Applying to the Graduate Program: U.S. Applicants

The Department of German Studies welcomes all applicants to our Graduate program. Please carefully read through the information provided below before you begin the application process. U.S. Applicants are United States citizens, permanent residents, and immigrants.

Preparing to Apply

The Department strongly encourages prospective applicants to carefully research and examine the guidelines for graduate admission, before beginning the process of applying. If you have questions regarding basic Graduate School admission policies, please contact the Graduate School Program Coordinator. If you have department-related questions please email our graduate assistant at uwgerman@u.washington.edu.

Visit the Graduate Admission Information site for valuable information regarding how the University of Washington handles graduate applications and for on-line application procedures.

Testing

GRE scores are not required for the admissions review process.

Applying

When you have read through the guidelines for graduate admission and determined yourself eligible for admittance to the UW Graduate School and the Department of German Studies graduate program, you will then begin the actual application procedure.

PLEASE NOTE: All applicants must submit a signed copy of the on-line application to the Department of German Studies.

UW Graduate School Application:

Complete online application: https://apply.grad.uw.edu/portal/gr_app

Department of German Studies Application:

Please prepare the following documents: 

1. A complete set of official transcripts (certified and translated as applicable)
2. Three letters of recommendation (Please submit online. We do not provide forms for the recommendations.  Recommendation letters can be in German or English).
3. A statement of purpose describing your background, training and degree objectives. An optional personal statement may also be submitted. This statement provides an opportunity to let the admissions committee know about educational, cultural or economic disadvantages you may have experienced.
4. A writing sample (For an MA applicant, the writing sample should be a 8-10 pp. critical paper or part of a thesis paper. For those applying for the Ph.D., it should be 10-30 pp. Papers can be in German or English.)
5. Complete and submit signed and dated Teaching Assistantship Application (PDF)

    

   Please send the Teaching Assistantship Application as attachments to uwgerman@uw.edu. Submit the transcripts, letters of recommendation, statement of purpose and the writing sample, as part of your online application. 

PLEASE NOTE: Applications must be received by January 15, 2025. If you are impacted by the novel coronavirus and are unable to complete your application by the deadline, please contact us at uwgerman@uw.edu, and ask if an extension is possible.

Notification

Applicants can expect to be notified that they have received a Fellowship or Teaching Assistantship by April 15th. The official letters of acceptance (sent by the Graduate School) arrive in May. If you have not heard from the Graduate School by July 1st, please contact the German Studies Department.