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Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Bachelor German 👥 Social Sciences

Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Cultures

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena 📍 Jena · Thuringia

About the Program

The subject Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures with a focus on Ancient Near Eastern Studies is designed as a philologically based, interdisciplinary regional science. It provides students with a broad knowledge of the languages and cultures of the age of the Near East, i.e. the areas of ancient Mesopotamia (today Iraq and Syria), the Levant (today Lebanon and Syria) and Asia Minor (today Turkey). The temporal and content-related framework is essentially determined by the cuneiform script that was used in the Near East from the end of the 4th millennium BC until its disappearance in the first century AD. The basis of the programme is intensive language training, which opens up unbiased access to the sources of Ancient Near Eastern History. The focus is on the cuneiform Akkadian and Sumerian languages, which had a particular influence on Mesopotamian cultures. In addition to these ancient Near Eastern languages, the programme provides students with knowledge of a modern Near Eastern language, whereby they can choose between Arabic, Georgian, Persian and Turkish.
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The subject Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures with a focus on Ancient Near Eastern Studies is designed as a philologically based, interdisciplinary regional science. It provides students with a broad knowledge of the languages and cultures of the age of the Near East, i.e. the areas of ancient Mesopotamia (today Iraq and Syria), the Levant (today Lebanon and Syria) and Asia Minor (today Turkey). The temporal and content-related framework is essentially determined by the cuneiform script that was used in the Near East from the end of the 4th millennium BC until its disappearance in the first century AD. The basis of the programme is intensive language training, which opens up unbiased access to the sources of Ancient Near Eastern History. The focus is on the cuneiform Akkadian and Sumerian languages, which had a particular influence on Mesopotamian cultures. In addition to these ancient Near Eastern languages, the programme provides students with knowledge of a modern Near Eastern language, whereby they can choose between Arabic, Georgian, Persian and Turkish.

💼 Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Ancient Near Eastern Studies

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💡 How do I apply to Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena?

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 Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena

Is Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena 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 Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Cultures 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 Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena? ▼

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 Ancient Near Eastern Languages and Cultures? ▼

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 Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena — 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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