International Programmes 2024/2025

Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA) Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA)

University of Göttingen • Göttingen

Degree
MSc in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (Göttingen)
In cooperation with
  • University of Copenhagen (Denmark)
  • Bangor University (UK)
  • Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp (Sweden)
  • University of Padova (Italy)
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Mandatory courses are held in English. Students might choose elective modules in English, German or the language used at the partner university.

Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

For EU citizens:

The application portal opens: 16 January
Application deadline: 1 March

For non-EU citizens:

The application portal opens: 15 November
Application deadline: 15 January

https://sufonama-em.eu/application/

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

Tuition fee for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programme in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management:

  • For citizens from EU/EEA/Switzerland: no tuition fees charged for the two-year programme
  • For citizens from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland: 30,000 EUR for the two-year programme

Students selected for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship are granted a tuition fee waiver.

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

About SUFONAMA

Sustainable Forest and Nature Management
As the global demand for forest and nature resources and the pressures on the natural environment continue to increase, the need to ensure the sustainability of natural resources for future generations has never been greater.

This two-year MSc course of study in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management (SUFONAMA) qualifies graduates to deal with the complex aspects of the challenges in sustainable management of natural resources.

The programme provides the students with the following:

  • a firm theoretical foundation

  • the ability to function on the international scene, and openness to foreign cultures

  • all competencies needed for working as a researcher or in forest practices, e.g. development agencies, consultancies, NGOs, international organisations, ministries, governmental agencies, or district forest offices

Course organisation

The MSc in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management comprises a first year of study at the University of Copenhagen and the second year of study, for which students choose a specialisation. The second year is to be completed at one of the partner institutions:

  • Bangor University (UK)
  • University of Göttingen (DE)
  • Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SE)
  • University of Padua (IT)

Therefore, students cannot complete the first and second years of study at the same institution.

The choice of mobility tracks, including choice of specialisations, are made at the time of application. Please note that this choice is binding.

https://sufonama-em.eu/programme-structure/

 

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International elements
  • Courses are led with foreign partners
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
Description of other international elements

In the Joint Summer Module, all SUFONAMA students from five universities meet in one geographical region and conduct a joint forest project together.

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

Tuition fee for the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programme in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management:

  • For citizens from EU/EEA/Switzerland: no tuition fees charged for the two-year programme
  • For citizens from outside the EU/EEA/Switzerland: 30,000 EUR for the two-year programme

Students selected for the Erasmus Mundus Scholarship are granted a tuition fee waiver.

Semester contribution

Göttingen fees include a semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge. Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.

Fees: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee

Costs of living

Living expenses will of course vary according to personal requirements and the place you choose to study in. However, the estimated costs of living in Europe amount to 1,200 to 1,300 EUR per month. The average cost of living in Göttingen is modest compared to other major university cities in Germany. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age. Living expenses might be slightly higher. For further information, please see the following link: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/54664.html.

Funding opportunities within the university
No
Academic admission requirements

Applicants with one of the following Bachelor’s or Professional Bachelor’s degrees automatically fulfil the academic requirements for admission to the MSc programme in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management:

  • Biology (biologi), Geography and Geoinformatics (geografi og geoinformatik) or Natural Resources (naturressourcer) from University of Copenhagen
  • Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology, Ecosystem Management or Ecosystem Sciences from University of Göttingen
  • Forest Science or Biology from Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
  • Forestry and Environmental Sciences from University of Florence, Marche Polytechnic University, University of Naples Federico II, University of Basilicata, Palermo University, University of Turin or University of Tuscia
  • Forestry and Environmental Technologies from University of Molise or University of Padova
  • Biology, Geography or Agrobiology from Aarhus University.
  • Biology or Geography from Aalborg University
  • Biology, Technological and Socio-Economic Planning (TekSam-Miljøplanlægning), Natural Sciences or Geography from Roskilde University
  • Natural Sciences (international Bachelor’s degree) from Roskilde University
  • Biology from University of Southern Denmark
  • Forest and Landscape Engineering (skov- og landskabsingeniør) or Urban Landscape Engineering (urban landskabsingeniør) from University of Copenhagen

Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree, Professional Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from Danish or international universities other than those listed above are qualified for admission to the MSc Programme in Sustainable Forest and Nature Management if the programme includes at least one of the following:

  • 20 ECTS within forestry
  • 20 ECTS within biology
  • 20 ECTS within ecology
  • 20 ECTS within natural resource management
  • 20 ECTS within nature management
  • 20 ECTS within physical geography

The faculty may also admit applicants who, after an individual academic assessment, are deemed to possess educational qualifications equivalent to those required above.

The admission committee will evaluate your application individually. This means that they will evaluate whether your degree meets the admission requirements based on its academic content.

You can only get an answer to whether or not your degree meets the admission requirement by applying for admission at the MSc programme. Only the admission committee can evaluate whether you are qualified or not. They only do this once they have received your application.

Click here to learn more about admission requirements and the application procedure.

Language requirements

You are required to document your English proficiency.

Click here to learn more about ways to document English proficiency based on your educational background.

