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Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main
Bachelor German Social Sciences

Altorientalische Philologie BachelorAncient Near Eastern Philology

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main Frankfurt am Main · Hesse

About the Program

Ancient Oriental Philology is the scientific study of the cultures of the Ancient Orient (excluding Egypt) based on textual foundations; it thus encompasses the cultural areas of Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Syria, Ancient Anatolia, and Ancient Iran. The timeframe extends from the development of cuneiform, (presumably) the oldest writing system in the world, around the turn from the fourth to the third millennium BC until the time around the birth of Christ, when cuneiform was finally displaced by Aramaic and Greek alphabetic scripts. During these nearly three millennia, cuneiform was the most important writing system in Western Asia, which could be used for the reproduction of a variety of languages and which - especially because of its use for Akkadian as a widely recognized language of trade, commerce, and diplomacy - radiated beyond the mentioned cultural areas to neighboring cultural circles - those of Ancient Egypt and the Aegean region. The study focuses primarily on learning cuneiform script and at least one ancient oriental language, with Akkadian as the lingua franca taking first place. The program provides basic knowledge and an overview of the discipline of Ancient Oriental Philology.
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Ancient Oriental Philology is the scientific study of the cultures of the Ancient Orient (excluding Egypt) based on textual foundations; it thus encompasses the cultural areas of Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Syria, Ancient Anatolia, and Ancient Iran. The timeframe extends from the development of cuneiform, (presumably) the oldest writing system in the world, around the turn from the fourth to the third millennium BC until the time around the birth of Christ, when cuneiform was finally displaced by Aramaic and Greek alphabetic scripts. During these nearly three millennia, cuneiform was the most important writing system in Western Asia, which could be used for the reproduction of a variety of languages and which - especially because of its use for Akkadian as a widely recognized language of trade, commerce, and diplomacy - radiated beyond the mentioned cultural areas to neighboring cultural circles - those of Ancient Egypt and the Aegean region. The study focuses primarily on learning cuneiform script and at least one ancient oriental language, with Akkadian as the lingua franca taking first place. The program provides basic knowledge and an overview of the discipline of Ancient Oriental Philology.

Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Ancient Oriental Philology

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How do I apply to Altorientalische Philologie Bachelor at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main?

Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.

  1. Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
  2. Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
  3. Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
  4. Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
  5. Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Altorientalische Philologie Bachelor at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main

Is Altorientalische Philologie Bachelor at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main taught in German or English? ▼

This Bachelor programme is taught in German. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.

How much does the Altorientalische Philologie Bachelor programme cost? ▼

No tuition fee (only semester contribution). International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.

What are the admission requirements for Altorientalische Philologie Bachelor at Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main? ▼

Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).

When is the application deadline? ▼

Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.

Can I work in Germany while studying Altorientalische Philologie Bachelor? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main — directly or via uni-assist? ▼

Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.

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