Modern China Studies University of Freiburg
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- EnglishChinese
- Tuition fees
- Tuition varies
- Next application deadline
- 15 July 2027 (winter semester)
- Language level required
- English: C1German: None
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MA
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time, Part-time (study alongside work)
- Intake
- Winter semester
- Joint degree / double degree programme
- No
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
- English
- Chinese
All courses are taught in English with the exception of Chinese language and reading courses, which are partially or entirely in Chinese.
Programme description
The MA in Modern China Studies at the Institute of Chinese Studies, University of Freiburg (Germany), is a two-year, English-language Master's programme with an emphasis on conducting original research. The programme is especially strong in modern Chinese history, society, and culture (twentieth century to the present). Coursework focuses on honing research skills and methods, improving language skills through source readings or translation classes, and an integrated semester abroad. Students also have the opportunity to work for one of the institute's on-going research projects related to modern Chinese history or participate in an internship.
Students are taught by and work with an international group of scholars and have access to a robust research infrastructure that includes local collections (such as the offline collection of the Maoist Legacy project) and the CrossAsia system, which grants access to important online Chinese databases useful for conducting research. More information about the MA programme and how to apply can be found on the website.
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
International elements in the curriculum
The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:
- Language training provided
- International guest lecturers
- Integrated/optional study abroad unit(s)
The third semester is an integrated study semester abroad, either through our direct partnership with Nanjing University, another university in a Chinese-speaking environment, or (optionally, for native Chinese-speaking students) elsewhere in Europe through ERASMUS.
Students can receive credit through participation in an internship with an international organisation, company, or similar entity.
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
EU countries
|
Not specified
|
15 July 2027
| |
Non-EU countries
|
Not specified
|
15 April 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
Minimum admission requirements
- Bachelor's degree with an overall grade of 2.5 or above according to the German system (https://www.tum.de/en/studies/application/grade-conversion-formula-for-grades-earned-outside-germany/) and at least 50% of coursework (60 ECTS) in a social sciences or humanities field
- Knowledge of English and Chinese (details below)
- Chinese nationals must submit a valid "APS-Zertifikat" if their studies were completed at a Chinese university.
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
UNIcert® English
|
Total: UNIcert® III
|
TOEIC
|
Total: 945 / 990
Reading: 455 / 495
Listening: 490 / 495
Writing: 180 / 200
Speaking: 180 / 200
|
TOEFL Essentials
|
Total: 10 / 12
Reading: 10 / 12
Listening: 10 / 12
Writing: 10 / 12
Speaking: 10 / 12
|
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (since 2026)
|
Total: 5 / 6
Reading: 5 / 6
Listening: 5 / 6
Writing: 5 / 6
Speaking: 5 / 6
|
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (before 2026)
|
Total: 100 / 120
Reading: 24 / 30
Listening: 22 / 30
Writing: 24 / 30
Speaking: 25 / 30
|
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
|
Total: 5 / 6
Reading: 5 / 6
Listening: 5 / 6
Writing: 5 / 6
Speaking: 5 / 6
|
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
|
Total: 100 / 120
Reading: 24 / 30
Listening: 22 / 30
Writing: 24 / 30
Speaking: 25 / 30
|
PTE Academic
|
Total: 76 / 90
|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 7 / 9
|
Cambridge English Qualifications
|
Total: C1 Advanced
|
Requirements for other languages
Applicants need to provide proof of Chinese language skills at B2 level or higher.
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
| Applicants from | Tuition fee | |
|---|---|---|
Non-EU countries
|
1,500 EUR
|
Semester contribution
190 EUR per semester:
- Administrative fee: 80 EUR
- Contribution to the constituted student body: 7 EUR
- Contribution to the student union: 103 EUR
Cost of living
Participants must ensure that sufficient funding is available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 850 EUR to 1,000 EUR.
Some details:
- Rooms in private accommodation, including extra costs: 350 EUR – 700 EUR
- Rooms in student residences, including extra costs: 250 EUR – 550 EUR
- Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR per month.
- Health insurance is available for approx. 120 EUR per month.
- Transport: A special student ticket for regional transport costs approx. 96 EUR per semester.
Scholarships and financing information
See sections on exceptions and exemptions from tuition fees on the website: https://uni-freiburg.de/en/studies/during-your-studies/tuition-fees-international-students/.
Living & services
Accommodation
As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable and affordable place to live can take a little while. The University of Freiburg offers all newly enrolled international students the possibility to apply for student housing via the International Office. In addition to these dormitories, which are run by the Studierendenwerk Freiburg (www.swfr.de/en), several independent residence halls are listed on the university website (https://uni-freiburg.de/internationaloffice/housing/). The Studierendenwerk Freiburg and the International Office also offer a list of available private rooms.