a Master’s thesis. Please do not submit a complete thesis or dissertation, nor term papers written for seminars. Non-academic texts are not suitable as work samples.
All submitted texts must be written in German or English and meet academic standards. In exceptional cases, texts in other languages (such as French or Italian) may be accepted; however, such submissions should not be made without prior consultation.
7. May the letters of recommendation be submitted separately from my other application documents, directly by the referees? Does the same deadline apply as for the other materials?
Letters of recommendation must be uploaded directly by the referees. Please provide their contact details in the application portal and save this step. The referees will then receive an automated request with a submission link.
Please contact your referees in advance of submitting your application so that they are aware of the request and can prepare accordingly.
Letters of recommendation may be submitted up to one week after the application deadline. You can track the submission status in the online portal. If a letter is still pending, please follow up directly with the referee.
8. May I submit my application via email?
No. Applications are accepted exclusively through the online portal.
9. What costs should I expect as a doctoral student at Freie Universität Berlin?
We do not cover travel or relocation expenses. Semester fees are not reimbursed and may vary depending on the number of previous semesters. Please note that rent and the cost of living in Berlin have been steadily increasing.
