PhD Programme in East Asian Studies
Interdisciplinary doctoral training in East Asian social sciences, history, and area studies with mobility and research support.
Best for:Best for early-career researchers with a master’s degree in East Asian studies, social sciences, or related fields seeking interdisciplinary doctoral training with mobility support.
Overview
The Graduate School of East Asian Studies (GEAS) at Freie Universität Berlin offers a structured PhD programme combining coursework, research training, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Open to researchers in social sciences, history, anthropology, business, economics, law, and cultural studies, the programme focuses on East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) and provides tailored training in research methods, language skills, and professional development. Participants engage in annual colloquia, mobility phases, and workshops, with evaluations at key milestones. The programme emphasizes independent research while fostering a supportive academic community with international exposure.
What you'll do
- Develop and conduct independent research in East Asian studies, aligned with your dissertation topic.
- Participate in annual interdisciplinary colloquia and public symposia to present research progress.
- Engage in a six-month mobility phase abroad or at partner institutions to conduct fieldwork or research.
- Complete mandatory coursework (30 ECTS credits) in research methods, language training, and professional skills.
- Collaborate with peers and faculty in interdisciplinary research projects and workshops.
- Present and discuss chapters of your dissertation with supervisors and peers during evaluations.
Requirements
Degree required: Master’s degree (MA/MSc) in Chinese Studies, Japanese Studies, Korean Studies, Political Science, Business/Economics, Law, History, or Cultural Studies with a focus on East Asia. A BA fast-track option may apply.
Degree offered: PhD
Language: English: C1 level (official certificate required, e.g., TOEFL iBT 5.5 or IELTS Academic 7). German: A1 level (recommended, no proof required).
Instruction: English (with optional German language courses)
- Proven academic background in East Asian studies, social sciences, history, or related fields.
- Strong research skills and ability to develop a coherent dissertation proposal.
- Basic understanding of everyday German (A1 level recommended).
- Proficiency in English (C1 level, with official certificate such as TOEFL iBT 5.5 or IELTS Academic 7).
- Open to applicants from all countries.
- No age restrictions.
- No prior residency requirements in Germany.
- No prior experience caps beyond the master’s degree requirement.
Funding & terms
Programme and admissions
Admissions not verified
A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.
- Intake
- Not confirmed by the source
- Duration
- Not confirmed by the source
- Teaching language
- Not confirmed by the source
- Taught / research mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Study mode
- Not confirmed by the source
- Campus
- Not confirmed by the source
- Prerequisites
- Not confirmed by the source
- Application instructions
- Not confirmed by the source
- Tuition
- Not confirmed by the source
- Funding
- Not confirmed by the source
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-15
Applicants must submit their application through the Dahlem Research School (DRS) portal. Required documents include a CV, a research proposal, official transcripts, proof of language proficiency (English and German if applicable), and two letters of recommendation. Detailed instructions and the application form are available on the GEAS website.
- CV
- Research proposal
- Official transcripts of master’s degree and bachelor’s degree (if applicable)
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic)
- Proof of German proficiency (A1 level, if applicable)
- Two letters of recommendation
Contact
GEAS Graduate School· Admissions Office
Create a free profile to unlock your personal match score, the full requirements, funding details and how to apply — in English or Persian.