Currently, we receive a lot of questions regarding the start of studies in October 2023. Please find 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 12, 10AM, via Cisco Webex (LINK). 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

Please see the information here (LINK) regarding the evaulation process of uni-assist, the Admissions Offices, and the master's program selection officiers.

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

If you have received an email regarding the evaluation of your application from a disciplinary point of view

Currently, we are using all our resources to manage the evaluation process from a disciplinary perspective for ISME applications and the Admissions Office handles admissions for the entire university. Please understand that right now we are unable to issue individual letters for visa processes or scholarship applications etc.; please be patient until you have official admission.

We know that this may mean that your visa may be delayed and you may not begin your studies until later in the semester; we have experience with this and, as much as possible, allow our students a flexible start to their studies, possibly online/hybrid in the first few weeks. However, we cannot guarantee synchronous remote access to the courses. Also, you would have to check with each individual lecturer of the courses in which you intend to participate regarding this matter.

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 2023; otherwise, your spot in our program will be forfeited and you would have to reapply – also, there will be no first-semester admissions in the summer semester 2024. 

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 2024 again, then. Here you can already find the provisional course catalogue for winter 2023; some courses are yet to be published (LINK). (Note: You would always have to check with the individual lecturers regarding their courses.)

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, so the module "Studying the Middle East" and at least one course from "Interdisciplinary Perspectives" plus one course from either of the modules Reading the Middle East OR Reading the Middle East Through Its Languages, depending on whether you would like to study original sources or not. Here you can already find the provisional course catalogue for winter 2023; some courses are yet to be published (LINK). (Note: You would always have to check with the individual lecturers regarding their courses.)

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 of the module "Studying the Middle East" when you begin your studies – the rest depends on individual choices. Here you can already find the provisional course catalogue for winter 2023; some courses are yet to be published (LINK).

Leave of absence

Please also check whether a leave of absence would be an option for you (LINK). 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. 

Please also see this website regarding studying at Freie Universität Berlin in general (LINK).

Already in the mood of registering for courses?

See in this video how the campus management works (LINK).

Want more?

Follow our step-by-step guide (also here LINK) to easily start your studies on campus in Berlin.

Step 1: Check ISME website

• Review the ISME program website for information about the program, courses, faculty, events, etc.

Step 2: Complete enrollment formalities

• Respond to your admission letter by the deadline stated to confirm you will be enrolling.Inform ISME about your intended enrollment.
• Pay any required enrollment fees by the relevant deadline.
• Submit any other required enrollment documents by the deadline.
• Check if you need to apply for a student visa.

Step 3: Set up student accounts

• Set up your university email address, intranet/portal account, and any other student accounts required.

Step 4: Arrange housing

• Research housing options in Berlin. Student dorms, shared apartments, and private rentals are common options.
• Apply for housing well in advance. The market is highly competitive!

Step 5: Get settled in Berlin

• Arrange travel to Berlin.
• Set up your housing.
• Complete any residency registration required.
• Open a German bank account if needed.
• Create and validate your Campuscard for public transport options.
• Make sure you can access your student email and accounts before orientation.
• Use only your @fu-berlin.de mail for communication within Freie Universität.

Step 6: Inform yourselves about courses and regulations

• Read study and exam regulations.
• Find courses in the course catalog that meet your modules.
• Pay attention to special registration procedures for some departments or central units (e.g. for German courses from the language center)

Step 7: Attend orientation events

• If you are an international students, attend central orientation for international students on October 4, 2023, 10 AM, Audimax in the Henry Ford building.
• Attend ISME program orientation on October 12, 2023, 10 AM, online.
• Attend ISME collective office hours on October 19, 2023, 10 AM, online – here you may already meet students from the other cohorts.

Step 8: Set up campus technology access

• Set up access to the university WiFi network (eduroam).
• Set up remote access via VPN or ZEDAT proxy if needed.
• Watch the introduction to the campus management video.

Step 9: Register for courses

• Registration period is Oct 2 – Nov 3, 2023.
• Indicate course preferences by Oct 13 for limited capacity courses – usually all of the courses in ISME.
• Only ISME courses can be directly registered via the campus management.
• Check whether you have been allocated to your desired courses by Oct 14.
• Register for free spots from Oct 14 – Nov 3, 2023.
• Check course status regularly in case of cancellations.
• Withdraw from unneeded courses to free up spaces, until Nov 3, 2023.
• Check wehther you are enrolled for the relevant courses in the blackboard which is the learning management system of Freie Universität; otherwise contact the relevant lecturer. Course materials and communications may soleley be processes through blackboard, so make sure to have access to all of your courses.

Step 10: Begin classes

• Classes will begin the week of October 16, 2023. Be sure to attend from day one!