How to Apply

To apply to our program you will need to submit your application to the Rackham Graduate School. For your convenience, the Rackham Application Checklist will assist you in completing the steps in the application process. In addition to following the steps identified in the Checklist, follow the instructions that appear throughout the application. Please note that there are differences in requirements for domestic and international applicants. Following the instructions will allow the processing of your application to be handled with minimal delays.

Application materials are due January 10.

Timing of the Decision

The Graduate Faculty of Germanic Languages & Literatures (GLL) will review applications and make decisions on admission promptly after the admission deadline and you will be informed about the outcome of your application by email.

Application Fee

The application fee is $75.00 for domestic applicants (U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents) and $90.00 for international applicants (non-U.S. Citizens who are not Permanent Residents).

Application Fee Waivers

Rackham administers fee waivers. To qualify you must meet the requirements for a specific fee waiver listed on the following website. One Rackham administered fee waiver is allowed per applicant.

If you've participated in a Sneak Peek event hosted by the German Department, you may be eligible for a fee waiver from our department. Please contact german.graduate.program@umich.edu or call 734.936.0150.

Application Requirements

Please follow the detailed instructions in the sections below to submit your application.

Transcript(s)

Please follow the instructions listed here for our transcripts requirements.

An electronic unofficial transcript should be submitted via the online application in ApplyWeb.

A hardcopy official transcript will only need to be submitted to the Rackham Graduate School after you have been accepted to our program.

Applicants that are attending/graduated from a U.S. Institution

Upload an electronic version of your unofficial transcript(s) for each Bachelor's, Master's, Professional, or Doctoral degree earned, or in progress, through your application account. Do not submit any transcripts from a community or junior college, non-degree, or study abroad coursework. Do not upload academic reports printed from your school's website or student portal.
If you are recommended for admission, the Rackham Graduate School will require official transcript(s). Recommended applicants will receive an email notification when the official transcript(s) are required for submission.

Applicants that are attending/graduated from a NON U.S. Institution

Submit required documents from each institution attended, including non-degree and study abroad. Review the Required Academic Credentials from Non-U.S. Institutions for requirements by country.

Test Scores

Submit the following electronically through the online application.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Applicants whose native language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency.

Applicants are required to provide an official score report from either the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB), the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing Systems (IELTS), or the Examination for the Certificate of Proficiency in English (ECPE).

Applicants who have earned a degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English, (e.g. U.S., United Kingdom, Canada) are exempt from submitting a MELAB or TOEFL score.

Be sure to include our Institution code of 1839 when sending your TOEFL scores.

GRE Test Scores

The General GRE Test is NOT required.

Additional Required Application Materials

Statement of Purpose

A clearly labeled academic and intellectual Statement of Purpose about your academic and research background, your career goals, and how our program will help you meet your career and educational objectives. Please limit this statement to a 500-1,000 word limit.

Personal Statement

A clearly labeled biographical Personal Statement about your personal background and life experiences, including social, cultural, familial, educational, and other opportunities or challenges, which motivated your decision to pursue a graduate degree at the University of Michigan. Please limit this statement to a 500-1,000 word limit.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Writing Samples

2 samples of academic writing that are representative of your current or recent research.
Writing samples may be written in either German or English, though at least one should be in English and students are encouraged to submit writing that best demonstrates their intellectual capabilities

Three letters of recommendation

Please register your recommenders on the recommender listing application page.
You can submit your application prior to the submission of all three letters of recommendation.
For International students, your letters of recommendation and your transcript(s) may be submitted in either English or German.

Contact Information

If you have questions about the application process (application requirements, GRE test score requirements, deadlines, status of your application's review), please contact our department by email at german.graduate.program@umich.edu or call 734.936.0150. Please note that the university is closed December 25-January 2.

If you or your recommender need technical assistance regarding the application or recommendation system, please email ApplyWeb at help@applyweb.com. Include the following information: user name, full name, email address, and phone number. Please allow 24 hours for a response.

Rackham Admissions provides information on its website about English language proficiency, how to set up a Friend Account, missing test scores, and incorrect information on your application record. Please do not follow the directions on Rackham's website regarding transcripts. The instructions listed here are the correct instructions.

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