Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA) University of Göttingen

About SUFONAMA

Sustainable Forest and Nature Management
As the global demand for forest and nature resources and the pressures on the natural environment continue to increase, the need to ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations has never been greater.

This two-year MSc course of study in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA) qualifies graduates to deal with the complex aspects of the challenges in sustainable management of natural resources.

The programme provides the students with the following:

• a firm theoretical foundation

• the ability to function on the international scene, and openness to foreign cultures

• all competencies needed for working as a researcher or in forest practices, e.g. development agencies, consultancies, NGOs, international organisations, ministries, governmental agencies, or district forest offices

The MSc in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management comprises a first year of study at the University of Copenhagen and the second year of study, for which students choose a specialisation. The second year is to be completed at one of the partner institutions:

• Bangor University (UK)
• University of Göttingen (DE)
• Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE)
• University of Padua (IT)

Therefore, students cannot complete the first and second years of study at the same institution.

The choice of mobility tracks, including choice of specialisations, are made at the time of application. Please note that this choice is binding.

https://sufonama-em.eu/programme-structure/

• University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
• Bangor University (UK)
• Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp (Sweden)
• University of Padova (Italy)

Applicants with one of the following Bachelor’s or Professional Bachelor’s degrees automatically fulfil the academic requirements for admission to the MSc programme in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management:

• Biology, Geography and Geoinformatics  or Natural Resources from University of Copenhagen
• Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, Ecosystem Management or Ecosystem Sciences from University of Göttingen
• Forest Science or Biology from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
• Forestry and Environmental Sciences from University of Florence, Marche Polytechnic University, University of Naples Federico II, University of Basilicata, Palermo University, University of Turin or University of Tuscia
• Forestry and Environmental Technologies from University of Molise or University of Padova
• Biology, Geography or Agrobiology from Aarhus University
• Biology or Geography from Aalborg University
• Biology, Technological and Socio-Economic Planning (TekSam-Miljøplanlægning), Natural Sciences or Geography from Roskilde University
• Natural Sciences (intl. Bachelor’s degree) from Roskilde University
• Biology from University of Southern Denmark
• Forest and Landscape Engineering or Urban Landscape Engineering from University of Copenhagen

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree, Professional Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from Danish or international universities other than those listed above are qualified for admission to the MSc Programme in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management if the programme includes at least 20 ECTS of one of the following: within forestry, within biology, within ecology, within natural resource management, within nature management, or within physical geography.

The faculty may also admit applicants who, after an individual academic assessment, are deemed to possess educational qualifications equivalent to those required above.

The admission committee will evaluate your application individually. 

Only the admission committee can evaluate whether you are qualified or not. They only do this once they have received your application.

Click here to learn more about admission requirements and the application procedure.

The 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 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.

Living expenses will of course vary according to personal requirements and the place you choose to study in. However, the estimated costs of living in Europe amount to 1,200 to 1,300 EUR per month. The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. Living expenses might be slightly higher.

Students may find a part-time job in local businesses or on campus, as long as their study performance is not affected. We do not recommend planning to fully finance your studies in Germany through a part-time job.

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

More information on student jobs in Germany can be found here.

A number of student jobs is also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de.

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.

Germany scholarship Deutschlandstipendium
Lower Saxony scholarship Niedersachsenstipendium

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 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.

University of Göttingen — Committed to Excellence
Founded in 1737, the University of Göttingen is a research-driven university of high international standing. It is renowned for its diverse range of academic disciplines, research-oriented teaching, and outstanding scientific environment in which more than 45 Nobel laureates have studied, taught, or pursued their research. With about 27,300 students — more than 18 percent of whom are international — and more than 206 degree programmes, the university is one of the largest in Germany.

Variety of study programmes
The University of Göttingen offers a vast variety of academic programmes for undergraduate and graduate studies. Internationally renowned expert researchers teach in more than 40 academic disciplines. More than 40 full-time undergraduate and graduate programmes are taught entirely in English. Five International Max-Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) prepare students for unique careers in scientific research. Additionally, a growing number of double degree programmes with prestigious international universities  available.

Guidance, supervision, and study conditions
Students are given comprehensive advisory and supervisory support in all phases of their studies. Since advice and guidance are crucially important for the successful outcome of a university career, the University of Göttingen is constantly improving and extending its performance in this area.

Excellent library
The Göttingen State and University Library (SUB Göttingen) is one of Germany’s leading academic libraries, with holdings of over ten million books, journals, and other media. It offers a wide range of services to support study and research and plays a key role in numerous national and international projects focused on enhancing access to information and developing digital research infrastructures.

Alumni worldwide
As a member of Göttingen alumni, you will remain part of the international "Göttingen Family" even after your graduation. The alumni association connects alumni worldwide and keeps them informed about current developments at the university and in the city of Göttingen. Through online and offline events, workshops, career support and social projects, it offers numerous opportunities for networking, mentoring, and social commitment.

www.uni-goettingen.de/international-students

Göttingen — A Great Place to Live and Study

Göttingen, with a population of approximately 130,000, is a city where tradition and innovation blend seamlessly. Its beautifully preserved timber-framed houses in the historic city centre and the vibrant student population of the University of Göttingen — about 27,300 students — create a lively and welcoming atmosphere that’s hard to match.

The university’s departments and buildings are primarily located on two main campuses, all within easy walking or cycling distance. Student housing for around 4,700 individuals, along with excellent canteens operated by the student services organisation (Studierendenwerk), ensure high quality of life at a low cost.

The university maintains close collaboration with numerous non-university research institutions in Göttingen. Together, they form the Göttingen Campus—an alliance of leading research centres. This includes four Max Planck Institutes , the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony, the German Primate Centre (DPZ), the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), and the University Medical Centre (UMG). This collaborative environment fosters openness and innovation, offering opportunities for students at all levels—Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD—to pursue fresh ideas alongside experienced researchers. Many scholars from these institutes also teach at the university, and joint professorial appointments help build strong links between the university and its campus partners. This unique structure reinforces Göttingen’s reputation as one of Germany’s most research-focused universities.

Located in the geographical centre of Germany and Europe, Göttingen enjoys excellent travel connections: Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are each just a two-hour train ride away. But you don’t need to leave the city to enjoy a break—Göttingen offers a wide range of recreational and cultural activities. The city is home to three theatres, a symphony orchestra, multiple cinemas, cafés, and pubs, providing plenty of opportunities to meet new people and relax. You can also get involved with the student union, which organises a variety of cultural and recreational events throughout the year.

For sports enthusiasts, Göttingen and the university offer a wealth of opportunities. The University Sports Centre (Zentrale Einrichtung für Sport und Gesundheit) is one of the largest in Germany, offering more than 150 different activities at very affordable prices. Facilities include an indoor pool, the RoXx climbing centre, the FIZ fitness studio, and several outdoor sports fields—ensuring something for everyone. You can find the full overview on the official UniSport website.