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Master's programme

Linguistics (MA) 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
MA
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

English

Courses are held in English only. Participants write their Master's theses in English.

Programme description

Linguistics in all its variety: In this Master's degree programme, students can deepen their knowledge of modern formal linguistics as well as learn about new aspects of the subject. The programme focuses on synchronic syntax and phonology. However, diachronic issues are also a part of the education you will receive, and empirical work is also included.

The Master's programme conveys in-depth and reflected knowledge of fundamental descriptive and analytical theories and methods. In addition, students will also acquire the skills needed for independent and interdisciplinary scientific work in issues that are pertinent to all individual languages.

Programme structure

Subject-specific studies comprise 42 credits in modules on the topics of descriptive linguistics, phonology, theory of language change, theoretical linguistics, and empirical methods in linguistics as well as linguistic research strategies. “Module packets” are offered in other subjects with a scope of 36 and 18 credits.

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:

  • International guest lecturers

Application and admission

Application period(s)

Summer semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
All countries
1 October 2026
1 December 2026

Winter semester

Applicants from Applications begin Application deadline
All countries
1 April 2027
1 June 2027
Information on application periods

Academic admissions requirements

  • BA degree or equivalent degree
  • Evidence must be submitted of credits in general linguistics, linguistics or a specific philology to the extent of at least 60 credits, including a total of at least 36 credits from the areas of syntax, phonology, morphology, semantics, empiricism (language courses in philological subjects, psycholinguistics and/or corpus-based data acquisition); academic achievement in language practice can be considered as relevant for the MA programme with up to 12 credits.

Language requirements

Please check all requirements directly with the respective higher education institution.

German language requirements

German: None

English language requirements

English: C1

Accepted certificates include
Certificates Minimum result
Cambridge English Qualifications
Total: C1 Advanced
TOEFL iBT (since 2026)
Total: 5 / 6
Reading: 5 / 6
Listening: 5 / 6
Writing: 5 / 6
Speaking: 5 / 6
IELTS Academic
Total: 5.5 / 9

How to apply?

Website

Please check this website.

Click here

Costs and funding

Tuition fees per semester

No tuition fees

Semester contribution

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 in Göttingen. 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 industry 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.

Scholarships and financing information

Germany scholarship
Deutschlandstipendium

Lower Saxony scholarship (Niedersachsenstipendium)
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/306042.html

Living & services

Support for international students

  • Buddy programme
  • Pick-up service

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

    The university provides information and counselling on all aspects of studying with disabilities, chronic and mental illnesses here.

  • 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

Career advisory services

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for 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

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

Sprachwissenschaftliches Seminar / General Linguistics

Name
apl Prof Dr Götz Keydana
Address
Käte-Hamburger-Weg 3, 37073 Göttingen
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.