Overview

This East Asian Studies programme offered by Freie Universität Berlin examines contemporary and modern developments across China, Japan, and Korea through an interdisciplinary perspective that connects regional issues to wider global processes. Students pursue original dissertation research within their home discipline while engaging with insights from fields such as history, law, economics, business, anthropology, humanities, and the social sciences. The programme combines disciplinary depth with broader perspectives that support analysis of complex transnational and transcultural phenomena.

Key Facts

Candidates benefit from collaborative supervision, specialized methodological training, research seminars, an intensive summer school, and substantial fieldwork or research experience at a partner institution in East Asia. Through engagement with international academic networks and organizations across the region, students develop advanced language proficiency, disciplinary expertise, intercultural understanding, and project-based research capabilities. Graduates are prepared for careers in academia, policy-related organizations, research institutions, international affairs, and other fields requiring deep knowledge of East Asia and its global connections.

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Theory Design in East Asian Studies

Research Design / Social Scientific Methods

Research Seminar (Area)

Research Seminar (Discipline)

Colloquium

Good Research Practice / Research Integrity

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-10-01 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00

Language

English

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100

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IELTS

7

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Berlin, Germany

Disciplines

Area & Cultural Studies Asian studies View 8 other PhDs in Area & Cultural Studies in Germany

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

OR

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7

Prepare for Your English Test

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4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Successful applicants hold an above-average master’s degree in either area studies (Chinese, Japanese or Korean Studies) or a discipline represented at the Graduate School with a focus on East Asia — Political Science, International Law, Public Law, History, Cultural Studies, Social and Cultural Anthropology, Business and Economics, Performance Studies or Transregional Studies.

Applicants are not expected to contact potential supervisors before applying, but are encouraged to review the profiles of GEAS members to check that their project fits a supervisor’s research profile.

The language of communication is English (C1). Successful candidates also have skills in Chinese, Japanese or Korean at B2 or higher. Applicants with native skills in English or one of the East Asian languages have another modern foreign language at B2 or higher.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Freie Universität Berlin and/or in Germany, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

Free
EU/EEA Applies to you

Applies to you

EU/EEA Nationals

Free

Additional Details

No tuition fees, apart from a semester contribution (about 300 EUR)

Living costs

Berlin

Germany

836 - 1340 EUR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find PhD's scholarship opportunities for East Asian Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key Facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

EU/EEA Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Berlin

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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