Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, WZB Berlin Social Science Center, Centre for East European and International Studies (ZOiS), German Institute for Economic Research (DIW), German Institute of Global and Area Studies (GIGA), Hertie School – The University of Governance in Berlin, Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient
100% of the courses are held in English.
Usually 31 January for the following winter semester (September)
(Please check the website regularly for updates.)
The Berlin Graduate School for Global and Transregional Studies (BGTS) is the full-time doctoral programme of the Cluster of Excellence "Contestations of the Liberal Script" (SCRIPTS) at Freie Universität Berlin in cooperation with Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, WZB Berlin Social Science Center, Hertie School, Deutsches Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW), German Institute of Global and Area Studies (GIGA), Leibniz-Zentrum Moderner Orient (ZMO) and Zentrum für Osteuropa- und internationale Studien (ZOiS).
The BGTS offers a rigorous and dynamic English-language programme for exceptionally talented and motivated graduate students in the field of global and transregional studies, bringing together a broad spectrum of disciplines, from the social sciences to area studies to history.
The programme focuses on contemporary controversies about liberal orders from a historical, global, and comparative perspective. It is particularly focused on global and transregional processes analysed by social science or historical methods. Research at the BGTS focuses on the structures, risks, and opportunities of cross-regional interaction at various levels. Research areas include the causes and consequences of contestations of the liberal script, alternatives to the liberal model, and implications of the contestations for politics, societies and individuals in the 21st century.
The doctoral programme consists of three years of study, starting in September of each year. The bulk of the candidates' workload will take the form of independent thesis research. Apart from this, all candidates are required to successfully complete content-oriented survey courses, colloquia on research methods, and multidisciplinary skills workshops. Candidates will also be required to present the results of their research regularly at research colloquia and at academic conferences.
Do you want to be a part of the vibrant and talented BGTS community? The application period begins in December. An exceptionally strong university degree in political science, international relations, sociology, economics, law, or a related discipline is required.
Your time at BGTS will seem relatively brief – our intensive three-year (180 CP) programme balances independent research with a structured curriculum. Unlike traditional doctoral education in Germany, our students have the unique opportunity to take part in content-oriented survey courses, colloquia on research methods, and tailored multidisciplinary skills workshops to gain a sharper academic focus. A team of three supervisors, comprising members of the BGTS faculty as well as external and international supervisors, supports each PhD candidate during his or her studies.
In total, the semester contribution amounts to 326.40 EUR. It includes a fee of 181.40 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use local public transport in Berlin and nationwide for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 85 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.
Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen somewhat in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 900 to 1,300 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 400 and 700 EUR in Berlin.
Anyone who has completed a Master’s degree in social sciences, area studies and history as well as economics and law (usually comprising a total of 300 European Credit Transfer System [ECTS] credits including the Bachelor’s degree) is eligible to apply. The term “social sciences” refers to political science and sociology. The programme is open to applicants of all nationalities and shows no preference to EU citizens.
Your final grade point average should be at least 2.4 (according to the German grade system), in other words, “good”. In ECTS terms this corresponds to a “B” average, starting at 79%. As grading systems vary from country to country, grade point average is only one factor among many upon which selection is based.
If you haven’t completed your Master’s degree programme at the time of application, you may still apply, but you must provide official documentation (e.g. academic transcript and official diploma) of your successful completion of a Master’s degree before enrolling in the PhD programme.
If your official diploma is not ready at the time of your application, you are required to send some proof of your academic performance (e.g. a current transcript) instead. After this, please send us a letter from your university as soon as you have completed your Master’s degree, confirming the completion of your studies. This letter will allow you to provisionally enrol at BGTS while awaiting your official degree diploma.
The expected level of English proficiency is C1 (or better) of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which translates into other tests as follows (scores indicated are minimums):
If you are not a native English speaker or if the language of instruction at your previous university was not English, we will ask you to provide evidence of strong English language skills. Please include English language test results in your application if this applies to you. English language tests should not be more than two years old at the time of your application to the BGTS and should be uploaded in your online application form as a PDF or JPEG document.
