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Frequently Asked Questions
Application
- When is the deadline to apply for the Global Studies Programme?
- When will the final decision about admissions be announced?
- I am currently a student at an international university conducting its classes in English. Do I still need proof of English language proficiency or is my diploma sufficient?
- How do I indicate my grading scale on HISinOne?
- Because of a special situation, I am unable to submit parts of the application (e.g. TOEFL, recommendation letters, transcripts) in accordance with the application deadline. Is it possible to submit these documents a later date?
- I did not receive a diploma at the end of my undergraduate studies.
- Do I need to have my testimonials translated?
- What criteria are used to evaluate my application?
- How do I write a motivation letter?
- What are the requirements for the recommendation letters?
- I secured a seat on the Global Studies Programme waiting list. What does this mean?
- What does the "certification" of documents imply?
- I alreay have a Master's degree as well as a Bachelor degree. Which documents do I need to submit?
- I already applied previously, do I need to create a new account for the application platform?
- I am having problems with the application platform, what should I do?
- I forgot my password for the application platform. What should I do?
- Can I hand in my APS certificate at a later point?
- Do I need to upload a proof of German proficiency?
Contact
Programme
- If I secured a seat in the Global Studies Programme, can I postpone it until next year?
- Does the Global Studies Programme begin during both winter and summer semester?
- Matriculation: How is it done?
- How many students join the programme each year?
- What careers do GSP alumni typically pursue?
- What are the expected costs and fees for GSP?
- Does GSP provide any scholarships or financial aid I can apply for?
- Do all participating GSP institutions provide student accommodation?
- Do GSP-students need to pay tuition fees while in Germany?
- How do I decide which location to study at during the second and third semester?
Visa
Internship
Application
1. When is the application deadline for the Global Studies Programme?
The application deadline is the 30th of November each year.
To apply, please register for the online application platform and upload all documents there, except the recommendation letter, which has to be sent via e-mail to recommendation@globalstudies.uni-freiburg.de.
After uploading all documents, print out the application confirmation page, sign it, and re-upload it to the application platform. You are not required to send any hard copies or any further documents until we ask you to do so!
Based on experience from previous years, we recommend submitting the online application before October 31st in order to spare enough time for the submission of missing documents.
2. When will the final decision about admissions be announced?
You will be notified before Christmas if you have been selected and whether you fulfil all formal requirements prescribed by the University of Freiburg. You will further receive a preliminary letter of acceptance (which can be downloaded via the application platform) so that you can start you visa process right away. The waiting list usually remains open until end of February/beginning of March.
3. Currently I am student at an international university conducting its classes in English. Do I still need proof of English language proficiency or is my diploma sufficient?
If you are not a native speaker, you need to submit proof of English language competence. This can be either a Test certificate, such as TOEFL, IELTS, Cambridge Certificate etc., a diploma where it is explicitly stated that English was the medium of instruction of your programme, or a certified letter by the examination office of your programme stating so. Note that a letter by a professor or head of department is not sufficient.
4. How do I indicate my grading scale on HISinOne?
Please state the range of the grading scale used in your educational institution from the highest to the lowest grade. This serves as a point of reference to the grade of your degree.
Different examples of grading scales used globally would be (non-exhaustive):
- A - F
- 100 % - 59 %
- 4.0 - 0.0
5.Because of a special situation, I am unable to hand in parts of the application (e.g. TOEFL, recommendation letters, transcripts) in accordance with the application deadline. Is it possible to submit these documents on a later date?
You have to submit all of your documents on time (application deadline November 30th).
If you are not finished with your Bachelor's degree at the time of sending your application or if you do not have your official diploma yet, please submit an official interim certificate issued by your university before November 30th. The certificate has to state that you completed your Bachelor's degree or that you will do so before April 1st (beginning of first GSP semester). The official diploma, or a certified copy thereof, must then be presented when enrolling at the University of Freiburg (Immatrikulation).
If you cannot submit your English test scores before November 30th, please indicate this accordingly in the online application form. You will then need to send your test scores as soon as possible, but no later than January 15th (date of receipt). Note that your formal admission cannot be completed if you do not submit proof of your English proficiency in time.
6. I did not receive a diploma at the end of my undergraduate studies.
The diploma is the most essential part of the application for the formal admission at the University of Freiburg.
If you studied in the United States or Canada and you have not received a diploma at the end of your studies, you need to submit a transcript of records stating your degree was conferred, the date of conferral and your grade.
If you studied in a country that is not United States or Canada and you have not received a diploma at the end of your studies, please find out from your university whether you can request your diploma now. Please inform us as early as possible: gspinfo@mail.uni-freiburg.de
7. Do I need to have my testimonials translated?
Your diploma and transcript of records have to be translated if they are in a language other than English, or German. Always submit certified versions of both the original and the translated documents.
Note that all other parts of the application have to be in English.
8. What criteria are used to evaluate my application?
Your application is ranked according to your Bachelor grades, your letter of motivation as well as your previous experience and further qualifications based on your curriculum vitae.
