International Programmes 2024/2025

Satellite Technology – Advanced Space Systems (SaTec) Satellite Technology (SaTec)

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg • Würzburg

Degree
Master of Science (MSc)
In cooperation with

German Aerospace Center (DLR), European Space Agency ESA, Fraunhofer Institutes, ZfT Center for Telematics, IABG, Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics, OHB Space, ARC, Wittenstein AG, Schaeffler Aerospace, Airbus Defence and Space, IFAC, Unisec Global, UNOOSA, IAF, IAA, Technical University of Munich, University of the Bundeswehr Munich

Teaching language
  • English
Languages

English

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

Tentatively 15 March for the following winter semester, but please check our applications page for the current deadline:

https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/satec/application/

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

Our programme in Satellite Technology, chosen and supported by the Elite Network of Bavaria, focuses on interdisciplinary space systems engineering skills. The objective of SaTec is training of students for the realisation of space missions through its interdisciplinary curriculum in close cooperation with nearly all Bavarian space organisations in academia, research and industry. During their studies, students participate in interesting space research projects. Currently, the Würzburg space ecosystem, which is composed of universities, research institutes and companies, operates nine of its own satellites in orbit and implements 30 small satellites to be launched in the next years. Thus, Würzburg is THE top research location in Europe for small satellites. SaTec emphasises on electronics and computer science methods compared to traditional mechanical engineering. Related adaptive space systems are very much in demand in research and industry environments. The course contents and research projects focus on space systems engineering skills and include interdisciplinary fields, e.g. space dynamics, attitude and orbit control, computer science, robotics, telecommunication, remote sensing, electrical and mechanical engineering, control engineering and more.

Course organisation

The programme reflects the three phases of space development: system analysis (first semester), system design (second semester) and system implementation (third semester). During the fourth semester, students implement the concepts of these semesters in their Master's theses. Course contents are offered in the form of lectures, exercises, seminars and labs. The programme intensively supports students in hands-on realisation of theoretical lectures in hardware design classes at the university and at partner organisations. In addition, students can develop their skills in individual research projects at partner institutions (e.g. space agencies, research institutions, space industry).

For detailed information, please refer to the programme website:
https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/satec/home/

A Diploma supplement will be issued
Yes
International elements
  • International guest lecturers
  • Specialist literature in other languages
  • Projects with partners in Germany and abroad
Description of other international elements

Presentations of international space experts supported by Elite Network of Bavaria (ENB) and ESA_Lab@ZfT

Integrated internships

Internships are possible at research institutions (e.g. DLR, Fraunhofer, Max Planck, ZfT), space agencies (e.g. DLR, ESA) and industry partners (e.g. Airbus, IABG).

Special promotion / funding of the programme
  • Other (e.g. state level)
Course-specific, integrated German language courses
No
Course-specific, integrated English language courses
No
Tuition fees per semester in EUR
None
Semester contribution

There are generally no tuition fees at the University of Würzburg. However, you must pay the semester contribution each semester for enrolment or registration. The student contribution includes a semester ticket that allows you to use public transportation all throughout the beautiful city of Würzburg.

Student contribution: approx. 162.90 EUR

Costs of living

The cost of living in Würzburg is low compared to other German cities. Of course, this strongly depends on your individual lifestyle, but you should expect monthly costs of about 940 EUR.

  • Food: 250 EUR
  • Rent: 350 EUR
  • Health insurance: 110 EUR
  • Other: 212 EUR
  • Broadcasting fees (AZDBS/GEZ): 18 EUR
Funding opportunities within the university
Yes
Description of the above-mentioned funding opportunities within the university

https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/international/studying-in-wuerzburg/degree-programmes/before-arrival/costs-and-financing/

Academic admission requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Engineering or Natural Sciences
Please refer to the programme website: https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/satec/home/

Language requirements

English: B2 (CEFR) – proof of English language proficiency with your application

German: A2 (CEFR) – proof of German language proficiency at the end of the second semester

https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/satec/home/

Application deadline

Tentatively 15 March for the following winter semester, but please check our applications page for the current deadline:

https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/satec/application/

Submit application to

E-mail: space@informatik.uni-wuerzburg.de

AND

by post:

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg
Chair Informatik VII (SaTec)
Am Hubland
97074 Würzburg
Germany

Possibility of finding part-time employment
  • Students from countries within the EU and the EEA are on equal terms in the labour market and are allowed to work during their course of study.
  • Students from other countries are allowed to work 120 full days or 240 half days per year (which also includes voluntary internships). If you would like to work more, you will need permission from the employment agency ("Agentur für Arbeit") or the immigration office.
  • Important: Be sure your studies will not suffer if you have a side job!
Accommodation

The Student Housing Service ("Studentenwerk") is responsible for 10 dormitories in various locations in Würzburg.

Amenities:

  • Single and double rooms or rooms in apartments in which two to four students share a kitchen and a bathroom.
  • All rooms and apartments are furnished.
  • Dishes, cooking items, bedding, and towels are not provided.
  • You can find more information about the individual dormitories here.

Length of stay:

  • The rental contracts of the "Studentenwerk" are temporary contracts.
  • The fixed-term rental contracts of the "Studentenwerk" can be terminated in writing with two months' notice for the following deadlines: 31 March or 30 September.

Application:

  • Deadlines: 15 June for the winter semester and 15 January for the summer semester (The student housing service must receive the security deposit of 300 EUR by this date.)
  • You will receive further information about applying for housing in your letter of acceptance.
Career advisory service

https://www.uni-wuerzburg.de/en/career/home/

Support for international students and doctoral candidates
  • Welcome event
  • Tutors
  • Visa matters
  • Pick-up service
Supervisor-student ratio
1:2

Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg

The University of Würzburg is a large university offering a broad and innovative range of subjects, yet not too big to be impersonal. Established for the first time in 1402, the University of Würzburg now offers more than 100 subjects in humanities, social and natural sciences, life sciences, medicine and selected areas of engineering. A university with an international reputation for excellent research is proud to be the home of outstanding researchers including 14 Nobel Laureates. We are committed to delivering not only quality research but also quality education and teaching.

University location

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