PhD Germanic Languages and Literatures at Harvard University

Programme overview

Flexibility is the key strength of the Germanic languages and literatures program. While your focus will be on German literature and cultural studies, your individual coursework will often include comparative literature, art, philosophy, film studies, musicology, and history of science. You may be part of a student group that organizes the Germanic Circle, which offers presentations by graduate students from other programs and occasionally thematic workshops.

Faculty: Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences | Department: Germanic Languages and Literatures | Study mode: full-time | Intake: Fall | Location: Cambridge, MA, United States

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Harvard Griffin GSAS admission (programme-specific) - Writing Sample: A writing sample is required as part of the application and should be on a relevant topic, in English or German, and between 15 and 25 pages. Personal Statement: Required. Standardized Tests: GRE General: Optional.

USD 59,048 a year (2026-2027). Full tuition rate for the first two years of study (reduced in years 3-4); PhD students typically receive grants covering tuition. Source

Intake: Fall

Apply through the official page: https://gsas.harvard.edu/apply

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