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Freie Universität Berlin
Master English

Interdisciplinary Studies of the Middle East (ISME)

Freie Universität Berlin Berlin · Berlin

Application Requirements

To be eligible for admission to the Master’s programme, you need to fulfil the following requirements: 1. You must hold a first university degree (e.g. a Bachelor’s degree) comprising at least 180 credit points (ECTS) and you must have EITHER earned 60 ECTS or more of this first degree in courses that are relevant to interdisciplinary studies of the Middle East in the sense of cultural studies in fields such as Arabic Studies, Iranian Studies, Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies, Semitic Studies, or Turkish and Ottoman Studies OR acquired equivalent qualifications in addition to the first university degree (e.g. education other than a university programme, professional experience, knowledge of relevant languages). 2. You must provide proof of proficiency in one of the following languages: Arabic, Armenian, Hebrew, Kurdish, Ottoman, Persian, Syrian-Aramaic, or Turkish. See further details below. 3. You must provide proof of excellent English language skills. See details below. For an explanation of the admission process, please visit the programme website or refer to the detailed admission regulations.

Language Requirements

You must provide proof of proficiency (at least level B1 CEFR or equivalent) in one of the following languages: Arabic, Armenian, Hebrew, Kurdish, Ottoman, Persian, Syrian-Aramaic, or Turkish. This requirement pertains to native speakers, too; being subject to a specific state (i.e. being a national of any country) is NOT equivalent to an academic language proof. See the details on the ISME website. You must provide proof of excellent English language skills (at least level C1 CEFR) if you have not obtained your first university degree in a programme where English is the language of instruction. No German language proficiency is required, though it is recommended (and possible) to learn German during the programme, and German language skills definitely give students an advantage in getting along in Berlin and at Freie Universität.

How do I apply to Interdisciplinary Studies of the Middle East (ISME) at Freie Universität Berlin?

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 Interdisciplinary Studies of the Middle East (ISME) at Freie Universität Berlin

Is Interdisciplinary Studies of the Middle East (ISME) at Freie Universität Berlin taught in German or English? ▼

This Master 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 Interdisciplinary Studies of the Middle East (ISME) 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 Interdisciplinary Studies of the Middle East (ISME) at Freie Universität Berlin? ▼

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 Interdisciplinary Studies of the Middle East (ISME)? ▼

Yes. International students may work up to 140 working days a year without additional permission (a day of up to 4 hours counts as half a day). After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.

How do I apply to Freie Universität Berlin — 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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