Currently, we receive a lot of questions regarding the start of studies in October 2021. Please finde answers to the most frequently addressed topics below.

We would also like to draw your attention to the introduction to our program for newly enrolled students (incl. Q&A session; it will take place online on October 11, 11 AM (Berlin time): https://www.geschkult.fu-berlin.de/en/e/ma-isme/calendar/introduction_winter_2021.html  We will explain course registration matters then and give you information on the modules Studying the Middle East and Interdisciplinary Perspectives, which are the two main modules of the first semester. Please also check the course catalogue.

Regarding the status of your application

For questions regarding the admission process, please contact zulassung-international@fu-berlin.de

Regarding registration/enrollment

For questions regarding the registration process, please contact info-service@fu-berlin.de

Regarding deferring admission

You would definitely have to enroll for winter 2021; otherwise, your spot in our program will be forfeited and you would have to reapply – also, there will be no admissions in the summer semester 2022. 

Our first-semester and introductory courses are only offered in the winter term, so you will only be able to take these courses in winter 2022, then. However, some of our courses will be offered online in winter 2021, so you may be able to still participate in some courses (under the condition that you enroll). Here you can already find the provisional course catalogue for winter 2021/2022: https://www.fu-berlin.de/vv/en/modul?sm=653109&id=630120

Regarding the status of your registration/enrollment 

You are not required to take any specific number of courses per semester – the exemplary study plan, however, is designed for studying full-time over the course of two years, which results in taking courses of around 30 ECTS per semester. So: Your registration/enrollment does not depend on how many courses you take or if you take any courses at all.

We would highly recommend to start with our introductory courses when you begin your studies. Some of our courses will be offered online in winter 2021, so you may be able to still participate in some courses (under the condition that you enroll). Here you can already find the provisional course catalogue for winter 2021/2022: https://www.fu-berlin.de/vv/en/modul?sm=653109&id=630120

Studying flexibly

We always support our students in studying as flexible as possible; you are not required to take any specific number of courses, but we would highly recommend to start with our introductory courses when you begin your studies. Some of our courses will be offered online in winter 2021, so you may be able to still participate in some courses (under the condition that you enroll). Here you can already find the provisional course catalogue for winter 2021/2022: https://www.fu-berlin.de/vv/en/modul?sm=653109&id=630120

Leave of absence

Please also check whether a leave of absence would be an option for your: https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/studium/studienorganisation/immatrikulation/rueckmeldung/urlaubssemester/index.html We know that is says there that usually leave of absence is not accepted in the first semester, but we have been informed that due to the pandemic situation, you may simply make your case and we would definitely support you (e.g. through a statement if necessary) should you choose this option.

Private matters of studying in Berlin

As academic advisors, we (isme@geschkult.fu-berlin,de) are not involved in private matters of registration/enrollment (such as health insurance, payment of fees) or the status of you as a student in Berlin (regarding accommodation, part-time working, visa issues), but you may find relevant information on the websites of Freie Universität and you may inquire general information from info-service@fu-berlin.de.