Admission Requirements
Academic requirements
Degree
To be successfully admitted to the program, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree in geosciences or a related field. These are usually geoscience- and/or biology-related degrees, but students with other background have also been admitted to the program. You can also apply if you are on the course to getting a degree.
Background knowledge
The program is a continuation of the ‘Bachelors Degree in Geoscience’ at the FAU, with assumed knowledge about the basics of geology. In case you come from a different field, e.g. biology-related, you will be asked to learn the necessary fundamentals during the application phase, and your knowledge will be assessed during the admission interview.
Language skills
The language of the course is English, therefore having good spoken and written English skills is a must. Unless you are a native speaker, you are required to present certificate that you have at least B2 level CEFR (vantage or upper intermediate).
Knowing German is not required, although it does help with making daily life easier. The university offers free language courses to students. In any case, you will learn at least a bit of German during your stay.
NOTE: for the sake of formalities, during the application you will be required to upload a document confirming your skills in German, without which the Campo system will not let you move forward. See the relevant instructions here.
Necessary documents
This is the university’s central checklist for applying to any master program.
What you need
- School leaving certificate (Schulabschlußzeugnis): in case this is not issued in German, English or French you will need to have officialy certified translations as well. Here you can find a portal that helps you translate and match what these documents mean in your country and in Germany.
- University (Bachelor) degree: In case you are finished, or expected to finish by the time your first semester here will start, please provide an official document from your institution to confirm this. Same conditions apply asa above, official translations might be required.
- University (Bachelor) transcript of records: Same conditions apply asa above, official translations might be required.
- For non-native speakers: English Proficiency certificate (at least B2 CEFR vantage or upper intermediate)
- Curriculum Vitae
- Application/motivation letter: 1-2 page letter describing your interest in the program and why you want to study with us.
What you don’t need
- Certificate of German knowledge
- Program-specific documents
Logistic requirements
The COVID-19 Pandemic
Although many things have normalized in Germany this year (2022), the situation that the ongoing pandemic has produced regarding travelling and mobility is still abnormal and rules change frequently. Here you can learn more about entry restrictions (e.g. vaccination) and explore regulations that apply to your country.
Visa for Non-EU students
Even if you are admitted to the program, you cannot participate in the studies, if you cannot come to Germany - for instance because you don’t have a visa.
Please note that if you are a non-EU student, you must present proof of financing for one full year before you can be issued a visa. Most international students use a “blocked account” (Sperrkonto) to provide this evidence. The Federal Foreign Office requires students to block €10,332 in their Sperrkonto, from which a monthly sum of €861 is disbursed to the student for their living expenses. More information can be found on the Federal Foreign Office website, and we encourage you to check with your German Mission Abroad to get the most up to date information.