Bonn International Graduate School of Oriental and Asian Studies (BIGS-OAS)

Structured doctoral programme investigating societies and cultures of Asia and the Middle East in historical change and global interaction, with field research and intensive project support.

Academic requirements

Master's degree relevant to the discipline or equivalent degree

Minimum GPA

None stated.

English requirements

Proof of proficiency in German or English is required unless waived for native speakers or graduates of German- or English-speaking universities.

German requirements

Proof of proficiency in German or English is required. (This requirement is waived for applicants who are native speakers of German or/and English or for applicants who have graduated from an German/English-speaking university.)

Accepted bachelor fields

Asian studies, Middle Eastern studies, history, cultural anthropology, religious studies, philology, or a closely related humanities or social-science field at master's level.

APS Certificate

Yes

Thesis required

Yes

Tuition fee

None

Semester contribution

345.07 EUR per semester in Summer Semester 2026 if enrolled as a doctoral student.

Funding info

Tuition: None Semester contribution: 345.07 EUR per semester in Summer Semester 2026 if enrolled as a doctoral student.

Prepares graduates primarily for academic careers and also for cultural-management, policy, and area-expertise roles involving Asia and the Middle East.

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