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Master's programme

Meteorology Leipzig University

Duration
4 semesters
Language of instruction
English
Tuition fees
No tuition fees
Next application deadline
31 December 2026 (summer semester)
Language level required
English: B2
German: None

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Programme overview

Quick facts

Degree
MSc
Duration
4 semesters
Full-time / part-time
Full-time, Part-time (study alongside work)
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 (100%).

Programme description

The English Master's degree programme in "Meteorology" is research-oriented, and it conveys in-depth insight into the theoretical and experimental working methods in meteorology. Students should learn to independently tackle and answer current questions in general, applied and theoretical meteorology.

The study includes modules in the following:

  • theoretical meteorology, including dynamics, radiative transfer and remote sensing theory
  • applied meteorology, including synoptics, weather discussion and experimental methods
  • experimental and numerical practical courses
  • a wide meteorological area and an interdisciplinary elective area

The programme is intended to prepare students for a wide range of careers. They will gain the necessary technical knowledge, skills and methods to be able to work scientifically, think independently and act accordingly. This provides the basis for professional development and for the pursuit of further training across the full range of career options.

At the Leipzig Institute for Meteorology, teaching and research are closely linked. The Master's programme is focused on the current research content of the Institute of Meteorology and its cooperation partners.

The Leipzig Institute of Meteorology maintains a long tradition and is now a recognised national centre for meteorological research and teaching. Our institute's research uses global climate and weather models as well as observational data to study processes that govern the development of weather and climate in the atmosphere. Our joint goal is a better understanding of the effects and processes of climate change, particularly in the Arctic region. Observational data from satellite-based, airborne and ground-based measurements are analysed, a large part of which is collected in international measurement campaigns.

Scientists work in eight working groups at our institute (Atmospheric Radiation, Meteorology of Upper and Middle Atmosphere, Clouds and Global Climate, Remote Sensing and Arctic Climate System, Climate Causality, Climate Attribution, Aerosols and Clouds, Cloud and Precipitation Observations for Process Studies).

The Leipzig Institute of Meteorology is closely linked in teaching and research with TROPOS. Specific research projects are organised in collaboration with the Leibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research - TROPOS (www.tropos.de), the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ (www.ufz.de) and many international partners. In particular scientists from TROPOS offer specialised courses on a regular basis in the framework of the Master's programme on meteorology.

Programme structure

The programme consists of four semesters and is focused on the current research content of the Institute of Meteorology and its cooperation partners. It includes:

  • a compulsory area for an intensive study of basic meteorology, including dynamics and synoptics
  • a compulsory elective area in general, experimental, and theoretical meteorology, which is structured directly by the scientific working groups of the institute
  • a research area with intensive training in a scientific subject

The programme is completed in the fourth semester with a Master's thesis. After graduation, you will be able to contribute to meteorological research at an international level.

Programme structure

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:

  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad

Our courses make use of results from international research projects to demonstrate and to teach state of the art atmospheric science. Many Master's theses projects are linked to international projects.

Integrated internships

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
All countries
1 April 2027
31 May 2027

Summer semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
All countries
1 November 2026
31 December 2026
Information on application periods

Academic admissions requirements

GENERAL QUALIFICATION for the degree course is proven by a first professionally recognised degree qualification or a qualification from a state or state-recognised university of cooperative education (German "Berufsakademie”). Further certificates have to be acknowledged by the responsible and officially recognised administration.

Our service for applicants holding an international degree provides a check for university admission to find out if you are qualified to study in Germany using your educational certificates. Information on important additional country-specific requirements is also given.

SUBJECT SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

  • a first professionally recognised degree qualification in natural sciences with at least two courses on basics in physics or higher mathematics or
  • evidence that the applicant can achieve this qualification in the regular course of study by the start of the Master's degree course and
  • proof of knowledge of the English language at level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or equivalent; see "language requirements").

Bachelor's degrees in related subjects may be acknowledged by the admission commission if sufficient physical and mathematical knowledge can be demonstrated. The commission may impose constraints and tests for admission.

The application procedure is described here: https://www.uni-leipzig.de/en/international/studying-at-leipzig-university/application-and-preparing-to-study/masters-programmes.

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: B2

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
TOEFL iBT (before 2026)
Total: 72 / 120
Reading: 18 / 30
Listening: 17 / 30
Writing: 17 / 30
Speaking: 20 / 30
PTE Academic
Total: 59 / 90
IELTS Academic
Total: 5.5 / 9
TOEIC
Total: 785 / 990
Reading: 385 / 495
Listening: 400 / 495
Writing: 150 / 200
Speaking: 160 / 200

How to apply?

uni-assist

You can apply via uni-assist, the application processing service for international students.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

312.30 EUR

Cost of living

About 900 to 1,000 EUR per month

Part-time employment

There are work opportunities for students. The income from typical student jobs is capped at 603 EUR per month. Students may be employed for homework corrections, programming, data processing, specific laboratory and field work, or tutorials.

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Welcome event

The guidance and support of our international students is provided centrally by our International Centre. This includes areas before the studies (application, enrolment, advice on study programmes and the start of studies) and during the studies (e.g. study abroad).

Our international students also receive comprehensive advice from the "Studentenwerk Leipzig", which not only covers the area of housing, but fields like psychosocial and social counselling and legal advice.

Support for specific needs

  • Studying with a disability

    Leipzig University offers a wide range of support measures for students with disabilities and health conditions. It also provides information on compensation for disadvantages due to disability or chronic diseases, access arrangements and on organising degree programmes.
    Leipzig University: studying with disabilities

  • Refugee programme

    With its educational offers and academic opportunities, Leipzig University is open to all persons. It supports refugees — from those interested in studying, to experienced scholars looking to reconnect with academia.
    Support for refugees

  • Studying with a family

    Studying at our university should be compatible with pregnancy and childcare. We support you with breastfeeding and nappy-changing rooms, a free family breakfast for students with children through to various childcare options — take advantage of the numerous opportunities for successful studies with a child.
    Studying & children

Accommodation

Student halls of residence run by the "Studentenwerk Leipzig" (https://www.studentenwerk-leipzig.de/en/housing/our-student-halls-residence), shared apartments, accommodation services and estate agencies

Contact

Main contact

Faculty of Physics and Earth System Sciences

Name
Dr Christian Chmelik
Address
Linnéstraße 5, 04103 Leipzig
Email
E-mail

Additional contact

Name
International Centre
Email
E-mail

Additional contact

Name
Dr André Ehrlich
Email
E-mail

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Always know what comes next

Study Guide gives you a personal to-do list tailored to your background, qualifications and interests, so you always know what to do next.