Master
German + English
Social Sciences
Near Eastern Studies
Master of Arts (M.A.)
About the Program
The subject matter of the Master's in Near Eastern Studies is getting to know the Middle East from the angle of society, culture and the humanities. It particularly focuses on contacts between Jewish and Muslim cultural and societal formations in the region seen from a synchronic and diachronic perspective. The degree is sponsored equally by the professorships in Islamic Studies at Heidelberg University and the Heidelberg Center for Jewish Studies. It is directed equally at graduates with a bachelor degree in Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies or in related subjects with corresponding source-language elements. It allows for a pronounced interdisciplinary access to the historical diversity of cultural and societal formations within the Middle East region, connecting the methodology of philology and history with that of sociology and the humanities. The course offers students the opportunity to build on their first degree and acquire a further transdisciplinary qualification in the field of Middle East studies through intensive language training in modern Hebrew as well as Arabic, Turkish or Persian, and broaden their knowledge of methods used in the humanities and sociology.
▶ Show the original English text
The subject matter of the Master's in Near Eastern Studies is getting to know the Middle East from the angle of society, culture and the humanities. It particularly focuses on contacts between Jewish and Muslim cultural and societal formations in the region seen from a synchronic and diachronic perspective. The degree is sponsored equally by the professorships in Islamic Studies at Heidelberg University and the Heidelberg Center for Jewish Studies. It is directed equally at graduates with a bachelor degree in Islamic Studies, Jewish Studies or in related subjects with corresponding source-language elements. It allows for a pronounced interdisciplinary access to the historical diversity of cultural and societal formations within the Middle East region, connecting the methodology of philology and history with that of sociology and the humanities. The course offers students the opportunity to build on their first degree and acquire a further transdisciplinary qualification in the field of Middle East studies through intensive language training in modern Hebrew as well as Arabic, Turkish or Persian, and broaden their knowledge of methods used in the humanities and sociology.
Which Professions Does This Program Open Up?
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Near Eastern Studies
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How do I apply to Near Eastern Studies at Universität Heidelberg?
Most international applicants apply via uni-assist (document verification + APS for some countries). Prepare your secondary/Bachelor diploma, transcripts, language certificate (DSH/TestDaF or IELTS/TOEFL), motivation letter and CV. Non-EU students also need a Sperrkonto (~11,904 EUR/year) for the visa.
- Check requirements — Verify your degree is recognised + meet language/grade thresholds.
- Get language certificate — TestDaF / DSH for German programmes, IELTS / TOEFL for English.
- Submit via uni-assist (non-EU) — Document review + APS if your country requires it (China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, etc.).
- Apply directly or via uni portal — Some universities accept direct applications — check the official programme page.
- Open Sperrkonto + apply for visa — After admission, deposit 11,904 EUR, get health insurance, book embassy appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Near Eastern Studies at Universität Heidelberg
Is Near Eastern Studies at Universität Heidelberg taught in German or English? ▼
This Master programme is taught in German + English. Make sure to check the language requirements (e.g. TestDaF, DSH, IELTS or TOEFL) before applying.
How much does the Near Eastern Studies programme cost? ▼
161 EUR / semester. International students should also budget around 800–1000 EUR/month for living costs in Germany.
What are the admission requirements for Near Eastern Studies at Universität Heidelberg? ▼
Typical requirements include: a recognised secondary/undergraduate degree, proof of language proficiency (German + English), and (for non-EU applicants) a uni-assist application plus financial proof (Sperrkonto ~11.904 EUR/year).
When is the application deadline? ▼
Application deadlines vary: winter semester usually closes on 15 July, summer semester on 15 January. Always confirm the exact deadline on the official university website.
Can I work in Germany while studying Near Eastern Studies? ▼
Yes. International students may work up to 140 full days / 280 half days per year without additional permission. After graduation you can apply for an 18-month job-seeker permit.
How do I apply to Universität Heidelberg — directly or via uni-assist? ▼
Most German universities accept international applications through uni-assist for document verification. Some unis accept direct applications — check the programme page on the official site.