PATHS Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context European University Viadrina

Understand migration, develop solutions, become a changemaker

PATHS Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context addresses the urgent and complex challenges of forced migration, driven by geopolitical instability, environmental pressures, and socio-economic factors. PATHS Forced Migration provides a unique blend of interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives within a cohesive curriculum, combining mobility pathways, research opportunities, and close collaboration with local, national, and international organisations. As a PATHS Forced Migration student, you can select one out of three paths: European Border Regimes, Inclusion of Children and Minors, Politics and Policies of Migration. Each path takes place at three different universities. You will also have the opportunity to expand your learning through extracurricular courses offered by ERUA partner universities. Thereby, the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA) paves the way for a new model of European higher education. 

In the European Border Regimes path, starting at Viadrina, you will examine how global inequalities as well as ecological and geopolitical instability shape forced migration. You will gain a deep understanding of the legal, technological, and social dimensions of European border regimes, and analyse the interactions between migration policies and global as well as racialised inequalities. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge, methods training, empirical research, practical internships, and transnational mobility between partner universities in Germany, Poland, and Greece — enabling you to explore border management, refugee reception, and migration policy from local, national, and global perspectives. You will develop the critical skills needed to design ethical, socially just, and evidence-based solutions.

The curriculum combines general courses for all students with path-specific courses. The European Border Regimes path follows a structured four-semester curriculum totalling 120 ECTS. 

You start at the European University Viadrina with two joint introductory courses as well as foundational courses on forced migration and border regimes, equipping you with comprehensive knowledge in areas such as migration control and negotiation, access to protection, and effects of externalisation.

For your second semester, you move to SWPS University, where you will deepen your skills in research methods. You will also complete a professional internship at leading organisations such as UNICEF and UNHCR to put your knowledge into practice.

The third semester takes place at the University of the Aegean, focusing on refugee reception, border management, and the politics of non-refoulement. In this semester, you take part in a research colloquium designed to prepare you for your Master’s thesis in the fourth semester.

All modules combine lectures, seminars, practical exercises, and independent research, ensuring theoretical grounding, methodological competence, and professional experience across multiple European contexts.

SWPS University (Poland)
University of the Aegean (Greece)

In the second semester, you complete a professional internship at leading organisations such as UNICEF and UNHCR to put your knowledge into practice.

Academic requirements

To apply for PATHS Forced Migration, you must hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification providing access to Master's degree programmes. Degrees in social sciences, humanities, and related disciplines are directly eligible; applicants from other fields may also be considered with relevant professional experience in migration or related areas.

Language requirements

You must provide proof of English language proficiency at CEFR B2 level or higher.

 Required documents

• Cover letter explaining your motivation for your chosen study path
• CV (Curriculum Vitae)
• Supporting documents evidencing relevant achievements and experience
• At least one letter of recommendation from an academic or professional referee

For the full list of eligible degree subjects, accepted language certificates, and details on the selection process, please visit the PATHS Forced Migration application website.

For further information, please click here.

Depending on which type of accommodation one chooses, monthly rent is usually around 300 EUR in Frankfurt (Oder). In addition, monthly food and living expenses generally come to about 250 EUR. In total, one needs about 750 EUR each month to live comfortably.

The European University Viadrina offers very good and affordable student accommodation in single room apartments or apartments with two to five rooms. Prices vary between 200 and 350 EUR. All prices include a broadband Internet connection, electricity and warm water. Student residences are furnished. Each tenant has access to a common kitchen, which is well-equipped. Lockable refrigerators, washing machines and dryers are provided by the student service as well.

Study Europe. Experience the World. Shape Society.
At the Viadrina, you will study individually and receive personal support at the interface between Eastern and Western Europe. Here, you will study in small groups and engage directly with your lecturers. Our hands-on degree programmes in the fields of culture, law, economics and digital transformation offer you a pan-European perspective. This will enable you to acquire unique expertise to shape the society of tomorrow.

Pan-European perspective
A cross-border campus at the interface between Western and Eastern Europe: here you can study future European challenges relating to digital transformation, culture, law and economics.

Study individually
Personal support from the start of your studies to your graduation, manageable study groups, individual focus: we offer you the ideal conditions for success in your studies.

International network
Everyday student life with people from more than 100 countries, stays abroad, worldwide double degrees and foreign language courses: with us, you can build your international, individual and professional network during your studies.

Committed community
Short distances, direct contact, participation and commitment: join our strong community. Numerous initiatives and projects are waiting for you, allowing you to help shape the university and our twin city Frankfurt (Oder)-Słubice.

Focus on society
Hands-on relevance and project-oriented teaching: with us, you will learn to tackle complex social challenges and contribute to shaping a successful future.