Note that incomplete applications cannot be considered.
9. How do I write a motivation letter?
Besides your testimonials, the letter of motivation (approximately 600 word-essay) is the most important element of your application. The essay should elaborate on your study intentions as well as your professional intentions, and it should very clearly convey your motivation for the program. Rather than elaborating on your personal biography or making abstract statements, we recommend focusing on clear and specific reasons for your application, for example by highlighting the links between your academic background as well as your non-academic experiences and the GSP curriculum. You can also include work experience, internships, volunteering, independent projects, etc.
Please follow these guiding questions when you compose your motivation letter.
10. What are the requirements for the recommendation letters?
Two letters of recommendation have to be submitted on your behalf. At least one of these letters must be an academic reference. For the recommendation letters, please use the template provided only. Please don't send other formats or additional, more detailed letters. They will not affect your application.
Your referees must send their signed recommendation letters as PDF directly via email to the GSP Office: recommendation@globalstudies.uni-freiburg.de
Please refrain from sending any other formats or additional letters as these will not be considered. Recommendation letters submitted by the applicant will not be accepted either.
11. I secured a seat on the Global Studies Programme waiting list. What does this mean?
If you have a place on the waiting list, there is still a chance you will get a place in the Global Studies Programme. Whenever someone declines his*her participation due to financial, visa or other problems, the next student on the waiting list takes his*her place. For this reason students can move up on the list up until end of February/ beginning of March.
12. What does the "certification" of documents imply?
For the online application we prefer scans of the original documents. If you have been accepted to the programme and need to enroll at the University of Freiburg in person you then need to present either the original document or a certified copy.
An official certified copy means you have to obtain a verification of your document from an official administration authority such as your university, embassy or another public authority. This authority has to compare your copy with the original document and verify the authenticity of your copies. The verification may include a signature and/or stamp made directly on the copy by the authority.
Please use the following link to double check our certification criteria: https://www.studium.uni-freiburg.de/en/application/international-student-admissions/apostille
13. I alreay have a Master's degree as well as a Bachelor degree. Which documents do I need to submit?
If you already have a Bachelor and a Master degree, please upload both of your diplomas and both of your transcripts into the application platform. Since it formally qualifies you for our programme, the document from your Bachelor are crucial for your application. The documents from your Master provide further insights on your academic profile, but they are not as relevant for the formal admission process.
14. I already applied previously, do I need to create a new account for the application platform?
Even if you already created an account for HisInOne before, you will need to create a new account on the platform. The accounts are only valid for one application period.
15. I am having problems with the application platform, what should I do?
If you are using a mobile device, we recommend trying a computer or laptop instead. This might already solve your issue. If this is not the problem, please first take a look at the help-documents provided by the platform. If your problem is not discussed in these documents, you can write an email to gspinfo@mail.uni-freiburg.de and describe your problem in detail. If possible, please also send along a screenshot so that we can better help you solve the issue.
16. I forgot my password for the application platform. What should I do?
If you forgot your password, you can write an email to gspinfo@mail.uni-freiburg.de, stating your name and application number. We can re-set your password for you. If you have not yet started your application or you are not very far yet, you can also just create a new account and start again.
17. Can I write the research proposal on any topic?
The goal of the research proposal is for you to demonstrate that you have the skills to design a proper scientific research project. Theoretically, you can demonstrate this skill on any topic. But, since this is a Social Science programme it might be beneficial to choose a topic that is related to one of the topics that we cover in the programme. That way you can also show the members of the selection committee your knowledge about the discipline.
18. Can I apply for a higher semester?
Due to the unique structure of our programme with the two compulsory terms abroad, it is unfortunately hardly ever possible to transfer credits from a previous degree and to be admitted into a higher semester. We therefore advise everyone to apply for the usual intake for the first semester. Even if you see the technical option to apply for a higher semester in the university's online application platform, we advise that you apply for the first semester (which is only possible during the application period each fall).
19. Can I hand in my APS certificate at a later point?
This only concerns applicants from China, Mongolia, India, and Vietnam. You can still submit your online application even if you are still waiting for your APS certificate. In this case you can simply upload a PDF with the statement "I will submit my APS certificate at a later point". You can then email it to the GSP office as soon as you receive it.
20. Do I need to upload a proof of German proficiency?
No. We only require a proof of English proficiency (equivalent to B2). Knowledge of German is not required in order to study the Global Studies Programme. For living in Germany during the first and last semester it is nevertheless useful if students learn some basic German.
Contact
1. How can I get more information about the Global Studies Programme?
Please check our website first. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: gspinfo@mail.uni-freiburg.de .
2. When are the office hours?
You can contact the GSP Office via email for all questions regarding the application process. If necessary, we can arrange for a phone call to answer your questions.
Dr. Caroline Janz (Programme Director) offers (online) consultation hours for (prospective) students on request.
Please contact the GSP office gspinfo@mail.uni-freiburg.de or Caroline Janz: caroline.janz@soziologie.uni-freiburg.de via email.
