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.
Non-EU applicants:
EU applicants:
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
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):
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.
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.
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.
Fees are around 400 EUR per semester. The fees include a prepaid semester ticket that entitles students to use regional trains (in Lower Saxony and Bremen) and city buses in Göttingen 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: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/fee
Semester ticket: http://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/16432.html
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.
For further information, please see the following link: https://www.uni-goettingen.de/en/573247.html.
Scholarships and Funding for International Students
Germany Scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium): https://uni-goettingen.de/en/218535.html
To be considered for admission, the following requirements must be fulfilled:
We welcome applicants with relevant professional experience.
Please check our application platform.
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.
Non-EU applicants:
EU applicants:
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
Please apply online via our website: fill out the online form and wait for our reply before you send us any documents.
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.
Foreign applicants should note that it is not easy to find a job to finance their studies, as German students are also searching for jobs. 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.
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.
The Career Service of the University of Göttingen offers individual support to facilitate your successful transition from the academic to the professional world — whether you want to work in Germany or abroad. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific "Career Impulse Sessions", workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme in “Building International Careers” as well as digital career tools and a virtual community for international employment opportunities: www.uni-goettingen.de/en/292.html.
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.
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. Currently, 28,500 students are enrolled at the University of Göttingen, 15 percent of whom are international students.
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 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/
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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