Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is eligible for BAGSS?

Applicants should hold a master’s degree or an equivalent in one of the following fields: sociology, psychology, educational sciences, political science, economics, demographics, or statistics. Qualified graduates of related subjects with a strong social science background and with a research proposal fitting into BAGSS’s research profile are also encouraged to apply.

Applicants must have an excellent command of English. If English is not your native tongue, you will need to provide an English language proficiency proof when being shortlisted and invited for an interview.

2. I didn’t complete my degree yet. Can I still apply?

Applicants should be very close to completion of their degree. The degree must be completed by the time of admission to BAGSS. Applicants should submit preliminary transcripts of records.

3. How can I apply?

You can apply online here.
Please note that we cannot accept other forms of application.

4. When can I apply?

The next calls will be open at the following times:
•    for winter term 2013/14:    March 1, 2013 – June 2, 2013
•    for winter term 2014/15:    Dec. 1, 2013 – April 30, 2014
•    for winter term 2015/16:    Dec. 1, 2014 – April 30, 2015
•    for winter term 2016/17:    Dec. 1, 2015 – April 30, 2016

5. What can I do if I missed the deadline?

Unfortunately, we cannot consider applications after the deadline for the respective semester. Feel free to submit a new application in the next application period.

6. What are the accepted documents types?

We can only accept applications submitted as a SINGLE PDF document. You can find a free pdf creator here: www.pdfforge.org/download

7. Why do my application documents need to be saved as pdf in the following order:

1. Cover letter     
2. Curriculum Vitae    
3. One page abstract    
4. Dissertation exposé    
5. Scan of all your academic degree certificate(s) and all university grade transcripts    
6. Statement on knowledge of research methods    
7. Proof of English skills (if availabe)

Our database screens applications automatically. Please stick to the requested ordering so that we can process your application.

8. By whom and how should my recommendation letters be sent?

The letters of recommendation have to be submitted by the recommenders, NOT the applicants. Please ask your recommender to send the letter as scan via e-mail to admissions.bagss@uni-bamberg.de or via snail mail to:

BAGSS
Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg
96052 Bamberg
(Germany)

When sending the recommendation via e-mail, recommenders are asked to use his or her official university mail address. Ideally, the recommendation letter is written on university letter head and is signed, sealed and has then be attached as a scan to the e-mail.

9. Do I need a proof of my English skills?

After the application deadline, shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. Shortlisted candidates need to provide an English language proficiency proof. BAGSS accepts TOEFL, IELTS, or CAE scores or certificates. Applicants who wrote a master thesis in English can provide a copy of their thesis.

Naturally, if you have a test result or certificate at hand when submitting your application, feel free to add it to your documents.

10. What is the required minimum English test score to be admitted to BAGSS?

For the Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English (CAE) and the UNIcert III a pass is sufficient, the TOEFL ibt score should be at least 95, and the IELTS band score should be at least 7.

11. Do I have to translate all my documents?

Only documents not being issued in German or English need to be translated. All other languages should be translated. You can choose whether to translate your documents to German or English. The translation needs to be done by a certified translator.

12. Do I have to choose one Pillar?

Yes. Applicants are expected to evaluate their research proposal and determine the pillar which fits their topic. More than one pillar can be chosen if your topic fits into several pillars.

13. Is there any financial support?

Yes. In every application round up to 16 doctoral positions or scholarships are being awarded. Remuneration for the doctoral positions is based on Grade E 13 TV-L (50%) of the German Public Service Salary Scale. There is a teaching obligation of two hours per week for ONE semester. The scholarships amounts to 1,262.00 EUR per month plus a grant for material costs, adding up to a total of 1,365.00 EUR per month, plus family allowances and child-care expenses in accordance with the DFG guidelines where applicable.  

14. Do I need a health insurance?

Admitted candidates who receive a doctoral position do not need an additional health insurance. Candidates who were awarded a scholarship do need to get a health insurance.

15. Are there any tuition fees at BAGSS?

No. A small administrative fee has to be paid every semester when being enrolled; it currently amounts to 73.00 EUR and includes free public transport in Bamberg, reduced prices in campus cafeterias, and other student reductions.

16. Is there any opportunity to gather experience in academic teaching?

Admitted candidates who are awarded a doctoral position have to teach a course of two weekly semesters hours in at least one of six semesters. BAGSS offers higher education didactic courses for this purpose. For scholarship holders who are interested in gaining teaching experience the BAGSS office will arrange – not necessarily paid – teaching opportunities.

17. How can I find accommodation in Bamberg?

Foreign candidates who arrive in Germany for the first time will be supported by the Welcome Center of the University in Bamberg. The Welcome Center will help finding furnished rooms. German candidates are recommended to browse the website of the local newspaper “Fränkischer Tag” and the usual German websites. We recommend to start the search for accommodation soon, since the demand on the rental market might be quite high at the start of  the winter term.