Frequently Asked Questions

1. I cannot find an application form. How do I apply?

All of the necessary admissions information and application instructions can be found on our webpage. Be sure to read through all the sub tabs, including “overview” and “application materials”
For Ph.D. applicants: http://www.bigsss-bremen.de/index.php?id=941
For Post-doc applicants: http://www.bigsss-bremen.de/index.php?id=943
For Affiliated Ph.D. applicants: http://www.bigsss-bremen.de/index.php?id=944

2. What are the options for sending my application?

BIGSSS has introduced a new online system where you can upload your application materials online. This is the only accepted way to apply for our Ph.D. and Post-doc program. If you wish to apply for a Ph.D. position, go to http://www.bigsss-bremen.de/index.php?id=1229, for Post-doc Application go to http://www.bigsss-bremen.de/index.php?id=1230

Candidates interested in becoming an Affiliated fellow at BIGSSS, please contact our Admissions Officer at admissions-officer (_a_) bigsss-bremen.de

3. My Master’s program was in English. Do I still have to pass the TOEFL exam or an equivalent exam?

You are exempt from taking the TOEFL, or another test equivalent if:

you are a native speaker of English
you have done your A-levels or have received a degree from a university where the language of instruction was English or officially bi-lingual
you have completed a degree program where the language of instruction was English or officially bi-lingual.

4. What score do I have to reach on the English proficiency test?

TOEFL: 100 internet-based test, 250 computer-based, 600 paper-based
IELTS: Band 7.5
Scores should be no older than two years.
We also accept the CAE and CPE (Cambridge exams)

5. My Master’s Degree was not in the social sciences. Can I still apply to BIGSSS?

We accept all social science and humanities degrees, as well as degrees in statistics and mathematics. All others are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. All applicants must submit a dissertation proposal/research plan which has a social scientific topic. This topic should also relate to one of our five thematic fields.

6. When do I have to finish my Master’s/Ph.D. by in order to be eligible?

Applicants interested in a BIGSSS Ph.D. fellowship must be finished by the end of July. Post-doc candidates must have their dissertations submitted and approved for defense by September 1st.

7. I am interested in a Post-doc fellowship. Can I send publication samples in languages other than English?

You may submit two publications for review. Please send English language publications only.
BIGSSS reserves the right to ask for sample publications from all shortlisted candidates.

8. Can I apply to more than one field?

Yes, you may choose a maximum of two.

9. Can non-EU citizens apply?

Yes, the competition is open to everyone.

10. Is there an age limit for BIGSSS fellowships?

No.

11. Do I have to pay taxes on my stipend?

No, but you will be responsible for paying your own health insurance.

12. Should I choose a supervisor before applying?

An advisor will be chosen after you have been accepted to the program.

13. Do I have to speak German in order to be eligible for a fellowship?

No, the language of instruction at BIGSSS is English.

14. My TOEFL/IELTS scores will not arrive before the deadline. May I send them after the deadline?

We encourage you to submit all other application materials by the deadline. Send us your scores as soon as you get them. We cannot, however, guarantee that your application will be considered.

15. Should my referees send my letters of recommendation via e-mail or by post?

Referees may send letters of recommendation directly to us via e-mail or by post.

If your referees wish to send their letters via e-mail, please alert them to the correct procedures. See the web pages concerning online applications.

BIGSSS reserves the right to ask for hardcopies of all letters sent electronically if an applicant is shortlisted.

16. When can I expect to hear from BIGSSS?

You will be notified if you have been shortlisted by late April.

17. When do I have to be in Bremen if admitted to BIGSSS?

Ph.D. fellows must be in Bremen by the starting date, September 1st 2009. Post-doc fellows may start at a later date.

18. I am not an EU-citizen. If I am admitted to BIGSSS, how early should I start applying for my visa?

You should start as soon as you are accepted to the program as the visa process can be quite lengthy. BIGSSS will try to support you in this process, but it is ultimately your responsibility to obtain the necessary visa in time for the September 1st starting date.

Do you still have questions about the admissions process?
Then please contact the Admissions Officer at admissions-officer (_a_) bigsss-bremen.de