The IRTG offers a structured PhD programme that works on two sides: In Germany with researchers from Berlin and Potsdam, and in Mexico with researchers located mainly in Mexico-City, but also in other areas. All researchers are working and collaborating on the topic of temporalities of the future (here you can find out more about the participating institutions: https://www.lai.fu-berlin.de/en/temporalities-of-future/3-institutions/participating_institutions/index.html).

The German side offers every three years posts to 12 PhD candidates who have majored in one of the disciplines represented by the IRTG. During these three years the PhD candidates individually work on their research topics, while participating at the structured programme (workshops, colloquia, etc.). The Mexican side offers each year travel grants to 10 PhD candidates who already have been granted a scholarship by CONACyT. By this way, PhD candidates of Mexican universities can travel to Berlin/Potsdam and participate at the programme of the German side.

You must have completed a master’s degree in one of the following disciplines: Cultural and Social Anthropology, History, Literatures and Cultures of Latin America, Economics, Political Science, Sociology or Historical Education Studies. Moreover, your research project should be thematically related to the IRTG “Temporalities of Future - Dynamics of Aspiration and Anticipation”, and specifically to one of the following research lines: protagonists of the future, projections into the future or processes that affect the future. 

Every three years there is a call for applications for new PhD candidates at the IRTG Berlin/Potsdam. Every year the Mexican side opens a call of application for PhD research stays (2-12 months) in Berlin/Potsdam. You will find both kind of Calls for application on our website.

Every three years there is a call for applications for new PhD candidates at the IRTG Berlin/Potsdam. The current generation started its term in the first half of 2022. There will be no new call for applications before the end of 2024. However, if you are interested in either the structured or individual PhD Programme at the Latin American Institute (LAI), we recommend visiting our webseite. There you will find relevant information about PhD applications in our institute.

Please bear in mind that the most important part of the admission procedure is having a supervisor. Here you can find all disciplines as well as the contact information of our professors and lecturers. Please contact them directly before starting any  procedure.

At the IRTG Berlin/Potsdam you will receive an employment contract with the Freie Universität Berlin. At the IRTG Mexico you will receive a scholarship for a research stay abroad in Berlin/Potsdam funded through CONACyT.

At the IRTG Berlin/Potsdam you will receive a non-extendable, three-year employment contract. You have to complete your doctoral thesis during that time.

No, people from all over the world are welcome to apply for the IRTG. We encourage anyone who is interested and meets the criteria.

Very good English and Spanish writing and speaking skills are mandatory. However, you can write your thesis in German, English, Spanish or Portuguese. You have to discuss this in advance with your supervisor.

Freie Universität Berlin is a public university. It charges some fees and contributions, which are around €313 per semester. This amount includes a semester ticket for public transportation in Berlin. The legal justification for these fees and contributions may be viewed here (in German and English).

Several events take place at our institute during the lecture period. Please visit our webseite in the Events section to find the exact time and place.