PhD

Graduate School of East Asian Studies (GEAS)

Freie Universität Berlin

Berlin, Germany

Program Overview

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...

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EUR

Financials

Tuition FeesNone
Living Expenses
Note: Most public universities in Germany are tuition-free. You only pay a semester contribution (~EUR 300) which usually includes a public transport ticket.
INFO

Intakes and Duration

Intake Season

Winter (October)

Duration

8 semesters

CO

Career Outcomes

Postdoctoral ResearcherUniversity LecturerResearch ScientistIndustry R&D Specialist

You can always explore various career paths after completing this program. The listed options are some of the most popular among graduates.

EUR

Salary Outlook

Typical range

The stated annual salary (e.g., TV-L E13: €50,000–€65,000 for 100%) refers to a full-time position. In practice, many universities and public research institutes (such as Leibniz institutes) offer part-time contracts, commonly 50%, 65%, or 75%, and only occasionally 100%. The actual salary is therefore proportional to the contract percentage. Applicants are strongly advised to clarify the employment percentage before accepting an offer.

Fresher, mid-level, and experienced ranges are linked to external sources so they stay auditable for applicants.

LANG

Language & Exams

Teaching Language

English

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

IELTS required (IELTS 7.0 overall)No extra certification required
REQ

Requirements

Academic Admission

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.

APS Certificate

Not required for PhD/doctoral programmes.

IELTS Score

IELTS 7.0 overall

Application Deadline

Application deadlines are subject to changes. Please refer to the above university course link for the most accurate information.

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