After being admitted to the GEAS doctoral program, the next step is to apply for admission to the department your supervisor belongs to.

You cannot start your research project until you have been accepted by the department ("Zulassung").The application is made to the respective department’s Dean and PhD office. Candidates can find the application form and a list of required documents on the website of the respective graduation office.

The GEAS Application team will proceed your online applications to the PhD offices after the admission to the GEAS doctoral program.

A committee decides whether your qualifications suffice for admission as a doctoral candidate. The department’s committee usually meets at regular intervals.

After acceptance by the department, doctoral candidates must formally enroll as doctoral students with the central student administration office. It is easier to apply for a visa after the admission (Zulassung) is granted.

To conclude the admission process and to enroll, please have your originals or certified copies at hand to present them to the corresponding offices.

After having been approved by the PhD office of your department, the PhD Office will send you an official "Zulassung" (admission certificate), proving your eligibility to enroll as a PhD candidate at FUB. 

Within the following 30 days you should officially enroll as PhD candidate via postal mail. You may also visit the Info Counter if you live nearby. Should you not able to enroll within this time frame or if the letter of admission has expired, please contact the GEAS Office or the PhD Office. The enrollment time can be extended for reasons such as visa applications or moving plans.

For enrollment, please enroll online for a studentship at FU Berlin. Note that enrollment fees are about 300 EUR per semester (6 semesters in total):

• Acceptance Letter/ Admission Certificate
• DRS enrolment confirmation (issued by GEAS)
• Completed enrollment application (online form)
• Proof of health insurance
• Original and copy of passport or ID (including  visa)
• Withdrawal certificate from the last (German) university (if applicable)
• Original documents or copies (as the PhD Office will ask for originals or certified copies, simple copies can be attached):
  BA and MA or letter from your university
  Proof of proficiency in English (C1)
• Enrollment fee

You will receive a student ID which provides access to the public transport system, benefits for cafeteria, sports and other cultural stuff, etc.

Yes, these include:

• Passport or equivalent ID for yourself and any family members.
• Birth certificate(s) and certified translations in German or English for yourself and any family members coming with you;
• Marriage certificate, if applicable, and certified translations in German or English;
• Certified copies of your graduation documents and degrees AND translations thereof in English. For enrollment at the university you will need to present certified copies of your high school graduation certificate and other university degree certificates, in original and English;
• Proof of admission/ acceptance by your department/Hosting Agreement from the university or institute;
  
• Several (biometric) passport photos;
• copies of your work contracts and proof of employment.

Yes. Even though the regulations may have been more flexible as of late, it is necessary to do the program in Berlin. A structured program is different from the individual PhD or a part-time PhD - GEAS offers a full-time course and work program for researchers who aim to finish their PhD within 4 years. Most scholarships are also only granted for the purpose of full-time study in Germany, and some are only available for FU students who reside in Berlin.

The steps for successful arrival (after a successful selection process) are:

1. Receive the admission letter from the PhD Office of the respective department (in May/June).

2. Make an appointment to apply for a visa at the German Embassy or Consulate in your country. Receive the Hosting Agreement from our graduate school.

3. Prepare to apply for accommodation with the admission letter at either Studierendenwerk or the exchange Accommodation Service Berlin (Registration starts generally in June).

4. Prepare German basic courses (if interested) with either FUB-CSC or the Language Center at Freie Unviersität Berlin. Registration for the language centre courses starts usually mid-June.

5. Take out health insurance. It is necessary to either choose statutory health insurance or private health insurance if you stay in Germany for longer than 6 months. We recommend statutory health insurance, even if it may seem more expensive. If you want to choose private, check out the DAAD insurance or the Vela private insurance (please do not go for the cheapest packages. It is your health, after all!

5. Prepare your flight/train ticket for arrival in July/August. The semester starts October 1st. Please be in Berlin in time.