Information for students currently enrolled in a different master's program

The Key Point

ISME is a restricted admission program (NC). This means that being enrolled at Freie Universität – even in the same department – does not give you automatic or preferential access to ISME. Every interested applicant must go through the regular application process.

How Admission Works

ISME uses a competitive ranking system. All applications are ranked according to defined selection criteria – regardless of whether applicants are currently enrolled at FU or elsewhere. Only the 30 highest-ranked applicants receive a letter of admission.

There is no separate track or reserved quota for internal FU students.

The Application Process

• When: April/May each year

• For: Enrollment in the following winter semester

• Basis: You apply on the basis of your bachelor's degree, not your current master's enrollment

What You Can Do While Waiting

If you are currently enrolled in another master's program – especially within the Department of History and Cultural Studies – you can use this time strategically:

1. Take ISME modules now. You may be able to enroll in ISME courses as a student from a related program. Check with the relevant instructors and your own program coordinator.

2. Acquire transferable qualifications. Complete modules in your current program that are thematically close to ISME content. These may be recognized later. Check with the academic advisors.

3. Apply for a higher semester. If you have already completed relevant coursework of at least 30 ECTS per semester, you may be able to enter ISME in the 2nd or 3rd semester instead of starting from the beginning.

Applying for a Higher Semester

If you want to apply for admission to a higher semester (2nd, 3rd, etc.), you must provide proof of qualifications equivalent to ISME modules:

• 2nd semester: 30 ECTS equivalent to ISME qualifications

• 3rd semester: 60 ECTS equivalent to ISME qualifications

• And so on: 30 ECTS per semester

About Transferring Qualifications

Important: We can only decide on the recognition and transfer of previously acquired qualifications after you have been successfully admitted to ISME. We cannot guarantee in advance which modules will be recognized.

In Summary

1. You must apply through the regular admission process in April/May.

2. All applicants are ranked competitively – FU enrollment does not provide an advantage.

3. Only 30 places are available each year.

4. Use your current enrollment to prepare by taking ISME or ISME-related modules.

5. Recognition of prior qualifications is decided only after admission.

Questions?

Contact the ISME academic advisors: isme@geschkult.fu-berlin.de