Courses are generally held in English with only a few (non-mandatory) exceptions held in German. Participants can choose to write their Master's theses in either language.
Winter semester (starting in October): 31 May
Summer semester (starting in April): 30 November
We offer an excellent Master's programme in computer science at a world-leading research institute. Enrolling in this programme will give you the possibility to learn about the most exciting recent developments in computer science. The Master's programme in Paderborn is divided into seven specialisation areas: Algorithm Design, Computer Systems, Data Science, Intelligence and Data, Networks and Communication, Security, and Software Engineering. You can choose to specialise in one of these areas.
The programme is organised in modules, with an overall workload of 120 ECTS credit points. A course module usually consists of exactly one course. Students must complete eight of these modules (6 ECTS credits each) in total. Of these course modules, three have to be done in a specialisation area, which has to be chosen from the seven focus areas: Algorithm Design, Computer Systems, Data Science, Intelligence and Data, Networks and Communication, Security, and Software Engineering. The student is almost completely free to choose the areas of the other five modules.
In addition, two seminar modules (5 ECTS credits each) have to be taken. A main element of the Master's programme is the student project group (20 ECTS credits). In the project group, teams of about eight to 16 students work together on a research-related project for one year. The final part of the programme is the preparation and writing of the Master's thesis, which usually takes place during the last semester (30 ECTS credits). Twelve additional credit points must be earned either in a minor subject or in general studies, with a choice of courses from a variety of fields. It is recommended that international (non-German speaking) students take a German language course as part of their general studies.
About 310 EUR per semester
Rent: approx. 320 EUR
Health insurance: 96 EUR
Food: 200 EUR
Leisure: approx. 80 EUR
Semester fees: 52 EUR/month (approx. 310 EUR each semester)
Miscellaneous: about 100 EUR
Sum: 848 EUR
BSc in computer science or a related subject
General higher education entrance certificate or equivalent
A GRE test is required if the grade of your Bachelor degree has a value of 1.5 or higher when converted to the German grading system.
Your Bachelor's degree should contain at least 20 credits in Software Engineering, at least 20 credits in Theoretical Computer Science, at least 15 credits in Technical Informatics, at least 15 credits in Basic Mathematics of Computer Science, and at least 8 credits in Human-Computer Interaction.
TOEFL with a 550 (paper-based) or 80 (Internet-based) score; IELTS 6.5; Cambridge First Certificate Degree B; or British Council IELTS, Minimum Band 6.5
Winter semester (starting in October): 31 May
Summer semester (starting in April): 30 November
There are many opportunities for students to find employment, either as one of the university's many student helpers or in one of many positions outside the university.
University dormitory:
Dormitories of the "Studentenwerk Paderborn" (affiliated with Paderborn University): http://www.studentenwerk-pb.de/en/housing/
Application form for a residence in a "Studentenwerk" dormitory: https://tl1host.eu/SWPB/#admission
Private dormitory:
Dormitory of bib International College: https://www.bib.de/campus-paderborn/
Web portals (in German):
WG-Gesucht: http://www.wg-gesucht.de
Studenten WG: http://www.studenten-wg.de
Immobilienscout24: http://www.immobilienscout24.de
Nuroa: http://www.nuroa.de/mieten/
Kalaydo: http://www.kalaydo.de/immobilien/
The career service of the university offers job oriented workshops, trainings, and field trips to companies. Furthermore, there are also some programmes from the international office with the objective of enabling students to get work experience during their studies and to prepare them for the transition into the job market in Germany.
Paderborn University is a campus university within walking distance of the city centre. A large number of student residences are located on campus. The campus provides a wide range of services and facilities, including an excellent "Mensa" (canteen), sports facilities, and a small theatre.
Despite its very modern service- and entertainment-oriented appeal, Paderborn also offers opportunities for the historically inclined, including a 700-year-old cathedral overlooking the city centre. Paderborn is known to be a very safe place. It also offers lots of attractions for students to enjoy themselves. The most famous among them is the annual "Libori" funfair, but you might also enjoy the quieter Christmas market in December.
