International Programmes 2024/2025

Master of Science in Applied Physics (MSc) Master of Science in Applied Physics (MSc)

University of Freiburg • Freiburg im Breisgau

Degree
Master of Science in Applied Physics
In cooperation with

Local Fraunhofer Institutes (ISE, IWM, IPM, IAF, EMI), University Medical Center (Uniklinikum), University Research Centres (FMF, FDM, FIT, FRIAS), Kiepenheuer Institute for Solar Physics (KIS)

Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Courses are held entirely in English (100%). Participants can choose to write their Master's theses in English or German.

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application deadline

15 July for the following winter semester
15 January for the following summer semester

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
Varied
Additional information on tuition fees

International students from non-European Union (EU) countries will have to pay a student fee of 1,500 EUR per semester. Information on student fees for international students and possible exceptions can be found at the student portal.

Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The MSc Applied Physics aims to continue and broaden studies begun at the Bachelor's level. It provides an interdisciplinary study programme at the interface between fundamental physical concepts and resulting modern technologies. Participants will deepen their knowledge in modern physics and will be introduced to central methods of physical research, such as measuring techniques, methods for data analysis or numerical simulation. In cooperation with associated institutes at the university and with the Fraunhofer Institutes in Freiburg, the Master's programme offers the possibility for a specialisation in a particular area of applied physics, such as optical technologies, biological systems, medical physics, energy conversion, or interactive and adaptive materials.

Course organisation

In the first year of their studies, participants consolidate their knowledge in advanced theoretical and experimental physics. Advanced Physics and Applied Physics courses can be selected from a range of state-of-the-art topics from a broad spectrum. Students can choose each semester among various courses, where they learn to give oral presentations on a specific topic of modern research. In addition, students can select from a variety of elective courses in physics or from course programmes of other faculties.

During their final one-year research phase (research traineeship & Master's thesis), students specialise in a particular field by participating in a cutting-edge research project at the Institute of Physics or one of the associated research centres.

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A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
Varied
Additional information on tuition fees

International students from non-European Union (EU) countries will have to pay a student fee of 1,500 EUR per semester. Information on student fees for international students and possible exceptions can be found at the student portal.

Semester contribution

180 EUR per semester:

  • Administrative fee: 70 EUR
  • Contribution to the constituted student body: 7 EUR
  • Contribution to the student union: 103 EUR
Costs of living

Participants must ensure that sufficient funding is available to finance their participation in a course of study. The average cost of living in Freiburg for one month is currently approx. 850 EUR to 1,000 EUR.

Some details:

  • Rooms in private accommodation including extra costs: 350 EUR – 700 EUR
  • Rooms in student residences including extra costs: 250 EUR – 550 EUR
  • Private expenses amount to around 350 EUR per month.
  • Health insurance (recommended) is available for approx. 120 EUR per month.
  • Transport: A special student ticket for regional transport costs approx. 89 EUR per semester. 

www.studium.uni-freiburg.de/en/counseling/welcome-guide-for-international-students/finance

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

A Bachelor's degree in physics or equivalent is required. The admission committee decides on the equivalence of the degree.

Bachelor’s degrees from non-European countries need to be from four-year programmes. You can apply if you have a three-year degree AND either a graduate diploma or Master’s degree (from a programme with a duration of one to two years).

Language requirements

Applicants must have a working knowledge of English and are required to provide appropriate evidence of their language skills. An example of adequate certification of English language skills is a school leaving certificate from a German-speaking Gymnasium ("Abitur"). Applicants who do not hold an "Abitur" are required to have a B2 (CEFR) certificate or equivalent for the English language. Native speakers of English are not required to provide proof of language proficiency in their mother tongue.

Application deadline

15 July for the following winter semester
15 January for the following summer semester

Submit application to

https://campus.uni-freiburg.de/

Accommodation

As Freiburg is an attractive city, finding a suitable and affordable place to live can take a little while. The University of Freiburg offers all newly enrolled international students the possibility to apply for student housing via the International Office. In addition to these dormitories, which are run by the Studierendenwerk Freiburg (www.swfr.de/en), several independent residence halls are listed on the university website (http://www.housing.uni-freiburg.de). The Studierendenwerk Freiburg and the International Office also offer a list of available private rooms.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Specialist counselling

University of Freiburg

Content Bild
Physics main building © M. Herrmann

The University of Freiburg was founded in 1457 as a classical comprehensive university, making it one of the oldest institutions of higher education in Germany. Awarded for its excellence in both research and teaching, the university also boasts a long history, with numerous Nobel laureates. Brilliant scholars and creative thinking distinguish it today as a modern, top-notch university, well equipped for the challenges of the 21st century. As an organisation with around 24,500 students, 288 degree programmes, and 6,536 employees (2021), the University of Freiburg is committed to family friendliness, equal opportunities, and environmental consciousness in its day-to-day operations. The structure of the university is multifaceted, ranging from 11 academic faculties – from the humanities and the social and natural sciences all the way to engineering – to 19 research centres. This goes to show that we are a dynamic, large-scale institution with a diverse educational offering. As studies, research, and continuing education are all an integral part of this offering, we maintain a close relationship with the city and the region as well as with the international academic community. Bilateral partnerships, research projects, joint study courses and memberships in international networks such as the League of European Research Universities (LERU) and of EUCOR – The European Campus are examples of the university's strong transnational relations. All our students, including those from abroad, can take courses at the Universities of Basel (Switzerland) and Strasbourg (France) without having to enrol. Via EUCOR, The European Campus mobility grant, they also receive allowances for travel expenses to their partner institutions.

University location

Freiburg im Breisgau is a city in south-western Germany on the edge of the Black Forest. Freiburg was founded by Konrad and Duke Bertold III of Zähringen in 1120 as a free market town – hence its name, which translates to "free town". Freiburg holds a central position in Europe at the trijunction of Switzerland, France, and Germany, and is the city with the most hours of sunshine per year in Germany. It is nestled in one of the oldest cultural landscapes north of the Alps, a location which has had an unmistakable influence on the town. The university plays an essential part in the quality of life in Freiburg; both in the academic sphere and in the perception of the general public, the activities of the university are of central importance. Since its founding, teaching, learning and research have formed an indivisible whole.

With approx. 230,000 inhabitants, Freiburg has a friendly size, offering the safe surroundings of a smaller city whilst at the same time excelling in terms of culture, shopping and infrastructure. Both the inhabitants and the city government of Freiburg attach great importance to ecological values and sustainable development. This "green city" atmosphere influences many aspects of city life – from the numerous cyclists on the streets to cutting-edge solar energy research. Surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Black Forest and the wine-growing regions of the Rhine Valley, Freiburg is a popular destination for tourism and leisure activities.

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