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Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn
Bachelor German 👥 Social Sciences

Comparative Literature

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn 📍 Bonn · North Rhine-Westphalia

About the Program

Comparative literature is the study of literatures in their transnational, intercultural and cross-media relationships and thus extends beyond literary criticism in the narrower sense as well as the horizon of individual philologies. The object of its study is world literature. Specifically, comparative literature examines the international reception of literary works, of authors, the varieties of intertextuality, the emergence of transcultural form and genre conventions, the interrelationships between various artistic and cultural systems of symbols (e.g. literature and painting, literature and film, literature and music). An essential characteristic of work in the field of comparative literature is that it crosses all kinds of boundaries: It crosses the boundaries between individual languages and cultures and it crosses boundaries between literature and other forms of art, other media and other forms of knowledge. This subject must be combined with a second subject.
▶ Show the original English text
Comparative literature is the study of literatures in their transnational, intercultural and cross-media relationships and thus extends beyond literary criticism in the narrower sense as well as the horizon of individual philologies. The object of its study is world literature. Specifically, comparative literature examines the international reception of literary works, of authors, the varieties of intertextuality, the emergence of transcultural form and genre conventions, the interrelationships between various artistic and cultural systems of symbols (e.g. literature and painting, literature and film, literature and music). An essential characteristic of work in the field of comparative literature is that it crosses all kinds of boundaries: It crosses the boundaries between individual languages and cultures and it crosses boundaries between literature and other forms of art, other media and other forms of knowledge. This subject must be combined with a second subject.

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Subjects / Topic Areas

Comparative Literature

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💡 How do I apply to Comparative Literature at Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn?

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 Comparative Literature at Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn

Is Comparative Literature at Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn 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 Comparative Literature 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 Comparative Literature at Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn? ▼

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 Comparative Literature? ▼

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 Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn — 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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