The Division of Philosophy, Art & Critical Thought at The European Graduate School / EGS offers students and scholars an exceptional academic experience centered on annual intensive seminar sessions led by eminent faculty in residence. This dynamic structure provides a critical and creative forum for students and scholars to engage with thinkers and artists distinguished in their fields.
In keeping with its cross-disciplinary purpose and its effort to orient its intellectual ambitions toward concrete worldly engagement, the EGS seeks to build a richly diverse and inclusive global community of scholars Admission to our program is based upon standard academic criteria, but also professional and personal achievement where appropriate. We welcome individuals of all ages from a broad range of professional and academic backgrounds.
To begin the application process for our degree programs click here: Online Application
The application process is designed to allow us to identify independent-minded students who are prepared to accept both the challenges and the advantages of our cross-disciplinary, low-residency MA and PhD programs. We seek creative individuals and those who will thrive in a diverse intellectual community. We do not require special theoretical or philosophical expertise; we simply seek those who are eager to engage some of the most advanced cross-disciplinary thinking available.
REGISTRATION DEADLINES
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
All application documents must be submitted online.
Transcripts
Official transcripts from all previously attended colleges, universities, and graduate schools (post-secondary institutions) must be sent directly to Carole Salzmann (admissions@egs.edu). Copies of transcripts should also be included in the Online Application when possible. Transcripts not originally in English, French or German must be submitted with certified translations in English or French.
Letters of Evaluation (Optional)
Applicants may submit up to three letters of evaluation/reference. Letters should include the evaluator’s signature and contact information.
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Interview with a Program Director
The language of instruction at the EGS is English. Applicants who have not already completed a university degree where English was the language of instruction should submit TOEFL test results to The EGS.
TOEFL Educational Testing Service Code:
European Graduate School: 7418 or 7394
DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Doctoral students must begin by meeting a requirement of 12 seminars, which are normally completed in the first two years. The doctoral student then must select an advisor (this may happen with the help of the Program Director) and fulfill one to three years of officially supervised dissertation work They must register for this supervision and pay a fee in each year. The number of years will be determined by the student’s advisor in consultation with the Program Director but normally minimum period of supervision is 2 years. At the end of the third supervision year, if the student has not completed the dissertation and has not been approved to proceed to a defense, the student may continue to spend up to two more years working on the dissertation without formal supervision. The student must complete their dissertation and have it accepted for defense by the student’s past supervisor by the end of this period (a total of seven years as a full-time doctoral student at EGS). Requests for leaves of absence by reason of hardship or health issues can be considered (they should be addressed to the Program Director). But if, after seven years, and in the absence of a formal request for a leave of absence, the student has not finished their thesis and completed all requirements, they will be obliged to leave the program. After a successful completion of the defense, the student will be granted the doctorate.
Masters students must begin by completing 12 seminars, normally during their first two years in the program. An MA thesis may be submitted after the completion of course work within the second year of study. Normally, however, students will continue for a third year under supervision as they complete their thesis. They must register for this supervision and pay the established fee. The Program Director, or an EGS Fellow, will serve as supervisor. In some cases, students may arrange for supervision with an EGS faculty member (with the approval of the Program Director). At the end of the third year as a full-time MA student, the thesis will be submitted to the supervisor for evaluation (no MA thesis defense is required). Students who are not ready to submit the thesis at the end of the third year may obtain extra time only with permission of the Program Director. Once the thesis is accepted, the MA degree will be granted.
Students who complete the MA degree at EGS and wish to continue in the doctoral program must apply officially for the doctoral program and, if accepted, can enter the program only after all MA requirements are met. The accepted MA thesis and the conferred degree must be on file with the EGS before the student can begin doctoral studies. All seminars taken to meet requirements for the doctoral degree must be taken as part of the doctoral program. Seminars taken before acceptance into the doctoral program, even if taken as electives and not used for meeting MA requirements, cannot be used to meet doctoral requirements. In brief, students doing both the MA and the PhD at EGS will need to take a total of 24 seminars as matriculated students to meet both sets of requirements.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Students from countries with visa requirements for entry to Italy, Switzerland or Malta can request payment confirmation and a letter of enrolment via regular post. These documents will serve as the student’s “letter of invitation” and should be presented when applying for their visa.
Students should give attention to the indications offered in an official statement from Malta’s Central Visa Unit. This information can be found here.
For further questions please contact the admissions office (admissions@egs.edu).