To apply, you need a bacehlor's degree (180 ECTS min.), including ~60 ECTS in Middle East–related coursework, B1 in one relevant program language (Arabic, Armenian, Hebrew, Kurdish, Ottoman, Persian, Syriac-Aramaic, or Turkish), and C1 English.

Accepted language proofs

English — C1

• IELTS 7.0+
• TOEFL iBT 95+
• Cambridge C1 Advanced / C2 Proficiency
• PTE Academic 76+
• DAAD English C1
• UNIcert III
• Erasmus Language Test C1
• university language-centre C1 certificate
• completed C1 university course
• degree programme requiring C1 English
• German Abitur English, 12+ points

Program language — B1

Arabic · Armenian · Hebrew · Kurdish · Ottoman · Persian · Syriac-Aramaic · Turkish

You can demonstrate B1 through:

• transcript or module description showing B1
• certificate from a university language centre or accredited language institution
• documentation of course duration/intensity if the level is not explicitly stated
• bachelor’s degree taught in one of these languages
• secondary-school diploma taught in one of these languages

Native speakers still need one of the forms of documentation above; citizenship alone is not sufficient.

Selection

Eligible applicants are ranked using three criteria.

1. Academic record

up to 60 points

Better grades receive more points.
→ Exact conversion table: official regulations

2. Middle East studies background

up to 45 points

Points are based on relevant ECTS in Arabic Studies, Iranian Studies, Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies, Ottoman Studies/Turcology, Semitic Studies, or equivalent fields.

60 ECTS is the minimum required to apply.

Relevant ECTS	Points
70–79	20
80–89	25
90–99	30
100–109	35
110–119	40
120+	45

3. Additional qualifications

up to 45 points

Qualification	Maximum
Relevant work experience	20 pts
Continuing education	15 pts
Other relevant qualifications	10 pts

Evidence may include: contracts, reference letters, certificates, institutional documentation, publications, significant volunteer work, relevant projects, or language certificates.

Application

Application period
Usually mid-April–May 31

Admission decisions
Usually by the end of July

Program start
October · winter semester only

→ Apply through the FU Berlin's application portal

Degree obtained outside Germany?
Complete VPD first and allow roughly 6–8 weeks.

Applications usually open in mid-April and close on May 31. Decisions are usually available by the end of July, and studies begin in October. Winter intake only.

Apply through the FU Berlin's application portal

If your degree is from outside Germany, complete VPD first and allow roughly 6–8 weeks

Documents

Required

• bachelor’s degree, including diploma supplement
• transcript showing your 60+ relevant ECTS
• English certificate — C1
• program-language certificate — B1

Recommended

• CV, especially if claiming work experience or additional qualifications
• motivation letter — max. 500 words, especially when applying with a degree from beyond Middle East studies
• brief notes on coursework if transcript titles such as “philosophy” or “linguistics” do not clearly show the Middle East connection

Not required

• recommendation letters
• writing samples
• publications
• thesis proposal

Documents not issued in English or German require official translations.