Overview

About the programme

As a member of a Berlin-based university consortium chosen for funding through the German Excellence Strategy with the Freie Universität Berlin as the host institution, the Hertie School Berlin offers doctoral training focused on challenges to the liberal model of the political and economic order (SCRIPTS "Contestations of the Liberal Script").

The BGTS helps PhD researchers to unravel the manifold contestations and transformations in the economy, politics and society, as well as in national and international law, over the course of history and across various areas of the globe. The SCRIPTS project fosters collaboration by gathering top researchers from a range of disciplines at prominent research institutions in Berlin.

Programme Structure

Research topics include:

challenges to territoriality and citizenship through processes of globalization, regionalization, (de)imperialization, technological change, and other factors
contestations of the liberal order script including state-structures, rights, and political rule
welfare and social security with a focus on the global south, especially Africa or South Asia
time-related challenges to the liberal script
nuclear safety and waste management issues

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00

Apply anytime.

More details

If you intend to secure external funding you may apply throughout the year.

Hertie stipend positions are announced regularly and have fixed deadlines.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

125

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TOEFL^® IBT

110

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IELTS

8

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Berlin, Germany

Disciplines

International Relations View 3 other PhDs in International Relations 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

Duolingo English Test

125

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

110

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

8

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Master’s degree, qualifying for doctoral studies in the social sciences, history, economics, law, or area studies;
proof of C1-level English language skills or the equivalent;
most recent CV;
letter of motivation (600 words maximum);
research proposal (5,000 words maximum) with a timeline for your project;
two letters of reference from professors at universities or research institutions.

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.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

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Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Hertie School 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

All the PhD researchers are fully funded throughout the doctoral journey.

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 Berlin Graduate School for Global and Transregional Studies.

Available Scholarships

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

About

Overview

About the programme

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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