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
*No EPOS scholarship application possible in 2025!
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.
The fees are around 400 EUR per semester. This usually includes a prepaid semester ticket, which entitles students to use regional trains in Germany free of charge as well as buses. University of Göttingen students also receive discounts or free entry to many cultural events in the city. Meals are available at reduced prices at university canteens.
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.
Scholarships and Funding for International Students
Germany scholarship: Deutschlandstipendium
Lower Saxony Scholarship: Niedersachsenstipendium
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
*No EPOS scholarship application possible in 2025!
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
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 ("Studierendenwerk"). 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 offers individual support for the job entry. Especially for international students aiming for a career entry in Germany, the Career Service provides topic-specific workshops, online learning modules, and a qualification programme.
The "Start Guides" project also offers assistance in developing and realising individual career perspectives in Germany.
If you are interested in the topic of founding a company, start-up support is offered! The university supports you with advice, funding, qualification formats and network contacts. Start-up support
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 – 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 45 Nobel laureates have studied, taught, or pursued their research. With about 28,000 students —around 17 percent of whom are international— 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. Five International Max-Planck Research Schools (IMPRS) prepare students for unique careers in scientific research. Additionally, a growing number of double degree programmes with prestigious international universities are available.
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.
Excellent library
The Göttingen State and University Library (SUB Göttingen) is one of Germany’s leading academic libraries, with holdings of over nine million books, journals, and other media. It offers a wide range of services to support study and research and plays a key role in numerous national and international projects focused on enhancing access to information and developing digital research infrastructures.
Alumni worldwide
As a member of Göttingen alumni, you will remain part of the international "Göttingen Family" even after your graduation. The alumni association connects alumni worldwide and keeps them informed about current developments at the university and in the city of Göttingen. Through online and offline events, workshops, career support and social projects, it offers numerous opportunities for networking, mentoring, and social commitment.
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.
To activate the map, click on the "Show map" button. We would like to point out that data will be transmitted to OpenStreetMap after activation. You can find out more in our privacy policy. You can revoke your consent to the transmission of data at any time.
