Bachelor
English
Social Sciences
Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS)
Bachelor
About the Program
The Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) is rooted on an almost 50-year-old tradition of intensive and excellent research on Africa at the University of Bayreuth. Founded in 2006/2007 as part of the Excellence Initiative of the German Federal and State Governments, today BIGSAS is part of the Cluster of Excellence EXC 2052 – "Africa Multiple: reconfiguring African Studies". The graduate school itself is an innovative centre for doctoral training and interdisciplinary research at the University of Bayreuth. The aim of the graduate school is to bring together outstanding African and non-African academics for joint research in the field of African Studies while providing them with subject-specific academic training. As such, BIGSAS explicitly thrives on interdisciplinary and intercultural exchange. In cooperation with five faculties and 38 professors from over 30 departments and disciplines, 190 doctoral students (Junior Fellows) from all over the world have successfully completed their doctorates in the field of African Studies at BIGSAS to date (April 2024). BIGSAS brings together excellent junior scholars in a structured and innovative doctoral programme. The doctoral training is based on research in a vital interdisciplinary environment with group mentorships, individual research training plans, specialist training (focusing on academic as well as transferable skills), early integration into the international academic community, and individual career planning.
▶ Show the original English text
The Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) is rooted on an almost 50-year-old tradition of intensive and excellent research on Africa at the University of Bayreuth. Founded in 2006/2007 as part of the Excellence Initiative of the German Federal and State Governments, today BIGSAS is part of the Cluster of Excellence EXC 2052 – "Africa Multiple: reconfiguring African Studies". The graduate school itself is an innovative centre for doctoral training and interdisciplinary research at the University of Bayreuth. The aim of the graduate school is to bring together outstanding African and non-African academics for joint research in the field of African Studies while providing them with subject-specific academic training. As such, BIGSAS explicitly thrives on interdisciplinary and intercultural exchange. In cooperation with five faculties and 38 professors from over 30 departments and disciplines, 190 doctoral students (Junior Fellows) from all over the world have successfully completed their doctorates in the field of African Studies at BIGSAS to date (April 2024). BIGSAS brings together excellent junior scholars in a structured and innovative doctoral programme. The doctoral training is based on research in a vital interdisciplinary environment with group mentorships, individual research training plans, specialist training (focusing on academic as well as transferable skills), early integration into the international academic community, and individual career planning.
Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?
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African Studies
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How do I apply to Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) at Universität Bayreuth?
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.
- Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
- Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
- Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
- Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) at Universität Bayreuth
Is Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) at Universität Bayreuth taught in German or English? ▼
This Bachelor programme is taught in English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.
How much does the Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) 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 Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS) at Universität Bayreuth? ▼
Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (English), 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 Bayreuth International Graduate School of African Studies (BIGSAS)? ▼
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 Universität Bayreuth — 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.