Berlin Graduate School for Global and Transregional Studies (BGTS)

Structured full-time doctoral programme in global and transregional studies within the SCRIPTS cluster, combining interdisciplinary research training, theory and methods courses, rotating colloquia, and collaboration with Berlin partner institutions.

Academic requirements

If you haven’t completed your Master’s degree programme at the time of application, you may still apply, but you must provide official documentation of your successful completion of a Master’s degree before enrolling.

Minimum GPA

At least German grade 2.4 or a B average starting at 79%, according to the DAAD entry.

English requirements

English at C1 or better is required. The official BGTS FAQ lists minimum scores of IELTS 8.0, TOEFL PBT 603/677, TOEFL CBT 263/300, TOEFL iBT 110/120, or TOEIC 785.

German requirements

The PhD programme at the BGTS does not require German language skills. However, we recommend that you study German during your time with us.

Accepted bachelor fields

Requires a master's degree qualifying for doctoral study in social sciences, history, economics, law, area studies, or a closely related field.

APS Certificate

Yes

Thesis required

Yes

Tuition fee

None

Semester contribution

358.80 EUR per semester for enrollment at Freie Universitat Berlin in Summer Semester 2026, according to Freie Universitat Berlin's current fees page.

ECTS credits

180

Funding info

Tuition: None Semester contribution: 358.80 EUR per semester for enrollment at Freie Universitat Berlin in Summer Semester 2026, according to Freie Universitat Berlin's current fees page.

BGTS alumni pursue careers in academia, policy, and international organizations, supported by structured career-development and networking opportunities within SCRIPTS.

• 1

  Pre-Study Fulda

  Fulda University of Applied Sciences

  Fulda · Preparatory Programme · German English

• 2

  Individual Research Master (MSc)

  Leuphana University Lüneburg

  Lüneburg · Master of Science · English

• 3

  History & Philosophy of Science and Logic (HPS+Logic)

  Ruhr-Universität Bochum

  Bochum · Master of Arts · English

• 4

  Wildau Foundation Year – Wildau for You

  Technical University of Applied Sciences Wildau

  Wildau · Preparatory Programme · German; English

• 5

  World Studies: Orders, Politics, Cultures

  Bielefeld University

  Bielefeld · Master of Arts · English