The PhD programme at the BGTS does not require German language skills. However, we recommend that you study German during your time with us. This will help you in your daily life in Berlin, including communicating with others at the university. German language courses for international doctoral candidates are offered by the Dahlem Research School at Freie Universität Berlin.
Usually 31 January for the following winter semester (September)
(Please check the website regularly for updates.)
Each year, the call for applications is open from approximately 1 December to 31 January. Applications for our PhD programme must be submitted online. For more information, please see the website: https://www.scripts-berlin.eu/birt/bgts/bgts-application/index.html
All required documents must be submitted online by the deadline. Late submission of documents is not permitted.
There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as waiting staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.
The student support service at the university, called "studierendenWERK Berlin", and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students. When searching for a job, look at online job boards, notice boards on campus, and ads in local newspapers.
You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.
If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-Gesucht or Kleinanzeigen) or on notice boards on campus.
Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the size of the city.
The Career Service of Freie Universität Berlin aims to support international students at Freie Universität by providing information, advice, and events related to career planning, internships, and job applications.
The International Student Support team at FU Berlin regularly offers information events that include Q&A sessions. While personal office hours are not available due to our team size, students can contact Info-Service Study for general inquiries or seek assistance from the General Academic Advisory Service or Psychological Counselling for more complex concerns. Additionally, the team continually enhances its expertise in international affairs, thereby contributing to FU Berlin's internationalisation process.
Freie Universität Berlin is a young, modern university offering a wide range of degree programmes across all academic disciplines. Today, approximately 33,000 students are enrolled in around 170 degree programmes spanning the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and life sciences. Economics, Law, Global History, Physics, English Studies, Biodiversity, and Cognitive Neuroscience are just a few examples of the wide variety of subjects offered at Freie Universität Berlin.
As a leading research institution, Freie Universität Berlin has held the status of a University of Excellence awarded by the German government for almost 20 years. It is part of the only University Consortium of Excellence in Germany – the Berlin University Alliance – which includes four prestigious partners: Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, and Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin.
Freie Universität Berlin is highly international in its outlook. It maintains partnerships with numerous universities worldwide and operates liaison offices in Cairo, Eastern Europe (Tbilisi, Georgia), New Delhi, and São Paulo. Around 22 percent of students in undergraduate and graduate programmes come from abroad, as do 42 percent of doctoral candidates. Many lecturers and professors also have international backgrounds. At Freie Universität Berlin, you will meet people from all over the world.
A variety of support services make it easier to begin your studies, especially for international students and those new to Berlin. Examples include orientation week, the mentorship programme, the peer programme, and the Student Services Center.
The university sports programme, ranging from Aikido to Zumba, is also very popular. Numerous cafeterias and dining halls across campus offer food and beverages, often including fair trade, organic, vegetarian, and vegan options.
Environmental protection and sustainability are key values at Freie Universität Berlin. There are many opportunities to get involved in related initiatives and student-led projects.
In addition, Freie Universität Berlin actively supports entrepreneurs. Through its start-up support network, students, researchers, and alumni receive guidance on turning innovative ideas into successful businesses – from the initial concept to market readiness.
Freie Universität Berlin is one of the leading universities in Germany’s capital. It is located in the leafy district of Dahlem, in the southwestern part of the city. Most of the university’s facilities are situated on the Dahlem campus, making it a central hub for academic life in a uniquely green setting. No other university campus in Berlin offers as much greenery and open space.
Just step outside the university buildings to enjoy the outdoors — have lunch on one of the many terraces or rooftops, or explore the green spaces nestled between the buildings. In the summer, you can cool off after class with a swim in nearby Krumme Lanke or head to Freie Universität’s water sports centre at Wannsee.
Dahlem is also home to one of the largest botanical gardens in Europe, offering a peaceful escape just a few steps from campus life.
Thanks to excellent public transportation connections, the heart of Berlin is easily accessible. The U3 subway line directly links Dahlem with popular central neighbourhoods such as Schöneberg, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain, and all other districts can also be reached quickly and conveniently.
To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.
