The application deadline for the 2026 FSGS call has passed. The 2027 call will be published in the fall of 2026.

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The FSGS requires very good proficiency in both German and English (at least C1 CEFR in one language and at least B2 CEFR in the other).

Language certificate for German C1 CEFR:

• DSH 2: Deutsche Sprachprüfung für den Hochschulzugang

• Zentrale Oberstufenprüfung (ZOP)

• TestDaF (TDN 4 in all four components of testing)

• Goethe-Zertifikat C1 or C2 ("Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom”) from the Goethe-Institute

• German Language Diploma II of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (DSD II)

• TELC Deutsch C1 – Hochschule

• Successful completion of a German-language degree program at a German-language institution of higher education

• School-leaving qualification equivalent to a German university entrance qualification

Language certificate for German B2 CEFR:

• TestDaF (TDN 3 in all four components of testing)

• Goethe-Zertifikat B2  

• German Language Diploma I of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (DSD I)

• TELC Deutsch B2 – Hochschule

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Language certificate for English C1 CEFR:

• IELTS 6.5

• Cambridge Examinations: Advanced (CAE), Proficiency (CPE)

• TOEFL: Paper 585, Computer 240 or Online 95

• TELC English C1 – University

• Degree from an English-speaking program at an English-speaking institution

Language certificate for English B2 CEFR:

• IELTS 5.0

• Cambridge Examinations: First Certificate (FCE), Advanced (CAE), Proficiency (CPE)

• TOEFL: Paper 500, Computer 170 or Online 80

• TELC English B2 – University

• 7 years of English in German schools

Please note the requirements of the discipline in which you plan to pursue your doctoral studies. As a rule, your choice of first supervisor determines your doctoral subject.