International Programmes 2026/2027

Master of Science in Business Mathematics MSc Business Mathematics

Friedrich Schiller University Jena • Jena

Degree
Master of Science
Course location
Jena
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

All modules in the MSc Business Mathematics programme are taught in English if a student focuses on the two following fields of studies:

  • innovation and change
  • economics and strategy
Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
  • part-time (study alongside work)
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter and summer semester
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: EU countries
For the winter semester:
1 April - 31 August
The following is valid for applicants from: EU countries
For the summer semester:
1 December - 15 February
The following is valid for applicants from: non-EU countries
For the winter semester:
1 April - 31 May
The following is valid for applicants from: non-EU countries
For the summer semester:
1 December - 15 January
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

The main goals of the MSc Business Mathematics programme are to enable students to successfully do research in mathematics and to prepare them for quantitative jobs. Particular emphasis is put on teaching mathematical optimisation, stochastics, and economics. Training in modern mathematical methods is the key aspect of the programme. Additionally, important language and communication skills are taught, qualifying graduates for the international job market and for cooperation with research groups in foreign countries.

Course organisation

The mathematics modules in the MSc Business Mathematics programme are taught in English. Students can freely choose from a wide variety of mathematics modules, and they choose one area of specialisation for the economics portion of their Master's programme. A total of 120 ECTS credits have to be collected, according to the following subcategories:

  • 18-30 ECTS credits in mathematical optimisation and stochastics
  • 9-21 ECTS credits in further areas of mathematics
  • 30 ECTS credits in one area of specialisation in economics
  • 30 ECTS credits for the Master's thesis
  • 18 ECTS credits in your minor subject and general key qualifications (ASQ)

International students who do not already have knowledge of German of at least level A2 CEFR are required to choose "German as a foreign language" as their minor subject. They can collect all 18 ECTS credits required for their minor subject by attending German classes.

The latter regulation does not apply to students who choose an area of specialisation in Economics other than "Innovation and Change" or "Economics and Strategy".

The areas of specialisation in Economics are:

  • innovation and change
  • economics and strategy
  • financial risk
  • management science
  • accounting, taxation and capital markets
  • marketing management
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A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
Yes
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester
None
Semester contribution

Approx. 320 EUR per semester. Includes the Deutschlandsemesterticket (free public transport in Germany) and the Jena culture ticket; see details here.

Costs of living

Studying in Jena is tuition-free.

Costs (per month) vary depending on individual circumstances: rent and food: 550 EUR, books and learning materials: 50 EUR, health insurance: 120 EUR, other expenses: 180 EUR, total: 900 EUR.

Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

Deutschlandstipendium (application in April each year).

Some programmes offer scholarships. Please consult the specific study programme website.

Academic admission requirements

Applicants should hold a Bachelor's or equivalent degree with above-average grades.

Mathematics is the most central part of our Business Mathematics programme. Applicants must have a strong mathematical background; they must have at least 100 credit points in advanced mathematics at a Bachelor's level with above-average grades. A Bachelor's or Master's degree in e.g. business administration, accounting or economics is typically not sufficient to be accepted.

Applicants with a first degree in mathematics have to prove sufficient knowledge in business and economics (at least 30 credit points).

Proficiency in at least one advanced programming language is required. You are not required to provide proof.

German language skills
No minimum language level required
English language skills
B2 required, please provide an official language certificate, e.g.:
  • TOEFL iBT (before 2026): 72
  • Reading: 18
  • Listening: 17
  • Speaking: 20
  • Writing: 17
  • TOEFL iBT (since 2026): 4
  • Reading: 4
  • Listening: 4
  • Speaking: 4
  • Writing: 4
  • IELTS Academic: 5.5
Application periods
The following is valid for applicants from: EU countries
For the winter semester:
1 April - 31 August
The following is valid for applicants from: EU countries
For the summer semester:
1 December - 15 February
The following is valid for applicants from: non-EU countries
For the winter semester:
1 April - 31 May
The following is valid for applicants from: non-EU countries
For the summer semester:
1 December - 15 January
More information on application periods
Please find more details on this website.
Submit application via
Please check this website.
Possibility of finding part-time employment

There are various job opportunities in Jena. You should have at least a good command of German if you want to have a wider choice of jobs. Jobs in which you do not need (much) German are rare, often physically demanding, and not very well paid. In some cases, you may also have to commute to nearby cities. Our Career Point offers advice on finding a job.

Accommodation

Bachelor's and Master's level students may apply for student accommodation (all off-campus, furnished single rooms in shared apartments, rent: 200 to 350 EUR per month, application deadline: 15 July/15 January).

International doctoral candidates have the possibility of applying for a place in one of three university guesthouses. Enrolled doctoral candidates can also apply for a room in student housing.

You can find more information about finding accommodation in Jena here.

Career advisory services and programmes for future professionals

When applying for internships, part-time jobs or entry-level roles after graduation, the Career Point team at the University of Jena supports Bachelor’s and Master’s students with free events and advisory services. Career talks, alumni events, company visits, workshops on soft skills, intercultural skills, and future skills, and a free interdisciplinary career and job fair enable exchange with employers. Templates, a job portal, LinkedIn and a mailing list provide information on vacancies, event invitations and exclusive offers. Students interested in entrepreneurship can reach out to the university’s K1 Startup Service.

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Tutors
  • Specialist counselling
  • Buddy programme
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

Your academic success is important to us! That is why we are committed to constantly providing good advice and support services. The International Office provides digital onboarding workshops for newly admitted applicants, Welcome buddies support newly arrived students, and the Welcome Days offer many events to help students orient themselves and make new friends quickly. Find all support services here.

The Graduate Academy supports doctoral candidates with personal advice and a mentoring programme.

Friedrich Schiller University Jena

University location

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