The program offers students bi-national support from German and Chinese professors and a stay abroad for research (six to twelve months). It also includes joint seminars and courses on theories of international relations and methods of social sciences. In addition, there are courses in which students are taught practical content such as academic management or communication skills. The curriculum consists of online and classroom courses and is led by many professors of both countries. The Ph.D. students at Freie Universität Berlin spend their time abroad at a university in China. Upon successful completion of the program and the dissertation, the participants receive the title of Dr. rer. pol or Dr. Phil. and a certificate for the doctoral program. The GSGP program is funded as part of the "PhD Net" of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).