Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy: MSc in Physics University of Bonn

The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS) is a joint programme of graduate studies between the Universities of Bonn and Cologne. It was funded through the Excellence Initiative from 2007 to 2019.

Specialisation fields are theoretical and experimental particle and hadron physics as well as photonics and condensed matter physics, and mathematical physics. In addition, courses broadening their expertise into neighbouring, related fields enable students to understand interdisciplinary contexts. These include classes from the Master of Astrophysics programme offered by our department as well as courses at the University of Cologne.

All graduate studies (for Master and PhD) at our department are coordinated by the Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS).

The Bonn-Cologne Graduate School of Physics and Astronomy, a joint programme of graduate studies between the Universities of Bonn and Cologne, leads students with a Bachelor's degree in physics (or a related subject) through an MSc phase and for the most successful students, to doctoral studies.

The Master's programme includes one year of coursework: compulsory theoretical and experimental lecture courses and laboratory work, specialisation courses, elective advanced lectures and seminars in the fields of theoretical or experimental particle physics, condensed matter and photonics. During the second year, work on a research-oriented thesis is required, including project planning.

University of Cologne

Research internships are a key element in the research training of the graduate school. As members of a research group, the students start their first small research project. This not only provides initial research experience but also helps with the selection of a topic for the MSc project.

The student becomes a temporary member of a research group for a typical duration of four to six weeks. Participation in at least one research internship is mandatory for first-year scholarship students and a prerequisite for the honours certificate.

• All applicants for the scholarship programme (EU and non-EU applicants): 1 December (for the winter semester in the following year)
• Non-EU applicants: 1 May (for the upcoming winter semester)
• EU applicants (EU natives and students with an EU degree): 1 July (for the upcoming winter semester)

Important: The application portal will only open three to four weeks prior to the respective deadline stated above.

A qualified BSc degree (or equivalent) in Physics (or related fields) is required, including 15 ECTS from experimental physics (atomic, molecular, solid-state, nuclear and/or particle physics) and 15 ECTS from theoretical physics (quantum mechanics and statistical physics) as well as 15 ECTS from lab courses.

The University of Bonn is a public university, meaning that it does not charge tuition fees. However, all students must pay the semester fee of about 350 EUR per semester, which covers a Deutschlandsemesterticket (student transit pass for public transport) and statutory accident insurance, among other things.

Students in Bonn can expect to pay around 1,000 EUR a month, with rent accounting for the largest share of their living costs.

Student assistantships may be available during the programme.

Full scholarships for highly qualified students are available in the Scholarship Programme. Members of the Scholarship Programme receive 992 EUR per month (the current German BAFöG amount) for the first year and 465 EUR per month for the second year. Additionally, in the second year, we guarantee access to university related teaching or research jobs to cover the difference to the German BAFöG amount. If the German BAFöG amount is raised, the scholarship will be adapted. Interested students have to apply for the BCGS Scholarship Programme (deadline: 1 December for the following winter semester).

The University of Bonn has a central Career Service (www.uni-bonn.de/careerservice), which provides a range of advice and support about choosing a career and applying for jobs. International students can also join the iStart career programme (www.uni-bonn.de/istart), which teaches participants tangible knowledge and valuable skills that will enable them to write successful applications for jobs in Germany. The programme is geared toward giving students a successful career path both during and after their studies and thus making it easier for them to enter the job market.

Students at the University of Bonn can apply for a room in a dormitory owned by the Studierendenwerk Bonn (see www.studierendenwerk-bonn.de/en/accommodation for more details).

For further information on housing in Bonn, please visit our website at www.uni-bonn.de/living-in-bonn.

As the former capital of Germany and the seat of the United Nations in Germany, Bonn is synonymous with internationality and diversity, and this also applies to the university in its capacity as a globally renowned research institution: In addition to research and teaching partnerships around the globe, it is characterised not least by its diverse student body with more than 5,200 international students and doctoral candidates from over 135 countries.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Ranking for 2026, the University of Bonn is one of the most international universities in the world and occupies the top spot within the diverse university landscape of North Rhine-Westphalia. This international orientation has a long tradition, as the university has maintained relationships with universities abroad for a long time. For example, it has interdepartmental cooperation agreements in place with almost 70 universities around the world.

In addition, the University of Bonn cooperates with more than 300 partner universities within the framework of student exchange programmes. The internationality of the University of Bonn is also reflected in its range of courses: There are now 46 international degree programmes, many of which are taught entirely in English or other foreign languages or lead to a double degree with a partner university.

Bonn is a beautiful and historic city located on the banks of the Rhine and is famous as the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven. At the same time, it is a modern, lively and cosmopolitan city with a high quality of life. Bonn is also the German city of the United Nations, home to 27 UN institutions and many international organisations. With over 5,200 international students from more than 135 countries, the university contributes significantly to the international flair to be found in the city of Bonn.