Application deadline

For EU citizens:

The application portal opens: 16 January
Application deadline: 1 March

For non-EU citizens:

The application portal opens: 15 November
Application deadline: 15 January

https://sufonama-em.eu/application/

Submit application to

Please apply via our SUFONAMA website (for which the University of Copenhagen is responsible), fill out the online form, and wait for our reply.

https://sufonama-em.eu/application/

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Students may find a part-time job in local businesses or on campus, as long as their study performance is not affected. We do not recommend planning to fully finance your studies in Germany through a part-time job.

Please note that restrictions may apply with your scholarship or visa. Non-EU students have special regulations.

More information on student jobs in Germany can be found here.

A number of student jobs is also available at the university. They are announced on the following website: www.stellenwerk-goettingen.de.

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.

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 ("Studentenwerk"). As the number of available accommodation options in Göttingen is limited, it is highly recommended to contact the Accommodation Service as early as possible.

For further information, please see the following link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/617883.html.

Career advisory service

The Career Service of the university offers individual support for the job entry. For international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme. https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html

The "Start Guides" project also offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany. https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/637664.html

If you are interested in founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts. https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/en/1279.html

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

The International Office provides a wide range of services for international students.

German students help newly arrived students to adapt to the university and the city during their first weeks.

An orientation week for new international students provides valuable information about Göttingen and the university.

Study Buddy Programme as a part of the project Integration and Diversity at Göttingen University (InDiGU)

Foyer International: Meetings and activities for all students  

German courses during studies (free of charge)

University of Göttingen

University of Göttingen – Committed to Excellence

Founded in 1737, the University of Göttingen is a research-driven university of high international standing. It is renowned for its diverse range of academic disciplines, research-oriented teaching, and outstanding scientific environment in which more than 40 Nobel laureates have studied, taught, or pursued their research. With about 28,500 students, 16 percent of whom are international students, and more than 210 degree programmes, the university is one of the largest in Germany.

Variety of study programmes
The University of Göttingen offers a vast variety of academic programmes for undergraduate and graduate studies. Internationally renowned expert researchers teach in more than 40 academic disciplines. More than 40 full-time undergraduate and graduate programmes are taught entirely in English. Two international fast-track MSc/PhD programmes (Molecular Biology and Neurosciences) prepare students for unique careers in scientific research. Additionally, a growing number of double degree programmes with prestigious international universities are available.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/3811.html

Guidance, supervision, and study conditions
Students are given comprehensive advisory and supervisory support in all phases of their studies. Since advice and guidance are crucially important for the successful outcome of a university career, the University of Göttingen is constantly improving and extending its performance in this area.
https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/47239.html

Excellent library
The Göttingen State and University Library (SUB Göttingen) maintains a top position among German academic libraries, with a holding of over nine million books, journals and other media and offering a broad range of services for study and research. The library plays a leading role in a large number of national and international projects involving the optimisation of literature and information provision as well as the establishment and development of digital research and information infrastructures.
https://www.sub.uni-goettingen.de/en

Alumni worldwide
As a member of the alumni network, you will continue to be part of the international "University of Göttingen Family" even after you have finished your studies. The Alumni Office currently connects more than 40,000 alumni from all over the world and provides them with current information and ongoing projects at the university and in the city of Göttingen. In addition, the alumni association offers various events and services for students and alumni related to careers and networking. One such initiative is their workshop series called "alumni4students," where you will have the chance to contribute your expertise.
https://www.alumni-goettingen.de/

www.uni-goettingen.de/international-students

University location

Göttingen – a good place to live and study

Göttingen, with a population of approximately 130,000, is a city where tradition and innovation complement one another perfectly. The excellently preserved timber-framed houses in the historic quarter and the University of Göttingen with its 28,500 students create a lively atmosphere that would be hard to find elsewhere.

The university departments and buildings are mainly located on two campuses and are within easy walking or cycling distance from each other. Accommodation for 4,500 students and excellent canteens run by the student services organisation ("Studentenwerk") allow for a high quality of life at a low cost.

The university cooperates closely with non-university research institutes in Göttingen. Together, they form the "Göttingen Campus" – an alliance of cutting-edge research institutes. This includes four Max Planck Institutes and the Göttingen Academy of Sciences and Humanities in Lower Saxony as well as the German Primate Center and the German Aerospace Center. The Göttingen Campus has created an environment of openness in which students at all levels (Bachelor's, Master's or PhD) as well as experienced researchers can develop fresh and innovative ideas. Numerous scientists and scholars from the non-university research institutes lecture at the university, and joint professorial appointments create bridges between the university and campus partners. This structure supports the reputation of the University of Göttingen as one of the most successful research-oriented universities in Germany.

Situated in the geographical centre of Germany and Europe, Göttingen has excellent travel connections: Berlin, Hamburg, and Frankfurt are only a two-hour train ride away. But you don't have to go that far to take a break; Göttingen itself offers many options for recreational activities. The city boasts three theatres and a symphony orchestra. Many cinemas, cafés, and pubs provide numerous opportunities to meet like-minded people and enjoy yourself. Alternatively, you can play an active role in the student union, which sponsors many cultural and recreational events. Last but not least, the city and the university offer a variety of activities for sports enthusiasts. The "Hochschulsport Göttingen" (University Sports Centre) is one of the biggest in Germany and offers a wide range of disciplines and gyms for members of the Göttingen Campus. More than 150 different sports with an indoor pool, climbing centre, fitness studio, and several outdoor sports fields are offered at an extremely reasonable price.

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