Programme
1. If I secured a seat in the Global Studies Programme, can I postpone it until next year?
No, this is not possible. You have to apply again the following year and send in all the necessary documents.
2. Does the Global Studies Programme begin during both winter and summer semester?
Unfortunately, the Programme only begins in the summer semester. The application deadline is November 30th each year.
3. Matriculation: How is it done?
International students matriculate at the International Admissions and Services Department (IAS) of the Student Service Center (Sedanstraße 6). Please visit IAS during the matriculation period indicated in your letter of acceptance. You will receive your letter of acceptance along with further information about enrolment in the “information for prospective students” package once you are accepted in the Global Studies Programme.
4. How many students join the programme each year?
There are 42 seats in the Global Studies Programme each year.
5. What careers do GSP alumni typically pursue?
GSP alumni pursued a variety of careers. There are three main career paths, namely academia, international organisations (such as the UN or NGOs) and development cooperation. Several other alumni are now working in the fields of media, coaching, consulting, politics and many others.
6. What are the expected costs and fees for GSP?
For an overview of the estimated Costs & Fees, please download this document (pfd-file).
All amounts are estimates and will be confirmed in the course of the programme.
Please note: The tuition fees for non-EU students are currently 1500 € per term at the University of Freiburg. More information: 9. Do GSP-students need to pay tuition fees while in Germany?
7. Does GSP provide any scholarships or financial aid I can apply for?
Unfortunately, we are not able to provide any scholarships at the moment. Nevertheless, GSP can provide a letter of eligibility for external scholarships. In the past many Global Studies students successfully applied to scholarships from the DAAD or the Deutschlandstipendium.
For your assistance we prepared a helpful register on available scholarships from German organisations for studying in Germany and abroad.
8. Do all participating GSP institutions provide student accommodation?
Student accommodation will be provided in New Delhi and Bangkok. For the first semester in Freiburg there will be a limited number of rooms available for international students. For Buenos Aires and Cape Town orientation on how to find accommodation will be provided by the staff at each location.
9. Do GSP-students need to pay tuition fees while in Germany?
The federal state of Baden-Württemberg currently charges tuition fees for all non-EU students while they are enrolled at a university here (1500€ for each term). This also applies to the Global Studies Programme at the University of Freiburg. This means that in order to complete our programme you will need to pay the fees at the University of Freiburg for two or three terms (depending on your Master thesis timeline), in addition to the fees at our partner universities.
For further information on the tuition fees charged by the federal state, see https://www.studium.uni-freiburg.de/en/student-services/study-fees. You can also visit the website of the Federal Ministry of Education.
Please note: The terms at our partner universities (2nd and 3rd term) are not affected by the fees for international students (since you will in most cases not be enrolled in Freiburg during this time), here the tuition fees stay the same (please see this document).
Students might be able to apply individually for a deferment, waiver or reimbursement of the tuition fees at our university's admission office. For further information on which requirements you need to fulfill, please see https://www.studium.uni-freiburg.de/en/student-services/study-fees.
[content last updated: March 15th, 2023].
10. How do I decide which location to study at during the second and third semester?
Students should put some time and thought into their decision before specifying their preferred study location during the application process. During the decision-making process you can take the characteristics of each location into account as well as personal factors.
Concerning the characteristics of the locations, applicants are encouraged to take the information into account that we provide on the GSP semesters at each location (University of Cape Town, FLACSO Argentina, Chulalongkorn University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University). For many applicants the following points are important to consider: the extent to which they can choose classes themselves, the amount of contact with local students, the focus of the methodological training, the student-teacher ratio, the location of the dorms in relation to the campus, and the general academic focus of the departments.
Personal factors might be your degree of (un)familiarity with a certain country, your language skills, and your interest in certain regions
Visa
1. Which visa do I need to study in Germany?
All applicants are responsible for their own visa application process. As there are different visa regulations from country to country, we cannot keep track of all information relevant to our students. Please contact the German consulate closest to you and find out about the application requirements pertaining to your case.
General rules:
- Do not enter Germany on a tourist visa. You need a study visa to enrol at the University of Freiburg.
It depends on your country whether you can get a visa for the whole two years or separate visas for the first and fourth semester. - As soon as you apply for GSP - or even before you apply - get an overview of the application process for study visa in your country
- If you need an interview appointment to apply for a study visa, find out about the time frame needed in order to have your visa and travel to Germany in the beginning of April
- As soon as you have a (provisional) admission letter, apply for your study visa.
We can provide:
- a confirmation of (prospective) study
- visa experiences from former / current students
Internship
1. Why do an internship?
In order to prepare students for their professional life, an internship of at least six weeks is a compulsory component of the curriculum. The internship should be in one of the prospective areas of later employment. For many students it actually becomes the stepping-stone into professional life.
2. How long should my internship last?
At least six weeks, if you want to receive credits for your Master's programme.
3. How do I get credits for my internship?
To get credits for your internship you have to fill out the internship form, write a report and present your internship in a forum during your 4th semester.
