All applicants who are neither native speakers of German or English nor have studied for a considerably long period of time at a university with German or English as a teaching language are required to submit certification of their German and / or English proficiency(ies) (English minimum level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or equal; German minimum of TestDaF 4x4 or DSH2).

Results of the language exams can be handed in after the application deadline, but should not arrive later than July, 31st. If you are not able to submit the certificates of your German respective English proficiencies until January, 31st, please note on your application form under ‘additional remarks’ the approximate date when to expect the results of your languages test(s).

In exceptional cases, degrees of disciplines related to the ones represented at the Cluster will be accepted. However, it is important that your dissertation project matches with the research areas of the Cluster.

We will only admit applicants, who have received their M.A. degree until July, 31st. If the degree certificate has not been issued until this date, we will accept provisional material. This provisional certificate has to document the final grade. Please note that the departemental admission offices do not accept documents other than the original certificates or notarified copies. In order to get admitted it is absolutly necessary that you have your final certificat in your hands.

Please take a look at the homepage of the department you are or will be affiliated with. On these pages you will find more detailed information on the research projects and publications of the professors working in your department.

Please just list with whom you would like to work. You may well contact your desired supervisors / mentors personally after you have been chosen by the selection committee.