The entire programme is taught in English.
A basic understanding of everyday German is highly recommended, but not necessary. German language courses are offered by the FU language centre.
The programme starts in October each year on-site. The PhD study programme is a three-year coursework programme, including six months of fieldwork, for a four-year PhD procedure. We expect an additional writing phase of two semesters after finishing the course programme. The PhD dissertation and defence are expected to be finished within eight semesters.
All applicants, including CSC applicants: 15 November for the following winter semester
The application portal by Dahlem Research School is open between 15 September and 15 November at https://drs.fu-berlin.de.
The PhD programme East Asian Studies consists of a three-year course phase and a one-year writing phase (four years altogether). GEAS combines social science methods with comprehensive training in area studies for Early Career Researchers (ECR) to become experts in the region of East Asia. It offers Japanese, Chinese, and Korean language training for non-native speakers on demand. ECR will participate annually in interdisciplinary colloquia. They will interact and meet with other ECR, faculty, and international guests in colloquia, seminars, summer schools, and PI's research projects. The school also welcomes visiting academics and professional fellows focusing on East Asia. In the first year of study and after the second year, members' progress will be evaluated by papers and presentations in public symposia. GEAS offers fieldwork preparation workshops and research ethics as East Asia-specific skills. Dahlem Research School additionally offers further training for a set of transferable and soft skills, particularly research integrity, project management, writing, networking, and career advice and coaching.
The PhD training programme combines mandatory elements required for all doctoral candidates within GEAS with methods and training that support the individual researchers' needs in the context of their dissertation research. Early Career Researchers (ECR) will work closely together with several cohort peers in the programme. They will also encounter phases that will predominantly focus on empirical research and individual dissertation projects. ECR will receive 30 credit points from coursework during their training at GEAS. The amount of coursework will be highest in the programme's first year. It will decrease gradually over the second and third years to allow members to focus on their dissertations and fieldwork mobility phases and to finish writing up in the fourth year.
Internships are not mandatory. Should Early Career Researchers like to work at partner institutions or during the fieldwork phase, dissertation advisers and the graduate school administration will assist them in finding appropriate internships.
There are no teaching or work obligations. Co-teaching and teaching assistant opportunities are possible in the later stage of the programme.
In total, the semester contribution amounts to 304.40 EUR. It includes a fee of 181.40 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use public transportation in Berlin for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 63 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.
Master's degree (MA/MSc, etc.) in Chinese Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies with social science background or Political Science, Business or Economics, Law, History, or Cultural Studies with a focus on East Asia.
A BA fast track option is possible.
Applicants must provide proof of their English skills (C1) as well as skills in one of the following East Asian languages: Chinese, Japanese, or Korean (B2).
- English: TOEFL 100 or IELTS 7.0
- Chinese: HSK 5
- Japanese: JLPT N2
- Korean: TOPIK 4
All applicants, including CSC applicants: 15 November for the following winter semester
The application portal by Dahlem Research School is open between 15 September and 15 November at https://drs.fu-berlin.de.
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 aren't available due to team size, students can contact Info-Service Study for general inquiries or the General Academic Advisory Service or Psychological Counselling for complex concerns.
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.
