Overview

The German Studies programme at Stanford University provides an immersive academic experience focused on the evolution of German language, literature, and societal structures. Students engage with a diverse curriculum that spans from historical literary analysis to contemporary cultural theory and continental philosophy.

This undergraduate course is designed to foster a sophisticated understanding of the German-speaking world, including traditions from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The curriculum encourages students to examine the profound influence of German thought on global humanities while developing high-level linguistic proficiency.

Why German Studies at Stanford University?

Students benefit from access to exceptional research facilities, including the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace, which houses unique historical documents. The university also features specialised collections such as the Hildebrand and Austrian Collections, covering eras from the 16th century to the modern day.

The Department of German Studies maintains its own reference library and advanced language laboratories to support intensive study. Furthermore, the programme offers flexible pathways, allowing students to pursue double majors or coterminal degrees that combine undergraduate and postgraduate study within the institution.

Teaching is delivered by experts within the School of Humanities and Sciences, ensuring a rigorous academic environment. The department’s distinctive approach integrates language acquisition with cultural history, making it an ideal choice for those interested in the intersection of politics, philosophy, and linguistics.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 22577 per semester
National fee: USD 22577 per semester
Local fee: USD 21709 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

10 Poems That Will Change Your Life
Happily Ever After? German Fairy Tales and Their Afterlives
Making the Middle Ages: Objects and Meaning Then and Now
CAPITALS: How Cities Shape Cultures, States, and People
Philosophy and Literature
German Language and Linguistics
Literary History and Criticism
Cultural History and Theory
History of Thought
Continental Philosophy

Careers with German Studies

Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for diverse professional paths in international relations, education, and research. The analytical skills gained through studying German literature and thought are highly valued in sectors such as cultural consultancy, journalism, and global communications.

Many students continue their academic journeys by pursuing advanced degrees in linguistics, comparative literature, or modern thought. The broad interdisciplinary nature of the course ensures that graduates can transition into roles within multinational organisations or governmental bodies focused on European affairs.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Humanities Core: Great Books, Big Ideas -- Europe, Modern

Nietzsche and the Search for Meaning

German Crime

Franz Kafka: Literature and the Modern Human Condition

Famous Last Words

Poems That Will Change Your Life

Germany in 5 Words

The End of Europe (as we know it) - Germany and the Future of the European Union

History of Surveillance

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-19 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-05 00:00:00

Language

Partially taught in English, Partially taught in German

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Stanford, United States

Disciplines

German and Scandinavian studies View 315 other Bachelors in German and Scandinavian studies in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

We are not aware of any English requirements for this programme.

Other requirements

General requirements

Coalition Application or Common Application
$90 nonrefundable application fee or fee waiver request
ACT or SAT (Writing/Essay not required) (refer to testing for score reporting policies)
School Report and counselor letter of recommendation
Official transcript(s)
Letters of recommendation from two teachers
Midyear transcript (by February 15)
Standardized testing is one of the application requirements that can highlight academic preparedness. There are no minimum test scores required to be admitted to Stanford, and there is no score that guarantees admission. At Stanford, we review applications holistically, meaning every component of the application is valuable to us as we get to know each student.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

67731 USD / year

≈ 67731 USD / year
Out-of-State

67731 USD / year

≈ 67731 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

67731 USD / year

≈ 67731 USD / year

Additional Details

Tuition per quarter. Students are typically enrolled in classes for three quarters: autumn, winter, spring.

Living costs

Stanford

United States

1100 - 1600 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for German Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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