Summary: The Berlin Mathematical School (BMS), the graduate school of the Cluster of Excellence MATH+, offers doctoral positions and scholarships for outstanding international and domestic students to pursue a PhD in mathematics at one of Berlin’s three premier universities.
Overview & Key Details
| Program | Berlin Mathematical School (BMS) PhD Program |
|---|---|
| Designation | PhD Fellow / Doctoral Candidate |
| Research Area | Mathematics (Pure and Applied Mathematics) |
| Location | Berlin, Germany (Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Technische Universität Berlin) |
| Application Fee | None |
| Application Deadline | Check official portal (Recommendation letters due 1 week post-deadline) |
| Application Portal | fis.mathplus.de |
Scholarship Description
The Berlin Mathematical School (BMS) is a joint graduate school of the mathematics departments of the three major Berlin universities: Freie Universität Berlin (FU), Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin (HU), and Technische Universität Berlin (TU). Supported through the MATH+ Cluster of Excellence under Germany’s Excellence Strategy, BMS provides a comprehensive, structured doctoral curriculum covering the entire spectrum of mathematics.
The program offers two tracks:
- Phase I: A preparatory phase primarily aimed at students entering with a bachelor’s degree, covering coursework leading toward doctoral research qualifying exams.
- Phase II: Dedicated doctoral dissertation research for applicants entering with an eligible master’s degree in mathematics or related fields.
Eligibility & Qualification
- Academic Background: A recognized bachelor’s degree (for Phase I entry) or a master’s degree (for Phase II entry) in mathematics or a closely related discipline.
- English Proficiency: Proof of English language proficiency is required (or a university verification if the medium of instruction was English in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA).
- Academic Transcripts: Complete university transcripts, including grading scales/keys, for conversion to the German grading scale.
- APS Certificate: Not required at the time of application, but mandatory prior to enrollment for degree holders from China, India, or Vietnam.
- Supervisor Contact: Phase II applicants do not need to contact a supervisor prior to applying, but should identify prospective BMS faculty members in their application.
Required Documents
All documents must be uploaded via the online portal as digital copies (official translations are required if documents are not in English or German):
- Personal Statement / Motivation Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- All university transcripts and degree certificates (including grading scale)
- Proof of English proficiency
- Research statement detailing a proposed doctoral project (Phase II applicants only)
- Contact details for two recommenders (letters submitted directly by recommenders)
- Note: Do not upload complete theses; instead, link them in your CV or upload an abstract/summary.
Letters of Recommendation
Applicants must provide contact information for exactly two recommenders. Upon submission of the application, recommenders will receive an automated link to upload confidential recommendation letters. Letters uploaded directly by the applicant are not accepted.
How to Apply
- Visit the official BMS application portal at fis.mathplus.de/registration.
- Create an account and sign in to the platform.
- Click on your name to begin the BMS PhD application form.
- Fill in personal details, select preferred research faculty, and submit your CV, transcripts, motivation letter, and recommender information.
- Submit the completed application electronically before the closing deadline.
Last Date for Apply
Applications are submitted during active application rounds via the BMS registration portal. Recommenders have a grace period of up to one week after the application deadline to upload their confidential letters.
For further guidelines and to submit your application, visit the BMS Application Portal.
