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Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen
PhD German + English

International PhD Programme Literary and Cultural StudiesInternational PhD Programme (IPP) Literary and Cultural Studies

Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen Gießen · Hesse

Application Requirements

Students wishing to apply to the IPP "Literary and Cultural Studies" must hold a university degree in Literary Studies (e.g. German Studies, English/American Studies, Romance Studies, Slavic Studies, Comparative Literary Studies, Theatre Studies) with a GPA (average/final grade) well above average. Applicants should either hold a "Diplom", "Magister", "Erstes Staatsexamen" or Master's degree if obtained in Germany or a university degree equivalent to the German Master of Arts with thesis if obtained abroad. Furthermore, sound knowledge in either English or German is required.

Language Requirements

For most disciplinary areas, the language of the dissertation and the dissertation defence is either German or English. The PhD Committee may accept the language of your respective discipline (i.e., French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese) as well. Even if the language of the dissertation is other than German, basic skills in German need to be acquired in the course of your studies. The IPP offers courses and training in German, English, and French. We would warmly advise you, however, to acquire a basic knowledge of German before coming to Giessen.

How do I apply to International PhD Programme Literary and Cultural Studies at Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen?

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 International PhD Programme Literary and Cultural Studies at Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen

Is International PhD Programme Literary and Cultural Studies at Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen 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 International PhD Programme Literary and Cultural Studies 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 International PhD Programme Literary and Cultural Studies at Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen? ▼

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 International PhD Programme Literary and Cultural Studies? ▼

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 Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen — 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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