Humboldt Universität Berlin - PhilosophyMasters (Graduate Fellowship & Assistantship)
Posted July 29, 2026
About this opportunity
Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin offers graduate funding for Master's students in Philosophy, combining fellowship and assistantship support. The university is one of Germany's oldest and most prestigious institutions, founded in 1810 by Wilhelm von Humboldt. It has produced more Nobel laureates than any other German university, with alumni including Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, and G.W.F. Hegel. The philosophy department continues this tradition, with strengths in theoretical philosophy, practical philosophy, and the history of philosophy. The funding package typically combines a monthly stipend with a graduate assistantship, meaning you work part-time within the department while pursuing your degree. This structure gives you both financial support and teaching or research experience. Assistantship duties often include leading discussion sections, supporting faculty research, or helping organize departmental events. The stipend portion covers living costs, while the assistantship provides professional development. Berlin itself is a major draw. The city has a lower cost of living than most Western European capitals, with student housing and public transportation both affordable. Rent for a room in a shared apartment typically runs between 400 and 600 euros per month. The city's cultural scene is unmatched, with world-class museums, galleries, and music venues, many offering student discounts. English is widely spoken, though learning German will help both your daily life and your academic work. This funding is competitive and aimed at students with strong academic records in philosophy or related fields. The application process runs through the university's central admissions system, and funding decisions are tied to admission status. International students are welcome to apply, and the university provides support for visa and enrollment procedures.
Benefits
- Monthly stipend to cover living expenses in Berlin
- Graduate assistantship position within the philosophy department
- Teaching or research experience alongside your studies
- Access to university facilities, libraries, and research resources
- Enrollment at one of Germany's leading research universities
- Support for visa and enrollment procedures for international students
Eligibility
- Open to applicants with a Bachelor's degree in philosophy or a related field
- Strong academic record required
- Must apply for admission to the Master's program in Philosophy at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- International students eligible to apply
- German language proficiency may be required for teaching assistantship duties
Required Documents
- Completed application for admission to the Master's program
- Academic transcripts from previous studies
- Bachelor's degree certificate
- Statement of purpose or research interest
- Letters of recommendation
- Proof of language proficiency (German and/or English, depending on program requirements)
How to Apply
- Prepare your application materials, including transcripts, degree certificate, statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.
- Submit your application for admission to the Master's program in Philosophy at Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin through the university's central admissions portal.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Ready to start your application?
Submit your materials before the official deadline.
Verify all official guidelines and eligibility criteria directly with the host institution before submitting. Prepare your transcript evaluation, referee letters, and motivational statement early to avoid deadline bottleneck delays.
Official Application Strategy & Recommended Tools
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in Germany to Humboldt Universität Berlin's strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.



