Which Phase should I apply for?
Please find details about the BMS PhD program and the two phases here: https://www.math-berlin.de/students/program-information
In general, students who already hold a master's degree that is recognized in Germany should apply directly for Phase II. Generally speaking, master's degrees with a duration of two years and which are completed with a master's thesis are recognized in Germany with few exceptions.
If you would like to apply for Phase I to gain more mathematical knowledge before starting your PhD research, you should explain this in detail in your Personal Statement. We check all applications and degrees thoroughly before the Admissions Committee begins their evaluation. In certain cases, the Admissions Committee decides to move applications from Phase I to Phase II, if the candidate was qualified for Phase II as well. If this happens, we will inform you accordingly after the deadline.
If you apply for Phase I with a master's degree, please keep in mind the following:
You need to upload your master's degree and transcripts as well as your bachelor's degree and transcripts.
It is recommended that you also upload a research statement as an additional document. In case your application is moved to Phase II, the BMS will request a research statement.
If you have applied for Phase II but your master’s degree is not recognized in Germany for PhD studies, the Admissions Committee will consider your application for Phase I. If this happens, we will inform you accordingly after the deadline.
You cannot submit two applications in the same application period, so you cannot apply for both phases.
If you apply for Phase I with a master's degree, you should of course also upload your master's degree and transcripts as well as your bachelor's degree and transcripts.
Can I upload my bachelor's/ master's thesis as an additional document?
We download every application as one compiled pdf, therefore we ask you kindly to not upload your thesis to the application. Instead, please add a link to it to your CV and/ or upload the abstract or summary of your thesis together with the link as an additional document.
Do I need to upload all of my university transcripts/ all pages incl. the grading scale?
Yes, please upload all transcripts from your university studies. Please also remember to add the backside of the transcript if it shows the grading scale as we will need this information to convert your grades to the German grading system.
I studied in an English speaking country and/or my transcript shows the language of instruction is English. Can I upload my transcript again as the proof of English proficiency?
We download every application as one compiled pdf, therefore we ask you kindly to not upload any document twice to your application. If the medium of instruction during your university studies is or was English, please either upload a letter from your university confirming this fact or upload a statement by yourself referring to your transcript where this information can be verified.
Do I need to submit an APS certificate?
No. An APS certificate is not required by the BMS for an application to the BMS PhD Program.
Do I need to send hard copies of my documents by post?
No. Please simply upload all the necessary documents to your online application. If your documents are neither in English nor in German, you must also upload official translations in one of those languages. Should your application be successful and you accept a study place at the BMS, you must bring all academic documents (together with official English or German translations if that applies to you) in their original format in order to enroll at one of the three universities.
Why can I not access my online application form anymore?
Once an applicant has submitted the application electronically, he/she cannot access it anymore. However, it is possible to check the application again by logging into the BMS website and clicking on “PhD Application Check” in the left menu bar.
