International Programmes 2024/2025

Forest and Ecosystem Sciences (FES) Forest and Ecosystem Sciences (FES)

University of Göttingen • Göttingen

Degree
Master of Science in Forest and Ecosystem Sciences
Teaching language
  • English
Languages

Mandatory courses are held in English. Students might choose elective modules in English or German.

The Master's thesis is to be written in English.

Full-time / part-time
  • full-time
Programme duration
4 semesters
Beginning
Winter semester
Application deadline

Non-EU applicants:

  • For the following winter semester: 15 March

EU applicants:

  • For the following winter semester: 15 June

To be considered for a DAAD EPOS scholarship: 31 October*

*Only Tropical and International Forestry (TIF) study track, only non-EU applicants — for a programme start in the winter semester of the following year

Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Combined Master's degree / PhD programme
No
Joint degree / double degree programme
No
Description/content

In the MSc programme Forest and Ecosystem Sciences (FES), students specialise in a field of their choice. Students can choose from one of the following three specialisation fields (study tracks):

  • Ecosystem Analysis and Modelling (EAM)
  • Ecosystem Sciences (ES)
  • Tropical and International Forestry (TIF)

The specialisations convey scientific content and methods as well as professional skills for subsequent professional activity. These skills comprise competences in problem solving, capacity for teamwork, project management know-how and interdisciplinary thinking and working.

The programme offers a research-based education in the field of forest and ecosystem sciences. It is for students interested in pursuing an international career in forestry, nature conservation, ecosystem research or with a development organisation.

Along with the formal coursework, students gain intercultural work and life experience by interacting with international colleagues and professors. Experience has shown that personal and professional contact established during this MSc programme is an excellent way to expand the student's professional network.

Course organisation

The MSc course is a two-year programme with a modular structure.

Students will complete a total of 120 credits. Of these credits, 90 credits will be earned by taking courses and 30 credits will be earned with the completion of the Master’s thesis.

Students can choose from the following three study tracks: Ecosystem Analysis and Modelling (EAM), Ecosystem Sciences (ES) or Tropical and International Forestry (TIF).

For more details on the modular structure of the single study tracks, please visit https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/616875.html.

The Faculty of Forest Sciences and Forest Ecology offers a modern working environment. Apart from many well-equipped laboratories and great variety of research facilities (climate chamber, gene and molecular biological equipment, greenhouse, etc.), the faculty holds the largest library of forestry literature in Germany. During the programme, students will experience a variety of new and traditional teaching methods.

The faculty runs some blended learning projects and is developing e-learning modules constantly.

In addition to "traditional" lectures in an auditorium, students are often taught in smaller groups outside during excursions and practical courses.
Some modules are designed as seminars in which students are required to give a presentation on a specific topic; the presentation and topic will be discussed among the group.

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International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
  • International comparisons and thematic reference to the international context
  • Content-related regional focus
Integrated internships

Students can take an optional internship module. The four-week internship can be completed in a forestry-related institution or enterprise during the lecture breaks.

Special promotion / funding of the programme
  • DAAD development-related postgraduate course
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

Fees are around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge.

Fees: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee
Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html

Costs 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 850 EUR per month. Please note that fees for health insurance may vary according to age.

Students of the University of Göttingen receive discounts for cultural events. Meals and drinks are also available at reduced prices at all university canteens.

For further information, please see the following link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/573247.html

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

Scholarships and Funding for International Students

Germany Scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium): https://uni-goettingen.de/en/218535.html

Academic admission requirements

To be considered for admission, the following requirements must be fulfilled:

  • a professional degree (BSc or equivalent) in forestry or a related field (e.g. forestry or environmental sciences, resource or ecosystem management, life sciences or applied computer sciences) with very good to good results conferred by an institute of higher education or a similar qualification
  • proficiency in English (TOEFL or IELTS or equivalent)

We welcome applicants with relevant professional experience.

Please check our application platform.

Language requirements

Applicants whose native language is not English must show adequate English language skills. Adequate knowledge of English must be demonstrated with standardised or accredited certificates at minimum B2 level or higher in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

The following shall serve as proof:

a) UNIcert®: min. certificate UNIcert® II;

b) NULTE certificate: min. level B2;

c) Cambridge English Scale: min. 160 points;

d) “International English Language Testing System” (IELTS Academic): min. band 6;

e) “Test of English as a Foreign Language, internet-based test” (TOEFL iBT): min. 81 points;

f) Global Scale of English (Pearson Academic): min. 59 points.

Successful completion of tests (a-f) may not be more than three years before receipt of the application for admission.

It is not necessary to demonstrate adequate German language skills.

Application deadline

Non-EU applicants:

  • For the following winter semester: 15 March

EU applicants:

  • For the following winter semester: 15 June

To be considered for a DAAD EPOS scholarship: 31 October*

*Only Tropical and International Forestry (TIF) study track, only non-EU applicants — for a programme start in the winter semester of the following year

Submit application to

Please apply online via our website: fill out the online form and wait for our reply before you send us any documents.

Possibility of finding part-time employment

Students may find a part-time jobs 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 are subject to special regulations.

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

 A number of student jobs are 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.

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 project "Start Guides" 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
  • Pick-up service
  • Welcome event
General services and support for international students and doctoral candidates

The tutors and the student adviser for international students are open to answering the students' questions regarding housing, enrolment procedure, health insurance, study programme and many aspects more.

International students should also be in contact with the Göttingen International Office.

Study Buddy Programme: 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

Content Bild
Faculty of Forest Sciences on North campus of the University of Göttingen © Fakultät für Forstwissenschaften und Waldökologie

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

65% Non-EU students in MSc FES
22 Number of departments in the faculty of Forest Sciences

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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