PhD
German + English
Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS)
About the Program
Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS)
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Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS)
Application Requirements
To join the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology, you must be accepted into the doctoral programme either in history or in sociology. Decisions on admission are made in the doctoral degree committees of the respective faculties. Applications are to be made online through the BGHS website. Applicants should have an above-average degree in social sciences or the humanities, preferably in history, sociology, anthropology, or political science. Applications from graduates of other related fields are welcome.
Language Requirements
The BGHS doctoral programme consists of courses in both German and English. Applicants to the graduate school must therefore have a good command of either German or English. Doctoral researchers with no knowledge of German are encouraged to learn the language as it is the primary means of communication at Bielefeld University, and fluency in German makes daily life easier.
How do I apply to Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) at Universität Bielefeld?
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 Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) at Universität Bielefeld
Is Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) at Universität Bielefeld taught in German or English? ▼
This PhD programme is taught in German + English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.
How much does the Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) 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 Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS) at Universität Bielefeld? ▼
Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German + 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 Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS)? ▼
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 Bielefeld — 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.