The entire programme is taught in English.
A basic understanding of everyday German is highly recommended. German language courses are offered by the graduate schools and the FU language centre.
The programme starts in October each year on-site.
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://www.drs.fu-berlin.de/
The PhD programme East Asian Studies consists of a three-year course and a one-year writing phase (four years). GEAS combines social science methods with comprehensive training in area studies for Early Career Researchers (ECR) to become East Asian experts. 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, and chapters will be discussed before the writing phase. GEAS offers fieldwork preparation workshops and research ethics as East Asia-specific skills. Dahlem Research School (DRS) additionally provides further training for transferable and soft skills, particularly research integrity, project management, writing, networking, career advice and coaching.
The PhD training programme combines mandatory elements required for all doctoral candidates of 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 with several cohort peers in the programme. They will also encounter phases that 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. Voluntary co-teaching and teaching assistant opportunities are possible in the later stages of the programme after fieldwork.
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.
Master's degree (MA/MSc, etc.) in Chinese Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies with a 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://www.drs.fu-berlin.de/
Application portal of Dahlem Research School (DRS): https://www.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, the General Academic Advisory Service or Psychological Counselling for complex concerns.
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.
