Palaeontology University of Bonn
- Duration
- 4 semesters
- Language of instruction
- English
- Tuition fees
- No tuition fees
- Next application deadline
- 15 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
- Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
- No
Language of instruction
Courses are held in English.
Programme description
The Institute of Organismic Biology at the University of Bonn is the only institution in Germany offering a Master of Science programme in Palaeontology. This programme is designed around interdisciplinary, research-oriented courses in both the geosciences and biosciences, with a focus on understanding the patterns and processes that have shaped the evolution of life and its environments throughout Earth’s history. The Institute is dedicated to excellence in teaching, learning, and research, and is committed to preparing future leaders across the natural sciences.
A distinctive strength of the Master's programme lies in its diverse faculty, whose expertise spans vertebrate palaeontology, invertebrate palaeontology, micropalaeontology, and palaeobotany. Students can also elect modules in geoscience, organismic evolution and palaeobiology. This breadth of specialisation allows the programme to offer a wide range of courses that equip students with knowledge and skills highly valued in both academia and beyond.
The Master's programme is primarily intended for applicants with a strong interest in palaeontology, evolutionary biology, and the history of life on Earth. Proficiency in English is essential for attending lectures, participating in exercises, fieldwork, and student projects, as well as for completing examinations.
Mode of study
- Fully on-site
Application and admission
Application period(s)
Winter semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
15 February 2027
|
15 May 2027
|
Summer semester
| Applicants from | Applications begin | Application deadline | |
|---|---|---|---|
All countries
|
1 December 2026
|
15 January 2027
|
Academic admissions requirements
1. Academic Qualification: Applicants must demonstrate knowledge of palaeontology equivalent to at least 10 ECTS credits, acquired through:
- A Bachelor's degree in Geosciences
- A Bachelor's degree in Biology, or
- An equivalent qualification
2. Minimum Grade Point Average (GPA): A final average grade of 2.7 or better in the Bachelor's degree (in the German grading system)
3. Language Proficiency:
English: Proof of proficiency at level B2 (CEFR) or higher is required.
German: Proficiency is not required.
Language requirements
German language requirements
English language requirements
Accepted certificates include
| Certificates | Minimum result |
|---|---|
IELTS Academic
|
Total: 6 / 9
|
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.
Scholarships and financing information
The University of Bonn Foundation supports various projects as well as exceptionally talented students and early-career researchers who can boast outstanding achievements.
Informations on available scholarships can be found here:
https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/studying/consultation-and-service/financing-and-support/scholarships
Living & services
Support for international students
- Welcome event
- Buddy programme
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.
Support for specific needs
Studying with a disability
Students who are impaired in their studies due to a disability can receive support from the Representative for Students with Disabilities or Chronic Illnesses.
https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/studying/consultation-and-service/inclusive-studying/inclusive-studyingRefugee programme
For prospective students with a refugee background, the University of Bonn offers German language courses, scholarships as well as advice and support for future studies as part of the programme “NRWege ins Studium”.
https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/international/opportunities-for-refugeesStudying with a family
The Office for Family Services has set itself the mission of improving the balance between students’ academic life, career, studies and family.
https://www.uni-bonn.de/en/university/equal-opportunity/family-friendly-university/family-friendly-university
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.