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Master's programme

Göttingen Master's Programme in Physics (MSc) University of Göttingen

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
1 December 2026 (summer semester)
Language level required
English: C1
German: None

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Programme overview

Quick facts

Degree
MSc
Duration
4 semesters
Intake
Winter and summer semester
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No

Language of instruction

English

Courses are held in English (75%) and German (25%). Compulsory modules are held in both languages. Participants can choose to write their Master's theses in either language.

Programme description

The Göttingen Master's programme in Physics offers you a broad and internationally renowned research spectrum with a highly flexible choice of subjects. This will lead you to a specialisation in one of the following areas of physics:

  • Astro- and geophysics
  • Biophysics and physics of complex systems
  • Solid state physics and materials physics
  • Nuclear and particle physics
  • Theoretical physics

In general, the programme will include one year of coursework and a subsequent thesis phase (second year) that will be spent in one of the research groups.

More specifically, due to the close connection with several local Max Planck Institutes and other leading research centres on the Göttingen Campus, you will be able to choose from more than 60 research groups when writing your thesis (for details, see: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/physics-research-groups).

The internship module allows you to be involved in cutting-edge research at an early stage of your studies.

In addition to the state-of-the-art infrastructure for study and research, our students appreciate the excellent student-teacher ratio, the helpful study advisory team, and the community spirit in our faculty.

For further information, please visit our website: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/594492.html

Programme structure

During the coursework phase (first year), students take courses in the area of the chosen study focus. First, they attend an introduction lecture. Then students take advanced lectures and attend at least two seminars. In order to get more practice, students have the choice between advanced lab courses, computational physics, or an internship, where they will have the chance to work in a research group or at an external research institution or company (credits can be recognised in the Master's programme). Subsidiary subjects allow to deepen additional mathematical and natural sciences knowledge as well as take a language course to prepare for a semester abroad.

The second year is dedicated to the compilation of the Master's thesis, including preceding methodical courses, like the main research lab course. At this stage, students work intensively on a particular research question. Simultaneously, students who are pursuing the module of research networking work towards participating in a conference. The thesis research project is carried out at one of our ten institutes or at another institution of the Göttingen Campus (e.g. at Max Planck Institutes). Students will be fully integrated in the research activity of the chosen research group.

Please visit our website to get further information such as the study plan: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/594492.html

In addition, detailed information of the offered modules can be found in our digital module catalogue (box right column): http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/english--international-study-programmes/46551.html

Mode of study

  • Fully on-site

International elements in the curriculum

The curriculum of this study programme includes international elements that support global perspectives and cross-cultural learning:

  • Language training provided
  • Training in intercultural skills
  • International guest lecturers

Integrated internships

During the first year, students have the chance to work in a research group or at an external research institution or company.

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Summer semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
Non-EU countries
Not specified
15 October 2026
EU countries
Not specified
1 December 2026

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
Non-EU countries
Not specified
15 April 2027
EU countries
Not specified
15 June 2027

Academic admissions requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in physics
  • Bachelor's degree in a subject related to physics with at least three years of study and at least 180 credits:
    • including at least 126 credits in the field of physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology, computer sciences or engineering
    • including at least 78 credits in the field of physics
    • including at least 12 credits in the field of theoretical physics (quantum mechanics and statistical mechanics)
  • GRE Physics test (only non-EU applicants)

For further information, please visit our website: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/de/594492.html (application).

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution. Exceptions may apply. See our website for further details.

German language requirements

German: None

English language requirements

English: C1

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
UNIcert® English
Total: UNIcert® III
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (since 2026)
Total: 5 / 6
Reading: 5 / 6
Listening: 5 / 6
Writing: 5 / 6
Speaking: 5 / 6
TOEFL iBT Home Edition (before 2026)
Total: 95 / 120
Reading: 24 / 30
Listening: 22 / 30
Writing: 24 / 30
Speaking: 25 / 30
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
Total: 5 / 6
Reading: 5 / 6
Listening: 5 / 6
Writing: 5 / 6
Speaking: 5 / 6
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
Total: 95 / 120
Reading: 24 / 30
Listening: 22 / 30
Writing: 24 / 30
Speaking: 25 / 30
telc English
Total: telc English C1
PTE Academic
Total: 76 / 90
IELTS Academic
Total: 7 / 9
Cambridge English Qualifications
Total: C1 Advanced

How to apply?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

Fees are around 460 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge as well as regional buses. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at university canteens.

Cost of living

The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Currently, expenses for accommodation, food, health insurance and books are about 800 to 1,000 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. International students should note that it is not possible to study in Germany without sufficient financing.

Further information on the requirements for non-EU citizens (proof of finances) can be found on the Visa and Residence Permit page of the International Office.

Part-time employment

The university supports students in finding part-time jobs in local industries and businesses. A number of student jobs are also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students are subject to special regulations.

Some proficiency in German may be indispensable to your job search. Non-EU students are permitted to work a maximum of 120 full days (240 half days) per year.

At the Faculty of Physics, we always have jobs available for students due to the fact that we have small tutorial groups. Therefore, you can earn some money while you improve your understanding of the subject and your teaching skills.

Scholarships and financing information

Germany scholarship: Deutschlandstipendium
Lower Saxony Scholarship: Niedersachsenstipendium

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Welcome event
  • Specialist counselling

The International Office provides services for international students.

German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city in the first weeks.

An orientation week for international students provides information about university and city.

Study Buddy Programme: part of the project Integration and Diversity at Göttingen University (InDiGU)

Foyer International: activities for all students

German courses during studies (free of charge)

Instagram channel for international students

Support for specific needs

  • Studying with a disability

    Since the winter semester 2016/17, the Student Council of the Faculty of Physics has been offering a mentoring programme for students with disabilities. The programme offers a weekly two-hour one-to-one "tutorial" to address any questions regarding lectures or tutorials, tutorial handouts, or general study-related queries (in particular special arrangements available to students) led by specially trained student tutors.

  • Refugee programme

    The contact person for refugees is Nandita Isloorkar.
    E-mail: international.study@uni-goettingen.de

  • Studying with a family

    The University of Göttingen supports the compatibility of academic studies / research / work life, family and private life and aims to organise studies, research and work in a way that is compatible with family and private life.
    Information for international students with children

Course-specific language courses available

  • English
  • German

Career advisory services

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for the job entry. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme.

If you are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts.
Start-up support

The office of the Dean of Studies:

  • CV check
  • job wall

Career-related talks with physicists

Accommodation

The Accommodation Service of the International Office supports international students who are enrolled at the University of Göttingen in finding accommodation and serves as a point of contact for related queries. The Accommodation Service also publishes suitable offers from private landlords in Göttingen and collaborates with the Student Services ("Studierendenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.

Contact

Main contact

Faculty of Physics

Adresse
Friedrich-Hund-Platz 1, 37077 Göttingen
E-Mail
E-mail

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Immer wissen, was als Nächstes ansteht

Mit deinem Study Guide hast du eine persönliche To-do-Liste, die sich an dein Herkunftsland, deinen Abschluss und deine Interessen anpasst – und dir zeigt, was als Nächstes wichtig ist.