Chemistry University of Bonn
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- 7 January 2027 (summer semester)
- Language level required
- English: B2German: None
Programme overview
Quick facts
- Degree
- MSc
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Full-time / part-time
- Full-time
- 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
The medium of instruction (lectures and exams) is English (100%).
Programme description
The Chemistry Master's degree programme aims at enabling students to independently solve complex problems that go beyond their individual knowledge using a large variety of scientific methods that are taught in the course of the degree programme. The degree programme has a strong research focus. Research activities at the Chemistry department touch different areas of chemistry, ranging from fundamental research (e.g. element-metal multiple bonds, reaction paths) to applied research (e.g. sensors, catalysis).
The Chemistry Master's degree is a consecutive programme that builds on the Bachelor's degree in chemistry offered at the University of Bonn. Thus, the programme mainly addresses students that have already obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. Students who have graduated from a Bachelor's degree programme in another field may also be admitted, provided that they meet all relevant requirements.
Programme structure
The structure of the programme is modular. Whereas the first semester consists of compulsory modules, students can choose from a large variety of elective modules during their second and third semesters. The elective modules include practical laboratory courses teaching advanced techniques.
A focusing laboratory course prepares students for the Master's thesis, in which they conduct autonomous scientific research in one of the chemical working groups at the University of Bonn.
After successful completion of all modules (including the Master’s thesis), the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences of the University of Bonn confers the academic degree of Master of Science.
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
- International guest lecturers
- Specialist literature in other languages
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Summer semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
1 December 2026
|
7 January 2027
|
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
1 June 2027
|
1 July 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
A qualified first professional degree (usually a BSc degree) with the following characteristics:
- average grade of the degree at least 2.9 (German system – Grades from other systems will be converted by the "Bavarian formula".)
- successfully studied modules in the field of "Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry" of at least 25 CP (ECTS – CPs from other systems will be converted.)
- successfully studied modules in the field of "Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry" of at least 25 CP (ECTS – CPs from other systems will be converted.)
- successfully studied modules in the field of "Physical and Theoretical Chemistry" of at least 25 CP (ECTS – CPs from other systems will be converted.)
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
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
|
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
|
Total: 4 / 6
Reading: 4 / 6
Listening: 4 / 6
Writing: 4 / 6
Speaking: 4 / 6
|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 5.5 / 9
|
UNIcert® English
|
Total: UNIcert® II
|
Cambridge English Qualifications
|
Total: B2 First
|
PTE Academic
|
Total: 59 / 90
|
telc English
|
Total: telc English B2-C1 University
|
How to apply?
Costs and funding
Tuition fees per semester
No tuition fees
Semester contribution
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.
Cost of living
Students in Bonn can expect to pay around 1,000 EUR a month, with rent accounting for the largest share of their living costs.
Living & services
Support for international students
- Buddy programme
- Accompanying programme
- Specialist counselling
- Cultural and linguistic preparation
The University of Bonn offers a range of different support programmes for international students. The Welcome Days (www.uni-bonn.de/welcomedays) before the start of every semester are an opportunity for new students from abroad to gather information on the most important issues, such as enrolment, registration with the local authorities and opening a bank account. Getting to know fellow international and German students during recreational activities is another benefit of the Welcome Days.
The Study Buddy Programme (www.uni-bonn.de/study-buddy) matches newly arrived international students (“Mentees”) with a University of Bonn student (“Buddy”) who helps them as they start their studies and adjust to life in Bonn.
Career advisory services
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.
Accommodation
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.